Birth Happy!

Your guide to having an enjoyable and positive birth starts right here

Suzy Ashworth

Would you like to feel like Superwoman after giving birth? Well, according to Suzy Ashworth, pregnancy coach and founder of The Calm Birth School, that’s exactly how many of the mums she’s worked with describe themselves after having their babies. “There isn’t a woman out there who doesn’t want to feel empowered, strong and at ease when she is birthing,” says Suzy. “When you have a calm, positive birth, the transition to motherhood is easier. It’s as if you feel, ‘If I can do that, I can do anything!’”

So, are you ready for an empowering birth? Turn over the page to find out the simple steps you can take in pregnancy and early labour to make your baby’s arrival a hugely positive experience.

TIP!

Start your preparation as early as you can. “It’s a bit like training for a marathon — the more you spread it out, the better,” says Suzy.

MAKE A SCENT SPELL!

Search for a smell you really like and then use it during activities you find relaxing and you will subconsciously associate that scent with feeling calm. Then use that scent spell during your early labour.

TIP!

Play your playlist of chosen music as you practise your breathing. “It will become a trigger for feeling relaxed,” says Suzy.

TAKE CONTROL

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, it can feel like you’re swept up in a whirl of midwife appointments and doctor’s visits. It’s easy to get carried along on this wave and let others make decisions for you but take a deep breath, stop, and ask yourself what sort of birth you really want. “At this early stage, lots of mums-to-be simply think, ‘I just want my baby’,” says Suzy. “But think about how you would love to feel when you have your baby. Until you ask yourself that question, you won’t register that you have a choice. Research your options and decide where you would like to give birth, and how. Do your homework, too, about antenatal classes, and find one that will enable you to have the sort of birth you want to have.”

START PRACTISING SELF-HYPNOSIS