Pregnancy, Labour and the Benefits of Hypnosis

Imagine feeling empowered to expect and experience a positive calm pregnancy and birthing . How good would that feel?


Right from the beginning you can learn how to feel in mental and physical harmony with your body and the new inhabitant/s. You can feel calm, positive and generate your own natural pain relief processes, all of which reduce fear. This creates a positive expectation of a natural, relaxed and rewarding birth experience for you and your baby.


How can this happen? - Through hypnosis.
All hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is a natural attribute that you have always had and used. And this is a great time to learn more about it and harness the power of your mind to believe that your pregnancy and birthing process will be a comfortable and joyful event.


On the occasions when helpful intervention is required, the mothers who had learnt self hypnosis have reported feeling calmer and more confident. They also required less medication and feeling relaxed and well after delivery.


Your mind wants to do this for your body. Hypnosis increases your minds awareness of its ability because you learn about the process and you give yourself permission to enjoy all the extra benefits.


Where can you find out more?
Search the internet for courses on using hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. There are many wonderful hypnotherapists all over the country who have trained in hypnobirthing types of techniques. Usually they offer classes for you and your partner/labour supporting partner. These are of several weeks duration. These also open an opportunity of adding a new caring group of supportive friends to benefit the lives of you both and your baby.

If you attend a ‘hypnosis for pregnancy and birth’ class, you will expect to cover;

• Learning how the mind body connection works and how to tune into it to achieve maximum benefit from the power of your own mind.

• Strategies to help you gain optimal health in pregnancy for you and your baby.

• Self-hypnosis techniques.

• Hypnotic pain and fear reducing techniques.

• Strategies to create a calm, confident birthing process and post hypnotic suggestions healing and health after delivery.

(If you live in North West London, I’d recommend developinglife.com)


Your birthing partner will be a welcome support at this time. They are important and want to be the closest part of your support team at this time.


Acquire and use hypnobirthing Cds. These are also available on the internet and in some good book stores. All hypnosis CDs/tapes are best used with head phones as this keeps out external noise.


What can you expect from the benefits of hypnosis in childbirth?

• Feeling positive and calm from the start.

• You will need fewer/lower amounts of drugs or may require no drugs at all. This will mean lower risk of side effects to mother and baby.

• Labour is shorter as the birthing muscles feel more comfortable, and you will feel calm so that the body can just do its perfect work for you.

• You will feel more awake and energized because you will be experiencing the profound relaxation of hypnosis through out. (Hypnosis is a state of mind, not closed eyelids and inactive recumbent positions.)

• If the need for interventions or complications arise, you will feel able to cope.

• A baby who will be a better sleeper, more content and healthy feeder, as he/she has had a stress and drug reduced/free birth.

Pregnancy only happens a very few times in a woman’s life, enjoy it, Hypnotherapy it!
Wishing you well, Elizabeth Moon.

Dr.Miriam Stoppards pregnancy widget

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Wouldn’t it be great to have somebody on hand during every single stage of your pregnancy, telling you how your baby is developing and what to expect from week to week? With Dr Miriam’s weekly video widget, you will have expert advice and tips at your disposal, direct to your desktop.


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Say NO to stretch marks!

This is the very first pregnancy product Mama Mio ever made and they have themselves used this through their many pregnancies. It is an oil, 100% moisture and natural goodness, full of Omega 3, 6 and 9 – but it isn't at all oily (weird but true).

Your thirsty skin immediately soaks it up leaving it super soft with a protective sheen. After 15 years of trials, Mama Mio knows this is the best stretch mark protection oil they can make. So it is no surprise to us that it has won a lot of awards and has been the subject of countless emails of thanks to Mama Mio. The team behind Mama Mio loved using it because it smells gorgeous and makes you feel gorgeous and, seven babies later, their skin still looks good!

How to use

Rub on once a day in the first half of pregnancy and twice a day in the second - from above your boobs to below your bum and all the way round. In the beginning, you are rubbing it on for yourself ('stop stretch marks, stop stretch marks') but as the weeks go by and your tummy grows, it becomes a magic ritual of massaging your baby and a time to dream, thinking of names and what wonders await. You will want to use it for at least four months after baby has arrived in your world. This is because it helps keep your skin toned and tight as you shrink back down to normal. It is totally safe to use whilst breastfeeding. As with all skincare, just avoid the nipple area as your baby does not need a mouthful of tummy rub!

