If you follow me on social media you’ll already know that I’m coming to the end of my second pregnancy. I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant, but who’s counting?! I had a really positive hypnobirth the first time round at my local hospital two years ago. I also teach hypnobirthing every week. So, I should be good to go this time round?! Well, like anything in life, the more practice you put in, the more you get out of it. Which is why I started practicing hypnobirthing for my second pregnancy even earlier than the first time round. If you’re pregnant for the second time, there are plenty of reasons to attend a hypnobirthing class and starting to practice as early as possible.
Previous traumatic birth experience
Unfortunately this is the main reason why I have second time Mums booking my course. Plenty of women go into labour and childbirth all prepared for caring for a newborn, but with not much thought for the actual birth. Lots of people believe that you can’t do much to prepare for birth, and that you just have to see on the day how it goes. I always compare birth to like running a marathon. The more you prepare the better it will go. For some women, they don’t realise this until they have had a negative experience and feel the need to do something different next time.
If you have had a negative first time birth, for any reason, contact me. We can discuss the first birth and go over how things could have been done differently. Sometimes second time Mums become very fearful of birth, and hypnobirthing is a great way to release those fears and work towards a positive birth experience. You can read a great positive birth story for a second pregnancy here.
Refresh your knowledge of hypnobirthing
If you had a positive birth experience the first time round, it’s probable that you might have forgotten some of the techniques previously learnt for hypnobirthing. Also, if you attended a hypnobirthing course a while ago there will be new research out, and the healthcare guidelines for childbirth will have changed too. By attending a course again you will ensure you have the most up to date information.
Bonding with your new baby during pregnancy
Second time pregnancies are inevitably different the second time round. My second pregnancy is just as special as the first. However, between working and running around after a toddler, I can’t say I think about the baby all the time. That’s why I have made time, as I know a strong bond between us now will help in the future. I attend a weekly pregnancy yoga class run locally by the lovely Lianne Partington. The classes really compliment hypnobirthing as they cover different breathing and relaxation techniques.
I also started practicing my hypnobirthing relaxations at around 25 weeks. I was seriously shocked on the first go that I didn’t automatically go into a deep state of relaxation. It’s taken a while to get back into ‘the zone’. I am now practicing for at least half an hour every other day. I am feeling much more prepared for birth, but I also love the bonding and quality time with the new baby. I can tell it has an effect on the baby as it always becomes much more active!
If you’re not sure a full course is right for you and your second pregnancy, contact me about a refresher course. This course is shorter than the full course and aims to fill any gaps in your knowledge, whilst giving you some dedicated time to bond with your new baby.