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hypnobirthing

What is hypnobirthing?

What is hypnobirthing?

Although hypnobirthing has become more widely known about in recent years ‘what is hypnobirthing‘ it is still a widely asked question.  People can be mislead by the hypno part and confuse it with being in a hypnotic state which it isn’t.  Hypnobirthing enables a woman to work with her body which is designed to give birth. It allows a woman to release any fear and negativity associated with birth. Many women have been programmed to believe birth is painful due to the negativity surrounding us from a young age. Negativity can come from birth stories, TV shows, films etc. Hypnobirthing replaces this with a calm confidence about birth.

Women who use hypnobirthing technique often go on to say what a wonderful experience birth was for them. They can’t wait to do it again. These are words been used by women who associated birth with being painful. I am one of these women!

How can Hypnobirthing Mumma help you?

I run workshops with Triona who runs YogaBellies Richmond to help women have the best birth for them. The workshop consists of a one hour relaxing pregnacy yoga session followed by a two hour hypnobirthing taster. The feedback we receive around these sessions is extremely positive. Often empowering women with the alternative options they do have around birth. It doesn’t have to be an unpleasant experience and you can feel empowered to have the birth you want. It’s a great learning tool for Dad’s too who are often only aware of the birthing stories or options expectant Mum has told them.

The workshop allows people to ask all the questions around what is hypnobirthing? Which then allows them to feel more informed and as to whether they would then like to do the full hypnobirthing course.

When is the next workshop?

The next workshop is being held on Saturday 10 June from 10.00 – 14.00. We encourage Dad’s and birthing partners to join us too. Often Dads really enjoy both sessions especially if they’ve never experienced yoga or have no knowledge of hypnobirthing.

This workshop takes place at Hamptons International Richmond in a private room on the first floor. We provide refreshments, a light lunch and a goodie bag. The cost of the session is £75 per couple.

Hypnobirthing course discounts

As a thank you parents who go on to book a private hypnobirthing course having attended the workshop I give a 10% discount of the course price.

Ready to book a hypnobirthing course? I’d would love hear from you so please do get in touch.

Follow me via my blog,  Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to keep up to date with all workshops and events taking place.

Ali x

FAQs footer image Hypnobirthing taster sessions richmond What is hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing Taster Sessions in Richmond

Want to know more about hypnobirthing before booking a course?

As a hypnobirthing practitioner I get asked lots of questions about hypnobirthing as you’d expect. When parents are expecting a baby there are a lot of things to consider financially. Parents can feel that to pay out for a hypnobirthing course is an additional unnecessary cost. For my partner and I it was money very well spent. It allowed us to have a relaxed birth that we felt in control of. I often reflect on it as an amazing experience. Hypnobirthing taster sessions can give you a flavour of hypnobirthing before paying out for a complete course.

The hypnobirthing course I offer is the Katherine Graves Hypnobirthing full antenatal package.  This is covered over 2 – 4 sessions with parents in the comfort of their own home. A one-to-one experience allowing you to ask questions and have my full support and attention. So although another expense to consider it gives you the time as parents to fully engage and not just rely on a book or an app you may purchase. Hypnobirthing is a lot more that just reading a book and hoping it will work.

Hypnobirthing taster sessions given expectant parents the opportunity to discover if hypnobirth is the birth they would like to experience. Of course it is what it says, a taster session. You won’t leave with all the tools and techniques we cover in a full course but with a good understanding.

Hypnobirthing taster sessions

I am delighted to work with YogaBellies Richmond offering hypnobirthing taster sessions as part of a pregnancy yoga and hypnobirthing workshop. These workshops are inclusive of Dad or birthing partner and run for a duration of 4 hours in Richmond, Surrey.  Starting with an hour of pregnancy yoga followed by a two hour hypnobirthing taster session. Refreshments and goodie bags included too.

The feedback we got from our first workshop that was held at Hamptons International in Richmond was fantastic. Parents left feeling excited and relaxed. Some were already very aware of what hypnobirthing was for others it opened their eyes to other options around birth.