Pregnancy support

Winner of the “Best pregnancy product of the year 2007” at the Practical Parenting Awards - the Dream Genii Support Pillow offers versatile support during and after pregnancy. Below is a testimonial from Julie, sharing her thoughts and experiences from using the pillow during her pregnancy;

I have used the pillow for the last 5 nights, I am 20 weeks pregnant with my third child and also have ankylosing spondylitis, 3 degenerative lumbar discs and to top it all I also have SPD. This pillow is fantastic! The first night I used it, I slept solid in one position for 4 hours! I only woke up because baby was tap dancing on my bladder! This is a record for me as I only used to last about an hour before having to change position due to discomfort. I am sleeping so much better and have now mastered the art of changing sides in one movement (sometimes in my sleep) and still remain comfortable. My husband is also sleeping better as I am a lot less fidgety and also less cranky through the day due to tiredness. It stops me rolling onto my back which is extremely uncomfortable for me and the support felt under my lower back and on my bump is such a relief when lying down.

My hips and pelvis are also a lot less painful when using the pillow which also makes a difference.

I also used to wake frequently up with a numb arm and pins and needles but that has not happened once since using the pillow.

I also use the pillow when I am at work in my office chair and also when I am relaxing at home, it's so versatile.

I will definitely be using it when I feed my baby as well.

As it's so comfortable at night I can see myself using this even once the pregnancy is over.

I only wish I had known about this product in my first two pregnancies.

- Julie

Eat well during travel when pregnant

When travelling, it is easier for many women to eat 5 or 6 small meals a day rather than three which can stabilise your blood glucose levels. Always carry bottled water with you! Drinking extra fluids can help to prevent many complications and it is especially important to help produce breast milk when feeding your baby.

It may also be helpful to carry healthy snacks with you in case you are waiting for a delayed flight or are likely to get stuck in a traffic jam.

As long periods of travel can induce nausea, motion sickness and dizziness you could try alternative therapies such as hypnotherapy techniques, acupuncture or acupressure, reflexology and homeopathy remedies such as nux vomica.

You should always seek advice from a qualified therapist who should be registered with their chosen, appropriate council.


Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

What are the major Airline’s polices and guidelines for travel during pregnancy?

Emirates

You are required to produce a medical certificate or letter after 28 weeks of gestation, signed by an appropriately qualified doctor or midwife, stating your due date and confirming that you are fit to fly for your booked flights. For single pregnancies, you will require prior clearance from our medical department for travel after the 36th week of gestation for any flight. For multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, air travel is only permitted up until the end of the 32nd week of gestation.

British Airways

British Airways is happy to accept pregnant ladies on flights.
In order to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby, the following policy is in place:

• For uncomplicated single pregnancies, BA restrict travel beyond the end of the 36th week, and for twins, triplets etc., beyond the end of the 32nd week.

• After your pregnancy has entered the 28th week. BA ask that you carry with you a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated and confirming the expected date of delivery. This letter/certificate should state that you are in good health, that they are happy for you to fly, and that (in their opinion) there is no reason why you cannot fly.
Seatbelt extensions are carried on all British Airways flights for use, if required, by pregnant passengers.

Virgin Atlantic

Providing your pregnancy has been uncomplicated and you are not experiencing a related medical condition there is no problem flying until your 28th week.

After your 28th week Virgin needs to receive a signed certificate from your Doctor, Obstetrician or Midwife stating that you have had an uncomplicated pregnancy, are fit to travel and confirming your date of delivery.

After your 34th week, Virgin may only carry you for urgent medical or compassionate reasons and only on approval of the Virgin Atlantic Company Doctor. You will also need to be accompanied by a suitable medical escort.

Quantas

Medical clearance is only required if you are having complications of pregnancy. International travel is not permitted after the 36th week for routine pregnancies or the 32nd week for routine multiple pregnancies. Some countries place limitations on the entry of non-national pregnant women. It is best to check with the local embassy or consulate if in any doubt.

For domestic travel, there is no restriction for a normal uncomplicated pregnancy but medical clearance is required if you wish to travel past the 36th week for uncomplicated multiple pregnancy.

