Bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience, but it can also be an overwhelming one. For many expectant mothers, the process of labor and delivery can be both physically and emotionally demanding. While medical interventions such as epidurals and c-sections are available, some women prefer to approach childbirth in a more natural way. Natural birthing techniques have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more women seek to have a more hands-on, empowering experience during childbirth. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most effective natural birthing techniques, including hypnobirthing, the Lamaze technique and the Bradley method. Whether you’re a first-time mother or have experienced childbirth before, these techniques can help you prepare for labor, manage pain, and create a positive, memorable birth experience.
Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that goes all the way back to the 1940s and involves self-hypnosis, visualization, and relaxation techniques. The aim of hypnobirthing is to help the pregnant mother manage pain, fear, self-doubt and anxiety during childbirth. Expectant mothers are taught to enter a state of deep relaxation and to enter a state of self-hypnosis, she uses affirmations and visualisations that she is prenatally well-versed and comfortable with. Many times, the mother listens to her guided visualization meditation to help her in effectively creating the state of self-hypnosis. As opposed to the other methods, the main emphasis of this technique is on the mind.
This method gained recent popularity after Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, admitted to using this technique and “enjoying it”. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension in Pregnancy further established that expectant mothers who underwent hypnobirthing had lower levels of anxiety and perceived less pain during childbirth.
The Lamaze Technique
The Lamaze technique is a childbirth method that involves breathing techniques, relaxation, and childbirth education. The method was developed by French obstetrician Dr. Fernand Lamaze in the 1940s as he observed that women in the Soviet Union were able to give birth with minimal drug-induced pain relief. He then developed a method to help women in other countries achieve similar outcomes and ever since, generations of women have benefitted from this technique.
This technique is unique in its emphasis on the role of the expectant mother as an active participant in childbirth. Melissa Gonzalez, a practicing Lamaze instructor clarifies some principles on which this technique hinges: “Lamaze focuses on Six Healthy Birth Practices: let labour begin naturally, change positions throughout labour, bring a loved one and/or doula for continuous support, avoid interventions that aren’t necessary, push in an upright position, and keep mother and baby together with plenty of opportunity for breastfeeding.”
The Bradley Method
This method is also known as the “husband-coached childbirth”. The fundamental premise of the Bradley method is to enable the husband, (or partner) to be able to advocate for the mother while in labour. Dr. Bradley introduced this idea in his book Husband Coached Childbirth back in the 1900’s after he observed that women who were in the presence of a partner or coach were able to relax during childbirth and had better outcomes than those who did not.
The ultimate goal of the Bradley method is to have healthy mothers and babies. Dr Bradley believed that in most circumstances, a drug-free childbirth is the best way to achieve that goal. He classified “the six needs of the labouring woman”: complete relaxation, abdominal breathing, quiet surroundings, darkness of the room, solitude and physical comfort. Due to the importance given to the husband/ partner in this technique, couples are taught several different relaxation techniques and encouraged to practice relaxation daily, so that the mother can rely on a conditioned relaxation response to her partner’s voice and touch.
Resources and Classes in Hong Kong
OT&P Healthcare: https://annerley.otandp.com/birth-breathing-and-relaxation
Calm Birth: https://www.calmhongkong.com/calm-birth
The Family Zone: https://www.thefamilyzonehk.com/antenatal
The Bradley method is rarely taught in Hong Kong, but we found some virtual classes you can attend:
Bundle of Joy Birth Services: https://www.eventbrite.hk/cc/bradley-method-birth-classes-in-person-and-online-639019
Conclusion
Natural birthing techniques such as hypnobirthing, Lamaze, and the Bradley method offer women a range of options for managing pain and anxiety during childbirth. While each technique has its own unique approach, they all share a common goal of empowering women to have a positive birth experience. By providing women with the tools to manage pain and anxiety, natural birthing techniques can help reduce the need for medical interventions and improve maternal and infant outcomes. Ultimately, the decision to use natural birthing techniques is a personal one that should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
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