It’s really rewarding for me when I can help an expectant mother who is very afraid of birth to actually see it in a whole different light. To actually say at the end of a session I’ve given her something to think about. Realising birth doesn’t have to be flat on your back, being immobile and monitored if you’re not considered to be at any risk.

The taster sessions really help Dad to get a better understanding of birth too.  For some Dads they have no knowledge on what to expect and are led by Mum. If Mum is fearful and has only spoken about the negatives and her fear Dad often follows suit. Lots of Dads really engage with the idea of water births. Once I explain how they can work as natural pain relief and the relaxation element of the water. Dads don’t want to see Mums in any discomfort so wants to work with her to achieve a better birth.

How often are the taster sessions held?

We are looking to hold taster sessions every 2-3 months. We will be announcing a date very soon for a workshop around May/June 2017 in Richmond.

Follow me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter where I will be sharing the next workshop dates.

Hypnobirthing course discounts

As a thank you parents who go on to book a private hypnobirthing course having attended the workshop I give a 10% discount of the course price.

Ready to book a hypnobirthing course? I’d would love hear from you so please do get in touch.

Ali x

 

FAQs footer image Hypnobirthing taster sessions richmond

Hypnobirthing Classes in Richmond

Hypnobirthing & Yoga

As a Mum of a two year old I often find myself being asked for recommendations from fellow pregnant Mummies. I always recommend a hypnobirthing course and yoga. I fundamentally believe these two practices work together in complete harmony. Hypnobirthing Mumma offers hypnobirthing classes in Richmond and surrounding areas.

Many Mum’s find themselves starting pregnancy yoga courses when they are pregnant.  Some already practicing yogini’s others never taken a yoga class before. Either way I highly recommend it. It’s not only a lovely relaxing time for Mum and baby but a great way to meet other expectant Mums. As well as the relaxation you get the benefit from a workout, breath work and learning ideal birthing positions. Many Mums find they can really relax and connect with their baby during relaxation.

Hypnobirthing works in harmony with yoga as it focuses on relaxation, a calm mind and positivity. Working through any fears or anxiety Mum has about labour in order to prepare her for a birth she looks forward to. I found myself using my yoga breath during labour combined with the breathing I learned with hypnobirthing. I was able to focus my mind and be completely in the moment.

Benefits of hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing is inclusive of Dad and birthing partners. It allows them to fully understand the process off labour and what Mum is working through. They have a role during the whole process rather than feeling like a spare part which many Dads/birthing partners have encountered. Mum can be uninterrupted whilst trying to hypnobirth as they can act as the voice for Mum.  They can remind Mum of the anchors to bring her back in the moment found through affirmations, relaxation scripts, massage techniques and visualisation. Dads and birthing partners who participate in hypnobirthing classes who may have had hesitation beforehand are often very surprised at how beneficial they find it.

Mums who are relaxed through the birthing period tend to birth very calm babies.  They often won’t cry immediately and this calm demeanour tends to continue as they baby grows. Its a truly tranquil environment when you find yourself hypnobirthing or have the pleasure of being with a hypnobirthing labouring Mum. It could be described as completely delicious!

A calm and loving birthing environment encourages the Oxytocin hormone that we need to flow generously through a labouring mother. This hormone works with the uterus to birth the baby. It is catching so if all involved in the room are calm this has amazing effects. This is a key part of the teachings in hypnobirthing and working with expectant parents how they can keep the Oxytocin flowing.

Hypnobirthing classes in Richmond

I host private hypnobirthing classes in Richmond and I am delighted to be partnering up with Triona from YogaBellies Richmond to host a half day workshop. Join us on Saturday 18th March at 10.00 – 14.00 at 2nd Floor, Hamptons International, 8 The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1BP.  The cost of the course includes a 1 hour pregnancy yoga session for pregnant Mummies to be followed by an introduction to hypnobirthing session with both parents/birthing partner, refreshments and goodie bag. There will also be adequate time at the end for myself and Triona to answer any questions. I will be offering a 10% discount for any private hypnobirthing course that is booked from this session.