Thomson

For uncomplicated single pregnancies, return travel must be completed by: Short-haul: 36 weeks Long-haul: 34 weeks Multiple pregnancy: 32 weeks. From the 28th week we require you to carry a medical certificate from your doctor or midwife, stating your date of confinement pregnancy is uncomplicated and you are fit to fly.

KLM

Will allow women to fly until 34 weeks with twins and 36 weeks with a single, uncomplicated pregnancy a fit to fly letter or certificate is required

BMI Baby

Pregnant passengers must have completed their journey by the 36th week of pregnancy. Flying is not permitted following the 36th week. A doctor’s certificate is required between 30 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Passengers should notify the BMI Baby call centre (0871 224 0224) if their travel dates fall within this period of gestation.

Monarch

You cannot fly with monarch after your 34th week of pregnancy and will need a medical certificate after week 27 which must be signed by either a midwife or a doctor

Easy Jet

Pregnant passengers cannot be accepted for travel on or after week 36, and therefore all return sectors must be completed no later than week 36. All medical certification must be supplied by a doctor - medical certificates completed by a registered midwife cannot be accepted.

Artible by: Elizabeth Arthur

Flying during pregnancy

Check with your airline when booking what their policy is for travelling when pregnant. They will require a letter from your doctor or midwife, stating that you are fit to fly from the 28th week of pregnancy. Many airlines will allow you to fly until 34 weeks however others stop at after 32 completed weeks of pregnancy.

The best time to fly is after 14 weeks gestation, when the early risk of miscarriage has passed. If you have a past history of high blood pressure or any metabolic diseases like thyroid or diabetes or if you have suffered a previous miscarriage or bleeding, book a pre-flight check and discussion with your midwife or doctor.


Airlines have their own guidelines about travelling whilst pregnant, so check with them before you fly – they may want a photocopy of your travel insurance. Always take your antenatal records with you – or a photocopy of them.

Tips for Comfort:
• Regular strolls up and down the aisle will keep your blood circulating
• Simple stretches will prevent cramp
• Rotate your ankles to help reduce any swelling
• Drink mineral water to avoid becoming dehydrated
• Avoid fizzy drinks as they can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable
• Request an aisle seat so you'll have more room
• Wear flight compression socks or stockings
• Take a small cushion or pillow



Article by:Elizabeth Arthur

Car and coach travel during pregnancy

Car/coach travel is a great alternative to flying if you're in the later stages of pregnancy. It's a good idea to always ensure someone knows where you are going and when you're due to arrive. Plan your journey to avoid rush hour and make sure you stop regularly for toilet breaks. If you start to develop backache or cramp, pull over so that you can stretch your legs.

Try to avoid travelling alone as driving with a companion means you can relax and take a break if you're tired. Remember to take a small pillow or rolled-up towel with you. Placing it in the small of your back will help reduce the discomfort that comes from sitting in one position for prolonged periods of time. Before you head off, it's a good idea to join a breakdown organization (if you're not already a member) and always carry a mobile phone.

Never travel in a car without wearing a seat belt, even on short journeys. A seatbelt will help protect you and your baby in the event of an accident. Some women worry that wearing a seatbelt could harm their baby but this isn't the case if the seatbelt is worn correctly.

Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

For aiding supplements against nausea during travel as pregnant, see our extensive pharmacy section.

Travel during pregnancy or as a new mother

Being pregnant or a new mum doesn’t mean that you cannot travel or have a much deserved holiday but it may help to follow some simple guidelines;

Make plenty of stops: if you can to relieve your bladder, holding on too long can cause problems as pregnancy increase the risk of urinary tract infections. If you're flying or travelling by train or bus try to get an aisle seat so you can get to the toilet easily.

Keep as mobile as possible, doing as many gentle, stretching exercises as possible to increase circulation and prevent cramp. Be careful if you take off your shoes as your feet and ankles may swell during the journey, thereby making it impossible to put them back on again at the end!

Take comfortable shoes or trainers and have an extra pair to change into if needed. If you are in advanced pregnancy, bending over can be difficult and you may need to wear slip-on shoes or sandals for comfort and ease.

