Little Lavender Birth School

15/09/2023

30/11/2021

I'm a hypnobirthing instructor, I've had 2 babies before... But I'm only human.

In my third trimester it didn't matter that I've experienced how beautiful and positive birth can be. It didn't matter that I had brilliant hypnobirthing tools at my disposal. I lay in bed at night and anxiety came over me all of a sudden.

I worried about the birth, how it would feel and how I'd cope. I was really nervous.

But I knew it was irrational. I knew I had as much control over my birth as anyone can have and I have all the knowledge I need to help me make informed decisions.

Getting comfy and sleeping isn't easy in the third trimester as it is. So I needed to free myself of anxiety and breathe... I needed to relax.

I got my headphones in, put on a beautiful relaxation script (provided on the hypnobirthing course I teach) and fell in to a restful sleep.

I did it over a few nights to help me really calm down and put my thoughts in to perspective.

Scripts and hypnobirthing techniques are not just for birth. They help through pregnancy and beyond. There are so many life skills to be learnt and I'm so glad Im armed with everything I know.

Get in touch if you think I can help you make the best of your pregnancy, birth and beyond.

Ammarah x

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26/10/2021

I've been off social media for quite some time. But I'm back, as a mum of 3!

Every pregnancy is different, every baby is different, and you're different each time to!

This time I was exhausted all the time! I felt like I could sleep for days in the first trimester.... Not that you get to when you have a 2 and 4 Yr old.

My tummy grew faster, and bigger than ever before 🙈 and it felt different somehow, I was anxious this time.

At my 20 week scan I was told I had a low placenta and would need a scan later to check on it. I had no history of it, and hadn't had a Cesarean so my risk seemed low.

Low lying though, that's placenta previa right?! At that point I knew there was a chance I'd have to deliver differently, by cesarean. If the placenta blocks the cervix, the baby can't be birthed vaginally.

Having a low placenta early in pregnancy doesn't mean you have previa though. In the majority of cases, as the uterus grows the placenta is stretched out of the way of the cervix. You'll be offered a scan at around 32 weeks to check if everything has worked itself out.

Even so I worried. I really got the hang of it by round 2..a cesarean would be brand new to me!

Teaching hypnobirthing gave me an edge though. It meant I spent evenings talking to people who knew the importance of being positive about what your body can do. It also meant hearing great birth stories; from women who had positive experiences with interventions, belly births and vaginal births.

Only 10% of women with a low placenta early on go on to have placenta previa. And although a cesarean birth can be equally as rewarding, I was relieved to find out at my 32week scan that the route out for baby was clear 😂

Enough about me.. for now 😉

Placenta previa, courtesy of .found.Motherhood

Placenta Previa is a condition in pregnancy where the placenta covers part, or all of the cervix.  If it covers all of the cervix, it is known as a complete previa, a marginal previa can cover part of the cervix to within 2cm from the cervix.

Placenta previa occurs in up to 2% of pregnancies and there are certain factors that we know can increase that chance of you having placenta previa in your pregnancy.

24/10/2021

Such a useful video to show you how to master that all important latch in those early days. Remember though: if you are finding it a challenge, call the midwife or your nearest lactation clinic.

Posted • Reposted from .dietitian

Your baby’s mouth opens like a LEVER - not an accordion 🪗 ... and it’s for a reason.
If they were to open their mouth like an accordion, your ni**le would come straight into your baby’s mouth when they latch. They would then have to work to get your ni**le to the right spot: the roof of their mouth.
Babies don’t like extra work, so they skip a few steps by opening their mouth like a lever. To open their mouth, their chin anchors on your breast and their head tips back. Then your ni**le can land perfectly in the roof of their mouth so their tongue can draw it back to the comfortable soft palate. No extra work to get it there when there is a perfect landing spot.
Lining up your baby’s NOSE to your NI**LE helps this process. Your baby instinctually is giving you the spot they want your ni**le, and you’re working WITH your baby to make it happen.
But remember to also anchor their CHIN on your SKIN (thanks for that one 🙌🏻), because a lever only works when it’s anchored to a pivot
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26/07/2021

I always tell birth partners to pack a snack bag as well as mum to be. You don't know how long labour will be and you don't want to have to leave your partner.