So if you’re looking for a more holistic approach to pregnancy and birth I would love to hear from you. If you want to feel nurtured and nourished come and indulge yourself at this workshop. You won’t be disappointed and I’m sure it will leave you wanting more at the end of it. Booking is essential so please contact me to book your space. Alternatively if you can’t make this date but are looking for hypnobirthing classes in Richmond then Hypnobirthing Mumma would love to hear from you.

Ali x

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Hypnobirthing Classes in Twickenham

Hypnobirthing Classes in Twickenham

When I was considering hosting group hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham I wanted to host them in a warm and welcoming environment. It was then I came across The Heart in Twickenham. I had signed up to start a British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course which was being held at The Heart. As soon as I walked in I knew this would be the perfect place to host hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham. Of course with it being such a lovely space it’s very popular but we found some dates that worked for me.

The Heart holds all sorts of wonderful holistic classes. To name a few – therapeutic, ashtanga vinyasa, pregnancy and Scaravelli inspired yoga.  A wonderful Pilates class for a range for abilities – held by my very dear friend Leanne. Wellbeing workshops such as massage, acupuncture, mindfulness and meditation.  Realising they hosted all of these holistic classes I knew hypnobirthing classes would be perfect here.

I came to realise during my Foundation Yoga Course that the Heart really does give back to the community of Twickenham supporting local charities. I was so touched and inspired when Tuesday – the lady behind The Heart came to tell us during our yoga course about her desire to have a ‘Heart’ in Kerala, India. A centre that gives back to the community such as the one in Twickenham. A place where India yoga retreats in Kerala could be held by Tuesday. Where for those people who love the idea of going to India for a yoga retreat but are slightly afraid Tuesday could organise everything from the transport from the airport, accommodation and the yoga.

The vision is to have The Heart in the seaside town in Kovalam, Kerala. A small coastal town in the southern Indian state of Kerala, south of Thiruvananthapuram. A beautiful place, which has a community feel and Yogi’s would be welcomed to practice yoga. Tuesday has spent a lot of time here and has grown close to the community.

So true to the word of what the Heart is about with money raised from classes held there Tuesday gave back to the community. Not only in Twickenham but in Kovalam too. A donation was made to Off The Record, a counselling and information charity for young people in the Richmond borough.  The money donated would be used towards things such as counselling sessions.  A donation of £400 was then also made to the community in Kovalam and with that raised they achieved so much.

  • Flash was bought a water heater so he could rent his spare room out to tourists. Without a water heater tourists weren’t willing to stay.
  • Workmen were paid to repair a footpath that had been badly damaged in the monsoon. It had become too difficult for some old people and children to use.
  • Kuttan, the rickshaw driver got a new mobile phone which boosts his business especially in the tourist season.
  • Rajesh, who hires out beach beds and umbrellas, had a new uniform made at the local tailor’s. This was to replace the nylon shirt and track pants he was wearing. So that was a double benefit because the tailor got work.
  • Sagunthala, who’s been selling fruit on the beach for more than 20 years, got a donation from us to build a wooden display stand for her wares. Rather than putting them on a plastic sheet on the pavement.
  • Amernath, the priest, was given a contribution towards speech therapy for his 5 year old son who has a debilitating stammer.
  • Biju, reflexologist and beauty therapist, is going self-employed and setting up a new beauty room. They paid for leaflets and signage to help him along.
  • Baiju had essential maintenance work done to get his rickshaw back on the road.

I am totally in awe of how this centre in Twickenham has managed to make such a difference. To those in Kovalam and more closely to home to the young people using Off The Record. Hopefully by me hosting hypnobirthing classes I am making help a difference to by supporting such a great community centre.

The heart really does live up to this reputation. ‘A centre for personal and social enrichment and a place to connect with yourself and others’. The world is a better place when we’re trying to help others and our local community. We should celebrate places like The Heart and people like Tuesday who want to give back and help others.