Be comfortable: avoid thrush by wearing loose comfy clothing, avoid wearing tights or tight clothing that may make you hot and sweaty.

You may find it helpful to take extra pillows to support your head neck and back.

Complementary Therapies: there are many different treatments and therapies that can successfully help to fight nausea and prevent travel sickness. These include acupressure/acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology and homeopathy

It is always important to check that your therapist is registered with their official council.

Article by: Elizabeth Arthur

Expectancy Tea

There is nothing more miraculous than the experience of a new life growing inside you. Nine months gives you plenty of time to wonder who am I expecting? What will they be like and why did they choose me? Expectancy Tea is a blend of Raspberry leaf with a hint of peppermint that puts you in touch with the miracle of new life while helping ease the physical pains of being an expectant mother.

Raspberry leaf has been used through the ages as a medicinal herb for expectant mothers. The belief is that it helps to strengthen the uterine muscle which in turn helps with the process of labour. Some people believe that this also helps to bring on uterine contractions however there is no scientific studies to prove this.

Although we can’t actually prove that it even helps to strengthen the uterine muscle many midwives and alternative therapists swear by it.

In short we’re really relying on old fashioned heresay that it works at all...

Of course when I became pregnant it was my turn to try it out and eagerly sought the knowledge of every midwife I met. They all encouraged me to drink raspberry leaf tea and told me that it was not just to help strengthen my muscles for the birth but perhaps more importantly to help the uterus shrink back into it’s original position after my baby had arrived.

I drank our Expectancy Tea steadily in my last trimester* but still had to wait two weeks past the due date for my daughter, Radha to arrive.

My midwives also suggested that I drink Fennel Tea to help stimulate milk production another old wives tale - some people believe in it and some don’t - I tried it anyway but found that an afternoon nap on the couch had an even better effect!

Article by: Sharyn Wortman and CEO & Tealady at Today was Fun Ltd

*it is recommended that you seek the advice of your midwife or doctor before taking anything herbal while pregnant.

Pregancy symptoms and your skin

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I remember looking in the mirror and thinking “Where is that pregnancy glow everyone is talking about?” I mean, all I could see was lines around my eyes (of dehydration I convinced myself!), dark circles, redness on the jaw line, oh dear!

Pregnancy glow? I learnt later from more experienced mums that it doesn’t generally appear in the first trimester and I realised that I had to change my skincare routine as my hormones were all over the place- just like any other Mum to be, and I had to listen to my body a lot more than usual!

We can all recognise pregnancy symptoms but we don’t realise how much the hormones influence the skin... the feeling of being tired kicks in along with morning (or all day!) sicknesses, many women suffer from constant vomiting resulting in skin dehydration (fine lines around the eyes and the mouth may appear) therefore pregnancy is the time to re-think your skincare routine and indulge on a good face moisturiser.

Be aware of textures, if your skin is now combination to oily, reach for oil free moisturisers to prevent breakout such as DCL Ultra Light Hydrator and Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Moisturiser, which will provide your skin with maximum hydration without clogging the pores.

If your tendency is normal to dry, try light yet nourishing Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15 or BOD Light Moisturising Cream.

During pregnancy the skin can change dramatically: if you were struggling with acne, your complexion could clear up overnight, if your skin never saw a blemish, it starts breaking out so make sure you revise your daily routine and update your bathroom cabinet!

Under the influence of pregnancy hormones the melanin pigment is more active which explains the darkening of the nipples and later on the apparition of the linea nigra (darker line down the stomach) which also means the skin is now more sensitive to the UVs. Even in the early stage of pregnancy the skin can be prone to pigmentation called chloasma or melasma (also known as Mask of pregnancy) and surprisingly olive skins are more prone to this condition than English rose complexions. One rule for all: use a day moisturiser with SPF 15 on daily basis and a SPF 30 in the summer: DCL Chemfree

SPF 30 is great as it provides 4 hours protection and is extremely light. The best prevention is to stay out of the sun if you can as even though the pigmentation lightens after giving birth, it never disappears.

Whatever the problem, always seek advice from your Beauty Therapist to make sure you are recommended the right routine but don’t over do it either: the skin is already struggling with changes so don’t overwhelm it with too many products. If you are going to indulge in beauty products, splash out on a good cleanser- DCL Non Drying Cleanser will remove make-up and gently cleanses even the most sensitive skin while On the Go Cleanser from Ole Henriksen is packed with antioxidant Vitamin C and essential ingredient for healthy skin.