It's ideal for birth partners to prepare a small bag for themselves for the hospital or birth centre.

Here are some things you may want to consider. Remember to bring plenty of snacks with you so that you won't have to leave to get food, you may be in for the long haul!

Any other suggestions welcome and do share/tag your birth partner 😊


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20/07/2021

There are so many great ways to keep a birthing mother more comfortable; including massage, water (to drink, lie in, shower in) lots of living hugs and this!....

The double hip squeeze is a type of pressure massage that can give huge relief during labour.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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During labour our pelvis is moving and shifting to allow our baby to move down, the incredible hormone relaxin works to make this possible. The baby moving down can put intense pressure on our sacrum (the lower part of our spine).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The double hip squeeze can help to relieve this pressure and can support the pelvis to open bringing with it immense relief.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It can also provide support if your baby is back to back (their spine running against your spine) and the extra room created by the hip squeeze can encourage the baby to move into the optimal position for birth.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Image
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16/07/2021

I've seen these photos before and even started putting a comb in my client goodie bag. Holding a COMB in labour. Have you heard of this technique?

Apparently it can help to cope with labour pain / sensations.

When gripped in your hand, the comb can work on acupressure points.

It can also be helpful because of something called 'Gate Control Pain Theory'. This theory suggests that the brain can only focus on a certain number of sensations, and that, because the nerve endings in your hand are close to the surface, this feeling of gripping the comb can come to dominate in your brain, over the sensations of contractions.

If it doesn't help, I guess you have something handy to sort your barnet out for the post birth photos 😂

What do you think? Have you tried this? Let me know if it worked for you.

Pic via .org.uk
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21/06/2021

I read an article that really got me. The lady had obviously had some experience with hypnobirthing but it sounded so far from what I taught.

She wrote of how it's not for everyone, and only works for those who are having a non medicated home birth.

She felt that the classes she'd come across made one type of birth seem superior to others.

I felt sad for her. And for all those who would have read her article and missed out on what the course can actually offer!

FACT
Relaxation scripts are amazing for most, I didn't use them in my births but used all the other forms of relaxation, breathing and hormone inducing techniques I was taught on the very thorough course! It works for people in different ways.

FACT
I had 2 hospital births and they were beautiful. I was in control. We were in control as a couple. Informed. Able to make choices. Confident we knew what was going on. We felt listened to.

FACT
Hypnobirthing proves most beneficial when the route to birth has taken a turn. It's when people have needed interventions/ medication/ had to make any decisions about their care that the course really proves its worth! It supports you in finding out the pros and cons of procedures before hand and gives you the tools and confidence to be able to make decisions for yourself.

FACT
90% of my clients are actually 2nd or third time parents. It isn't just for first timers. Most have done antenatal courses before but have come to find hypnobirthing later. They always tell me there are things they didn't know before!

FACT
You cannot fail at birth! A belly birth, hospital birth, pool birth, assisted birth, home birth, a birth on the loo are all able to be positive experiences as long as you feel listened to, respected and in control of your decisions.
I have just completed a course and am in contact with a lovely mum who, due to change in circumstances, is having a cesarean. She is calm an empowered, messaging me feeling relaxed and positive.... She's awesome! Her birth will be a beautiful, memorable experience (I'm so proud of you lovely!)

Hypnobirthing has something for everyone. Maybe the main thing is finding the instructor that's right for you. Is it me?
Ammarah x

20/06/2021

Happy fathers day!

To all the dads, daddys, papas, pops, abas, bawas, ones to be and ones hoping and praying for your babies...

Happy fathers day!

Your support, care, cuddles and games are second to none.