So if you’re looking for group hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham held in a warm environment please do get in touch to find out more. I host these classes with a maximum of five couples and my upcoming course is held over two weekends.  Sunday 19th March and Saturday 1st April from 09.30 – 14.00.

Ali x

Hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham

Hypnobirthing Classes in London

Hypnobirthing Classes in London

Are you looking for a more holistic approach to an antenatal class? One that works to release any fears associated with labour? To build your confidence around the birthing process and learn how amazing the body is at birthing a baby? Then you’ve come to the right place as Hypnobirthing Mumma can help you achieve this. I offer hypnobirthing classes in London and around the Home Counties.

Once you’ve completed your hypnobirthing course I then offer support by phone or email leading up to your labour.  Should anything come up or you just want a chat I am happy to support or guide you.

There are many different hypnobirthing methods and I teach the KG Hypnobirthing course. This is an extremely extensive and informative course offering parents some amazing nuggets of information, relaxation and visualisation techniques. The techniques learnt you can continue to use beyond birth to relax and calm you in many situations. I often find myself using the breathing techniques to bring me back to a place of calm! The classes are beneficial for all – Mum, Dad, birthing partner and baby.

I travel around London and also host hypnobirthing classes in Ascot, Cobham, Esher, Henley, Thame, Virgina Waters, Weybridge, Woodham. The area list is vast so get in touch and we can discuss how I can help you.

One to one hypnobirthing classes

My one to one hypnobirthing classes in London are held in the comfort of your own home. One to one hypnobirthing classes are tailored to suit you as parents.  If you find that you’re a first time parent, parents looking for a refresher course or a bespoke hypnobirthing course I can tailor the perfect course for you.

The cost of the course is inclusive of both parents. I welcome you to invite an additional birth partner at no extra cost. My Mum as well as my partner were at the birth of my son. . I understand that sometimes we want an additional person around during labour.

Group hypnobirthing classes

For those parents wanting to share a hypnobirthing course with other expectant parents I host group hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham. Group classes give expectant parents the opportunity to meet other parents from in and around the Twickenham area.

My next group hypnobirthing class will be held over 2 sessions on Sunday 19 March and Saturday 1 April 2017. The classes run from 09.00 – 14.00. I use the The Heart host my hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham.  The Heart is a wonderful and very peaceful space – the perfect setting for hypnobirthing.

I am happy to accommodate group classes elsewhere should there be a group of you who would like to do a course together. This could be hosted in one of the groups houses and would be the same format as my group hypnobirthing classes in Twickenham. They can be held of 2, 3 or 4 sessions.

Want to know more?

To find out more about hypnobirthing or to book your hypnobirthing classes in London or elsewhere – get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!  Let Hypnobirthing Mumma help you find the perfect course to suit you.

Ali x

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Hypnobirthing Mumma’s Love of Yoga

Hypnobirthing Mumma’s Love of Yoga

Talk to me about anything pregnancy related and you’ll get a very positive vibe from me. I’m not denying I have days when I’m exhausted seeking the caffeine (some days the wine!) but I love it. I’m getting ahead of myself as rewind 8 years & I’d have told you quite categorically that childbirth is the most unnatural thing in the world! Followed by I like the idea of yoga but I wanted a ‘real’ workout.

Then something changed not all at once but I made a new year’s resolution that I would take up yoga and wow! Amazing going into a class that’s not competitive, all about acceptance and positive vibes. At first I thought I’m never going to be able to do this. I was a gym bunny so I was fit but my flexibility was a lot to be desired. Several years on I’ve still got a long way to go but I swear by yoga. It’s improved my strength more so than anything I’ve ever done in the gym.

I then reached a stage in my life where having a baby became a priority. Something changed in my mind set that actually woman are made to birth a baby. Like most women I’ve got friends who have mixed births some a breeze, others needing intervention but at the end of them they all had wonderful babies. We were delighted when I fell pregnant and I started on the amazing journey that is pregnancy.