In my case, I went from a pretty clear combination skin to a dreadful dry eczema covering my face I was not able to use anything but fragrance free, hypoallergenic products such as Avene and La Roche Posay (from pharmacies)! What a struggle for a beauty product junky like me! The day my little girl was born, it all disappeared and I was back to trying everything I could get my hands on (9 months of missing out!).

Even though most women do not really put on weight in the first few weeks of pregnancy, most of us notice an increase in the bra department! Well, in my case it wasn’t the sicknesses or giving up the glass of wine with the girlfriends that gave my secret away but the size of my “décolletage” and questions about a potential trip to Harley Street! Considering I have been a small B cup all my life it was a shock to wake-up with a generous D cup!

However a sudden stretching of the delicate breast tissue can lead to stretch marks and no matter what beauty brands claim; nothing can really prevent stretch marks, no matter how much the “miracle cream” costs! I would personally stay away from baby oil (the main ingredient being petroleum liquidum- which is extracted from petrol…not really mummy/ baby friendly in my books) and rather make my own concoction in the kitchen: take a clean empty glass bottle and fill up ¾ pure Argan Oil Kaeline Organic “Huile de Beaute” (which penetrates better than Sweet Almond Oil as it is lighter while more nourishing and works wonder on very dry, atopic eczematic skins and is baby friendly!) and ¼ Rose Hip Oil (wonderful nourishing oil which also improves skin’s elasticity).

This home made oil can be used all over the body, twice a day, insisting on the breasts and tummy. Don’t wait until the bump starts showing to hydrate, the earlier you start, the less risk of developing nasty stretch marks.

As a final advice: shop around, listen to people you trusts, ask for advice and ask for samples as you can never predict what will work and what won’t…don’t be scared of upsetting your beauty consultant or your therapist, one of the lovely fact of being pregnant is that people will care about you more than usual…

Article by: Stephanie Beucher-Ibrahim

Tara Lee on the benefits of Yoga

During pregnancy and post-natally, yoga is hugely beneficial to mothers.
After the birth yoga helps restore and energise exhausted new mothers and build strength and fitness. It is important to set aside some 'me' time where you allow yourself time away from any mental distractions (a rare and important treat at this time).


Yoga can help on so many different levels after having a baby. On a physical level it helps you regain your strength and muscle tone. You start to re-connect to your abdominal muscles (which you haven't used for a long time!) and by strengthening this area the lower back is better supported (which relieves back pain). Yoga also helps release tension that tends to build up in the shoulders, neck and upper back from breast feeding and carrying the baby. There is an overall sense of release both physically and psychologically as stress and tension melt away through the practice of yoga.



If you are trying to get back into shape (or into your pre pregnancy jeans!) yoga will help you to become more toned and lose weight (if you also follow a sensible, healthy diet). It is important not to get fixated on losing your 'baby weight' straight away and worth remembering
that if it took 9 months to put on, it may take 9 months or longer to take off! It is more important to look after yourself and eat healthily so that you have enough energy to look after your baby (especially if you are breast feeding).



Exercises such as the plank pose will tone the abdominal muscles and postures such as cat stretch will release the back. Cow faced pose or 'Gomukasana' will release the shoulders and open the chest.
If you want to attend mother and baby yoga classes you can receive all the benefits of the yoga (other than peace and quiet if you have a noisy
baby!) and have fun with your baby. My 'mummy and baby yoga' classes are split into sections. You start off doing yoga for yourself (with the babies just playing on the floor) so you can really focus on the exercises and work dynamically to improve fitness. The babies are then involved after 30 to 40 minutes, once they become restless. We do some fun yoga exercises for the babies, stretching them and moving them while also stimulating their digestion and co ordination etc. and we use the babies as weights for some of the exercises! Lastly we dance with the babies and sing them nusery rhymes.



The classes are a great opportunity to spend quality time with the babies, especially if the mothers are busy with other children or working during the day. Aside from the mothers being more relaxed and toned the added bonus is that after the class the babies are totally exhausted and have never slept better....


BY: Tara Lee