Do you know that there are different stages of labour? I get asked so many questions around this during my courses. You are certainly not alone, common questions are;
What is early labour? How will I know if I am in labour?
Active labour? What is the difference?
How will I know when I am ready to birth my baby?
Do I need to birth my placenta?
Your labour journey will consist of early labour, to active labour, the birthing stage, and then the delivery of your placenta. As everyone and every baby is unique, each stage may feel different for different people.
Early Labour
This can be such a wonderful time, my biggest tips are relax, distract yourself, conserve energy and know, that for some (not all) early labour can stop and start.
Active Labour
This is when a lot of your hynobirthing tools and techniques come to play, from breathing to visualisations to massages from your birth partner. Consider your environment. Did you know that the hormone which your surges (or contractions) is the same hormone that is produced when you feel happy, when you fall in love and make love. So maybe consider creating a dark, dimmed environment and really nurture the production of oxytocin.
Birthing Stage
You are so close to meeting your baby now. Your position is so important to help facilitate this stage. Which birth positions are you considering?
You have done it! Amazing, and what a wonderful feeling this is. Meeting your newborn baby for the first time.
Birthing your placenta
Did you know that you can either have a natural delivery of the placenta or a managed third stage by injection. Which are you considering? Do you know the benefits and risks? The more information you know about your choices and options the easier it will be to make an informed decision on what is right for you and your baby.
If you would like to know more about each stage of labour, how you can use your hypnobirthing tools and techniques to help you work with your body and stay calm and in control then come along and join one of my hypnobirthing classes. More information on my classes can be found by clicking here
*This is a general guide, but remember each individual birth and labour is different. Not everyone will be aware of all the stages or experience birth in the same way.*
Image Credit: Thank you to the wonderful Abby Watson, Love Your Birth Training for sharing this wonderful birth journey image.