I’d always worked out and was lucky enough to feel energized and healthy for the duration of my pregnancy. I continued to do most of the things I enjoyed at my gym including yoga regularly. My priority during pregnancy was my health and wellbeing – ensuring I could do everything possible for my unborn baby.

I visualised a relaxed, natural birth but was open minded knowing that sometimes we don’t always get what we want. I booked a private hypnobirthing course as the principles aligned with what I wanted and was amazed at what I learnt I was so inspired.  So much so I recommended it to many pregnant friends!

The day arrived when my baby decided that he wanted to make an appearance. It was a very chilled day I wasn’t even sure if I was in labour so carried on with my day.

My labour was a wonderful expereience. I’ll tell you I had harder days at work and I spent the duration of my labour in a happy place with my partner and Mum. Hypnobirthing was fantastic for me. I was so pleased I’d done it but what I also found out during labour was how much my yoga came into it too. The combination of yoga and hypnobirthing worked perfectly for me. It allowed me to take myself to a chilled out place. Believing in my body and the breath work ensured I was relaxed and my Oxytocin hormone levels high. I birthed a very calm little boy.

So I’d had my son and I was loving life.  Enjoying maternity leave but also realising I’d found something I was so passionate about and wanted to share with other pregnant women. Hypnobirthing and pregnancy yoga. It’s the two things I advise friends to do when they ask my advice around pregnancy. I truly believe they helped me be strong in mind and body pre and post labour. I wanted to do more than just be passionate so I retrained as a Hypnobirthing teacher.  This is one of the most amazing courses I’ve ever attended and get this it was in a yoga centre – I was in heaven! I felt so inspired.

I’m currently doing a BWY Foundation Yoga course and am going to train as a pregnancy yoga and baby yoga teacher. I finally feel like I’ve found my vocation and who knew considering I was the one who said childbirth was unnatural all those years ago.

So my advice to you ladies… Embrace your pregnancy and be kind to your body. If its your thing enjoy the yoga before, during and after your pregnancy. I find it can be more satisfying than the caffeine or the wine when you’ve had ‘one of those days’.

Ali x

FAQs

Hypnobirthing Mumma’s hypno baby

Hypnobirthing Mumma’s hypno baby

Today was a special day; it was my very own hypno baby’s second birthday. We spent the day at the New Forest Wildlife Park – albeit very cold the animals were a big hit! I’m not too sure where the past two years have gone but they have been nothing short of amazing. Being a Mother is the best job in the world. I often look at Oliver and feel like my heart may burst with love. Every day he makes me laugh with his endearing personality.

I’ve spent the day thinking this time two years ago I was very chilled.  I attended an antenatal appointment thinking I was in labour but the midwife didn’t seem convinced we didn’t even discuss it that much. Looking back I think it was because I was so relaxed why would she think I was in labour? Or perhaps she didn’t want to alarm me that yes it could be happening.  I just continued about my day having lunch after at one of my favourite cafes. It was during this lunch that I knew I was in labour!  I wasn’t scared or filled with fear just genuinely excited that my baby’s birthday had finally arrived.  I continued to be relaxed for the duration of my labour and my hypno baby boy was born into a very calm and relaxed environment.

It’s a great feeling being able to look back at the birth of my son as such a wonderful and amazing time.  I have no negativity surrounding the birth. I loved every moment of being able to experience labour and have a birth that I was happy with.  Throughout I was calm, in control and I laughed a lot! Hypnobirthing had opened my eyes to the choices we have as women around the births of our children. I felt empowered during my labour and knew what I wanted.  I felt educated on the elements of birth and what our bodies need to birth a baby.

Since Oliver arrived in this world at 23:31 on the 26th January 2015 he has been a very calm and content little boy.  Although these could be just seen as personality traits I do believe because he was born in a very calm environment. At no point during the labour were either of us distressed  and I believe this has contributed to his calm nature. He was never a baby who cried a lot. Even now when he wakes he just kicks back in his cot chilling out until eventually he’ll call out Mummy or Daddy to get our attention. Hypno babies are often calm babies to the nature of the births.