With love from all your babies and partners (who love and thank you from the bottom of their hearts)



Be the best support you can be during the birth of your baby by booking on to the July hypnobirthing course for parents to be.

A full antenatal course to help you understand the birth process, your options and how to support your loved one in a calm, more comfortable delivery.

Contact 07708960262 or littlelavenderbirthschool@gmail.com to book.

13/06/2021

Just hold me. Hold me until i become weightless. Until i drift & sway, soothed by the warmth of your chest. Sing to me the words of every love song every written. Time stands still.
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This is so beautiful! How wonderful to have a birth partner who you know and trust, love and loves you. You know they care for you, will support you and keep you feeling safe. They know what makes you tick.

Book on to my July hypnobirthing *group course to educate yourself and birth partner on everything you need to know to feel confident, secure and calm during labour.

No birth partner should be left feeling like a bystander. They can support you in the very best way!

Zoom course 4 x 2hrs July 5tg, 12th, 19th, 26th at 7.30pm for just £135 (materials included) *last group course until late 2022.

Contact littlelavenderbirthschool@gmail.com or 07708960262 to book.

Ammarah x




Reposted from .sacred.space

13/06/2021

08/06/2021

I remember being pregnant for the very first time. I was thrilled I'd be having a baby but so anxious about the birth. I know what I've seen on TV and what I've heard from other people and I didn't want to give up! I'm a panicker... I didn't want to freak out, lose all control and end up crying, '' I can't do it! ''

I googled 'how to stay calm in labour' and didn't realise that it would be the start of an amazing journey. One where I knew what was happening to my body at each stage of labour (so I didn't panic!), how to breathe through each surge effectively, and when things weren't running smoothly I knew what options were available to me so I didn't feel pressured in to doing anything I didn't feel comfortable with. It changed the way I birthed, and has done for so many others.

Many of my clients are actually second and third time mums who realised how unprepared they were the first time. Don't expect things to just happen, take charge!

I'm holding a completely FREE introduction to hypnobirthing session on 21st July at 8.30pm via Zoom. Come and join me for 45mins to find out how a calm birth antenatal class can support you towards the empowering birth you deserve!

To book your place send your name, weeks gestation and phone number to 07708960262 or littlelavenderbirthschool@gmail.com

See you there x


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06/06/2021

So you've spent lifetime watching births on dramas, soaps, films, one born every minute etc...... Have you ever seen a birth like this?!

Most people don't even know these types of births exist. It's hard to believe it's possible when you've never heard that it is.
We're so quick to leave bad reviews for restaurants and hotels if we've been wronged and people are so quick to share negative birth experiences. But the thing is they've often been wronged. Not listened to or respected. Or not gone in with the knowledge they need to support the birhh they want.

Birth can be calm. It can be exhilarating. If you're armed with a calming antenatal class and brilliant support you stack the odds in your favour.

with
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Birth Is What We Do.🤰🏾It Can Be That Simple. Peace on earth begins at birth.🌍🕊🤱🏽Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water.🛀🏾

Benefits for Baby:
• Provides an environment similar to the amniotic sac.

• Eases the stress of birth, thus increasing reassurance and sense of security.

BONUS: The water seems to reduce stress-related hormones, allowing the mother’s body to produce endorphins which serve as pain-inhibitors. Since endorphins act on the op**te receptors in our brains, they reduce pain and boost pleasure, resulting in a feeling of well-being. Mommy & baby will benefit from sharing those feel good hormones together.🤱🏽💕 So with that said Cheers to Water birth.🛀🏾🕊

Special Thank You to for sharing her amazing strength & beauty of her birth.❤

05/06/2021

The uterus is incredible! And knowing how it works during birth can help us to have a more efficient and less painful experience. Sign me up!

If you’ve ever been around a cat (or any animal) giving birth, you’ll notice that they tend to find a dark, quiet, private spot. We are very much like our animal friends and need to feel safe when we give birth. This can go haywire in modern maternity care:
❌Bright lights.
❌Beeping noises and machines.
❌People we don’t know/trust.
❌Our own fears and insecurities...and more.

