Something that I have noticed lately is a resistance in investing in ourselves, and more specifically in our pregnancy and birth. We are often happy to spend money on physical things or other people, but we often feel guilty spending money on ourselves. I am lucky that the lovely Melissa Ambrosini introduced me to the idea of self care, and why it is so important to invest both time, energy and money in ourselves. As the saying goes, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. We need to top ourselves up, so that we can be the best partner, mum, employee, sister, friend etc.
I was speaking to a midwifery student the other day and she said ‘I find it really interesting that people will spend so much money on their wedding, and even physical things like prams and cots for their baby, but they don’t even considering spending some time and money actually preparing for their birth’. This is something I have also noticed. If you think about it, most people spend tens of thousands of dollars on their wedding, which is undoubtedly one of the most important days of your life – but isn’t the day your baby is born equally, if not more important? We don’t even bat an eyelid when someone tells us how much they spent on a wedding, but if you mention that you spent $500 on Hypnobirthing classes they think you are crazy! I understand that pregnancy and parenthood is often a costly venture, but read on to hear why I think Hypnobirthing classes may be one of the best investments you make.
“Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.” Ina May Gaskin.
Sometimes people say birth is only such a small part of the whole pregnancy and parenthood journey. Time-wise, I absolutely agree! You have many months being pregnant, and many years ahead as your baby grows. The day your baby is born is only one day in all of this. But from an emotional and physical perspective, the process of labour and giving birth to your baby will impact your life forever. Birth can be a calm, beautiful and empowering experience that sets you up to be physically and emotionally ready to care for your baby. Not to mention the effect that this birth could have on your next pregnancy and birth. Purely from a physical perspective if your first baby is born via caesarean this will impact your choices and options for subsequent pregnancies. Probably more significantly is how you feel about your birth. I have met many women who are absolutely traumatised from their first birth, even many years later. Before becoming a Midwife I worked in Aged Care, and once the residents found out that I was studying to be a midwife they would often share vivid memories of their birth. These ladies were often in their late eighties and early nineties – but they could still tell me all about the day their baby was born. Still think that its ‘only a small part of your life’?
Here are my top 5 reasons why I believe Hypnobirthing classes are one of the best investments you can make:
You only get one shot at your birth. You will remember your birth forever, and it can have a huge impact on your future pregnancies and babies.
The techniques that you learn can be used in your everyday life and for your next pregnancy and birth. Often parents tell me that they have used the techniques at work or during stressful situations. One mum even told me that it helps her when her toddler is having a tantrum!
It will be easier for your partner. Our classes are very focussed on ensuring that your birth partner feels included and is confident of their role and how they can support you. You are a team, and your antenatal classes need to reflect this.
You will receive both face to face and phone/email support from someone who is determined to help you achieve a positive birth, no matter what your circumstances are. Our classes don’t just finish at the last session – I am happy to provide as much or as little support as you need leading up to your birth.
You and your birth partner will have the opportunity to practice the techniques so that you can actually feel how they can work for you. Often mums research different relaxation techniques for birth, but they don’t physically practice them with their partner.
The cost of classes is something that couples sometimes ask me about. Remember that my classes are not your average antenatal class. You receive 12 hours of face to face training, for yourself and your partner, all of your course materials and online resources, and probably the most important aspect– someone to support you who is absolutely invested in your pregnancy, birth and journey into parenthood. $590 for group classes is really a small investment compared to the thousands of dollars that people may spend on private care, prams, baby furniture etc.
I love hearing the difference in how couples are feeling from the start to the end of the course. I can see their confidence grow, and the mums often report that they are actually excited for the birth of their baby! How great is that??
I want to encourage you to really invest in yourself during your pregnancy. Spend some time thinking about your birth, look into your options, and make sure that you factor in some self care). Remember that you are growing a little human – and you're doing an amazing job!
Have you invested in Hypnobirthing classes? I would love to hear your thoughts!