I feel blessed everyday to have Oliver and to have experienced a wonderful hypnobirth. It’s made me so passionate about helping other women achieve a birth they are happy with and one they can look back on with great affection because it’s possible – I’m the proof!

So here’s a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY my gorgeous hypno baby. Thank you for all the things you’ve taught me about myself since I found out I was pregnant.

Ali x

hypno baby

Does hypnobirthing really work?

Does hypnobirthing really work during labour?

Since I’ve started my hypnobirthing practitioner journey I’ve often got a lot of glazed looks when I talk about hypnobirthing generally being asked what’s that? I’ve even been asked do I have nursing qualifications to do that? For women who have had babies they’ve looked at me like I’m crazy when I’ve explained what it is, saying ‘oh no that would never have worked for me’ to which I reply it did work for me. What I learnt quickly is that hypnobirthing is still an unknown area for a lot of people and why wouldn’t it be as we live in a society where normally we only focus on the negatives of childbirth, viewing it as a medical procedure not what a positive and amazing experience it can be.

Hypnobirthing can help expectant mothers achieve a birth that they are happy with and one that makes them feel in control of the situation and the choices that they make. It helps fathers and birthing partners be part of the labour, learning how to support you and a have an active role in the birth – sound good so far? It can help women not only through a natural delivery but also one where there may be a c-section, an induction or other forms of intervention mentioned or given. It gives women the ability to understand their choices and question their caregivers to ensure they achieve a birth they are happy with.

Hypnobirthing works as it educates women on eliminating fear and building confidence in birth. Fear causes stress and when you go into labour you don’t want to feel stressed as this just discourages the love hormone, oxytocin, which we want the body to be producing as this works as a natural relaxant enabling our muscles to work as they should to birth your baby. It teaches us to be able to go into deep relaxation and to use visualisation as a tool.  I visualised I was lying on a beach during my labour….it was bliss! I wasn’t aware of all of these important hormones though before I got pregnant I was only introduced to them during my hypnobirthing course and I was totally enlightened. What are bodies actually work with us to birth a baby?!

I’m an advocate of hypnobirthing as I was that terrified girl from a very young age who thought childbirth was totally unnatural. As soon as I conceived I knew educating myself on everything to do with pregnancy and labour would stand me in good stead once that day arrived. I believe knowledge is power and hypnobirthing enabled me to have the tools to have a relaxed, calm and focused birth.  Even when I had to be moved from the lovely natural birth centre into the labour ward I wasn’t fazed or concerned. I was confident in myself and my amazing midwife not to mention the support I had from my partner and my Mum.  When the labour ward team started to prep me for an epidural my hypnobirthing course had given me the tools to question my caregivers. I was able to tell the team I didn’t want to go to theatre, why would I when I’d done all the hard work. I was able to ask what did I need to do for my baby to be delivered naturally, which he was albeit with a little bit of help very shortly after. My baby wasn’t in distress and nor was I so why would I be rushed to theatre unnecessarily? My baby boy was born in a calm environment and was very calm himself. I trusted my body and had been confident in delivering my baby successfully.

Unfortunately on the whole we do have a negative view of childbirth and it’s associated with being the most painful and hideous thing a woman can go through at times or something that happens immediately as soon as labour starts. We only ever talk about the bad experiences and we don’t celebrate the good as who wants to hear a straightforward story? I do that’s who! I like to share my happy birth story with any expectant mums who want to hear it as since having a baby a new bug bearer of mine is others parents not only like to tell you how awful birth is they also like to tell you all the negatives of parenting from how breastfeeding is so hard, the lack of sleep, tantrums, you’ll life will never be the same again need I go on?!  Not how amazing it is becoming a parent and all the wonderful new things you get to experience – I can’t imagine my life now without my little boy.

So lets spread the word that hypnobirthing can work and celebrate the wondrous thing that birth is.

Ali x