Pregnancy is a unique and special journey, whether for the first time, second, third - or more. As expectant parents, it's a time full of transformation, change and growth, but perhaps also some natural apprehension of the unknown. Of course, you just want to meet your new baby, but the lead up to their arrival can bring mixed feelings of excitement and sometimes anxiety (especially for first time parents, or those who had a difficult previous experience where there's the fear of the unknown!).
Pregnancy relaxation classes are a wonderful tool in calming, reassuring and offering time where expectant mothers can find solace amidst the juggle of balancing pregnancy (and likely still working) as well as preparing for life to change hugely. These classes offer a safe space each week for mothers-to-be to unwind, connect with their changing bodies and growing babies, and indulge in much-needed self-care - which can be hard to factor in to our busy lives.
Pregnancy relaxation offers a multitude of benefits, which extend far beyond just physical comfort and relaxation for the mother-to-be. You will learn how to release tension and address any anxieties in a supportive environment, alongside building a lovely community of other expectant parents. You can offload about the niggles of pregnancy such as back pain, those strange cravings, sleep issues, any worries, and more. Classes help you prepare for a positive birth experience with others going through the same things as you!
In addition to all these benefits, there are a number of other reasons that pregnancy relaxation is a fantastic tool during pregnancy, labour and postnatally. It nurtures the very special bond between mother and baby, and encourages the production of those all important hormones Oxytocin, Endorphins and Prolactin. Please see my blog on the importance of hormones here for more details. Using techniques such as visualisation and gentle touch, mums-to-be are encouraged to develop a deep connection with their unborn baby. This connection fosters a sense of bonding and love that will have a positive impact on the baby's development and well-being, as well as the emotional and mental health of the parents.
Studies have shown that relaxation during pregnancy tends to be associated with positive effects both on foetal behaviour and on obstetric and neonatal outcomes. (Fink, Nadine S. PhD; Urech, Corinne PhD; Cavelti, Marialuisa MSc; Alder, Judith PhD. Relaxation During Pregnancy: What Are the Benefits for Mother, Fetus, and the Newborn? A Systematic Review of the Literature. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing 26(4):p 296-306, October/December 2012. | DOI: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e31823f565b )
At Everything Birth Baby Sleep, my Pregnancy Relaxation Classes are thoughtfully put together to encompass a holistic approach to well-being. From gentle breathing techniques to short discussions on birth planning and preparation, each session is designed to empower expectant parents on their journey towards the birth they hope for. Beautiful guided meditations, tailored specifically for pregnancy, finish the sessions to leave parents to be feeling rejuvenated, relaxed, positive, and deeply connected to their baby.
In a world that is overwhelming and fast moving, pregnancy relaxation classes offer the opportunity to pause, breathe, reflect, relax, and embrace the beauty of this special time.
As a practitioner working with families and babies for over 25 years, and still supporting families with their pre and postnatal journeys, including newborn care, pregnancy support, hypnobirthing and sleep coaching, I encourage embracing the tranquillity of these classes to give you the confidence to prepare for a positive birth experience and give yourself some well needed time out once a week.
You can book your place on a course with me in person at St Andrews House, Hatters Lane, High Wycombe from 6-7pm on Thursdays here or give me a call or message me for an online session or for more information.
Sending love and relaxation,
Emily x
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