The 🔑 to getting out of that fear-tension-pain cycle and fight/flight is to-
✅Prepare your mind ahead of time.
✅Give birth where and with who you feel safest (everyone is different!).
✅Keep your muscles loose + limp during your contractions. The tendency is to fight them and tense up, but that will actually make it more painful and can make it take longer! Believe me, I was super tense during my first birth and it sucked!
✅Keep your mind relaxed too! Easier said than done, as it is also normal to freak out...have someone there who will calm you down.

Our uterus is amazing. We should brag about it! Tag a pregnant friend- they’ll appreciate it!


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28/05/2021

Walking into hospital during labour. Quite a momentous time for the majority of pregnant people! The part that usually confirms that it is HAPPENING. You are not leaving without a baby 😍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It can also be a frightening time though. Most people wouldn't have had a lot of experience in hospitals and if you have done, it was probably at a time you or a loved one was unwell. Perhaps something happened in hospital that you'd rather not think about, or you just really aren't a fan of them. Totally real feelings!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Something that can happen often is this: you are in labour, having surges at home and all is fine and dandy. You go into the hospital as advised by a midwife and you feel everything slowing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Your surges are shorter or less frequent. Why? Because you have negative feelings and fear filling you.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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You produce⚡ADRENALINE ⚡the stress hormone, which doesn't work well with 💖 OXYTOCIN 💖 the love hormone.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The midwife says things have slowed, you worry even more that something isn't right, things slow even further. Intervention is advised and you worry more. A cycle that can escalate very quickly.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Moral of the story? It is important for you to remain as relaxed as possible, surround yourself with things that make you feel positive and if you feel things are slowing? Take a step back. Put on some music. Have a massage. Use your breathing techniques. Raise the oxytocin. The best medicine 🤰😍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What would you do to raise your oxytocin levels in this case? ⬇️🌟⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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24/05/2021

We all need affirmations to help us gain the confidence⠀we need to achieve. Even major league sportsmen have sports psychologists to help get them in to the right state of mind.

Birth is no different. Self belief in your body and mind is so important in helping you to achieve a birth that will be a positive start to parenthood. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you've been following our feed for a while now then I'm guessing you know all about the big O! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Yep OXYTOCIN! It is the most incredible hormone and its role just isn't about getting the baby out, it played a big part in the baby getting in there in the first place and it's role doesn't end the moment the baby is born.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Oxytocin has a big role to play in those early weeks, months and ongoing as you get to know your baby. It's pretty incredible.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For a birthing person to be able to release Oxytocin they need to feel loved, protected and safe. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Maybe this will be your birth partner, who ever might be fulfilling that role, maybe it will be the Midwife who is supporting you.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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A huge part of Hypnobirthing is about birth partners getting educated on how they can best do this. Have you booked a course yet?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Book on quickly for the July course to avoid disappointment. The last group course of 2021 with the Little Lavender Birth School!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
5th, 12th, 19th and 26th July at 7.30- 9.30pm via Zoom.

Contact 07708960262 or email littlelavenderbirthschool@gmail.com to book⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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21/05/2021

Book now to secure your place on the full hypnobirthing course for July.

Just 3 places left!

Stack the odds in your favour towards a calm, relaxed, more comfortable birth that you can actually enjoy!

So many second / third time mums remember previous births as ones they had no control over. They felt dragged through the process without a say.

This 8hr course gives you all the information you need to feel in control of your birth. You'll find out your options for birth environment, induction, intervention, pain relief and how to support your body through surges, as well as the pros and cons of them all.

Armed with all the information you need, you and your partner can go in to labour with confidence.

The breathing techniques, relaxations and support with birthing positions all assist you towards a more manageable, positive experience.

Over 4 x 2hr sessions on the 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th of July at 7.30pm you will get a full antenatal course from the comfort of your own home.

Email littlelavenderbirthschool@gmail.com or message 07708960262 to book