A Gentle Way To Birth

I’m delighted to announce that I’m adding GentleBirth Workshops to the classes we offer at The Baby Room.  It’s a unique birth preparation programme, that aims to educate and empower parents.  It draws on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, hypnosis and sports psychology and is underpinned by a wealth of factual evidence and research.  Parents are encouraged to retrain their brain, to look at birth in a different context, far removed from the drama portrayed in the media and instead to look within themselves and challenge their ideas, perceptions, beliefs and ultimately to focus on and imagine the birth of their choosing.

GentleBirth has been proven to be a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety during pregnancy and pain during labour within a hospital or home setting. It is widely recommended by midwives and consultants. 98% of mums who have used the programme say that they will use GentleBirth in their next pregnancy.  85% of these moms had no epidural.
The programme is backed by science and takes a unique approach to positive birth preparation by using tried and tested techniques and exercises to challenge and change the way you think about birth, breastfeeding and beyond.
The launch of the new GentleBirth App makes the programme more accessible than ever before, allowing the practice to become easily incorporated into everyday life.  A huge part of the philosophy is the ability to link in with instructors and other parents who have used the programme, through monthly meet ups and through the Facebook group, which has become a community of support and encouragement.
GentleBirth outlines the pros and cons of some of the very many routine interventions in the birth process and looks at their validity in evidence based practice.  The aim is to encourage parents to make informed decisions and to optimise outcomes for both mom and baby.  All of the information provided is based on international best practice.
GentleBirth not only focuses on birth, but also on optimising breastfeeding and promoting the best possible start to establishing the breastfeeding relationship.  It highlights areas such as skin to skin, kangaroo care, delayed cord clamping, and how these benefit the bonding process and foster mom and baby interaction. Birth can be a transformative experience.  It can leave moms feeling elated and triumphant or it can leave moms feeling traumatised.  GentleBirth moms report hugely satisfactory experiences and being one of those moms, I feel I can say, the proof is in the pudding!
The course is inspired, the material is engaging - addictive even and it matters. It really matters. I'm so excited to help provide the tools to empower parents to realise their own strengths and to determine the best course of action for them, so that their lives are forever enriched by the births of their children. Pregnancy is such a vulnerable time. The highs and lows have helped shape the woman I am and I feel honoured to be a tiny part of that journey for other women.
Carlow’s first GentleBirth Meet Up takes place on Sunday May 1st in Brooks Café @ 12.
Vsit www.thebabyroom.ie for more information.