Labour of Love

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Labour of Love

Midwife run birth preparation courses in the Dublin area. Courses eligible for refund from insurance companies!

Hypnobirthing is the term used to describe ‘self-hypnosis’ or ‘deep relaxation’ in labour to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, pain and stress in labour. It incorporates relaxation techniques such as breathing and massage. While hypnosis in labour was described a couple of hundred years ago the modern philosophy of Hypnobirthing is derived from the work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read who surmised that the pain associated with labour was born through the fear women had come to perceive about it- fear creating tension, tension creating pain and thus it became a self-fulfilling prophecy. Hypnobirthing aims to eliminate that cycle by ensuring the woman is well informed and well prepared for her birth- allowing her to remain calm, confident and in control throughout. This course involves attending 4 sessions over 2 days (approx. 12 hours). It covers the anatomy and physiology of the birth process as well as the psychology behind hypnotherapy and hypnosis. Support of the woman is paramount and an entire session is dedicated to the role of the birth partner. Breathing and massage techniques are demonstrated as well as deep relaxation scripts. Finally, what to expect during labour, additional tools for coping with labour and considerations when drawing up a birth plan are discussed.

16/11/2025

Weekend project!

15/11/2025

First time mama!

Many people are told 'stay at home as long as you can' in labour. For the most part it's good advice! In general, you will labour better in your own environment - your own food, bed, couch, TV, the photos of your partner and family that may be oxytocin inducing!

There are the exceptions where some women may feel safer and more comfortable in the hospital however.....so it's not a case of doing it because someone told you either!

As long as you're coping well with surges, as long as you are still feeling baby's movements and as long as there there's no bleeding (a bloody show is different.....you do not need to come hospital for that but. In doubt get checked out!) then staying at home for as long as you can could well be the best thing you do in labour. If you think your waters go it's good to get checked out for confirmation and to check for signs of infection.

When to go to hospital in labour:
〰️ Strong regular surges
🤰Reduced movements
🩸Fresh bleeding
💦 Waters gone

14/11/2025

Third babba, second VBAC!

This mama undertook the Hypnobirthing course with me a few years ago on her first baby. Despite all the prep she required a caesarean that time around, which happens!

In her second pregnancy she sought out a VBAC friendly consultant and changed hospitals to do so.

She did a VBAC class and educated herself to do all she could to avoid a repeat caesarean unless absolutely necessary. She got her VBAC second time around and her story is in my reels if you go back far enough🤣.

This third time around the clock was ticking as she went over due, she had a bit of a wobble and let adrenalin levels go up at the prospect of another caesarean but baby came when they were ready and she had her second VBAC - speedy as often second vaginal births are!!

Often when a caesarean is required mammas can feel disappointed or saddened at the loss of a vaginal birth. And it's ok to grieve for the experience you thought you'd have but didn't. This week I shared a couple of very positive emergency caesarean stories and I'd hope that reading this positive VBAC story will inspire and give hope to those out there who may not have had such a positive experience.

12/11/2025

Speedy third babba!

This mama undertook the full course with me on her first pregnancy followed by a refresher on her second pregnancy and another again on her third pregnancy a few weeks ago.

A refresher is a great way to recap on the full course and give some time to the current pregnancy, which is very difficult with other children around!

It's a full recap of the 12 hour course in 3 hours........so it's not suitable unless you've done the full course before as there are references made to the full course.

11/11/2025

First time mama, positive emergency CS experience......

Sometimes, with the best will in the world, we can't have the birth we hoped for. It doesn't have to be traumatic though. When women and their partners are well informed they feel calm. When they have the confidence to ask questions all along their birth journey they feel in control.

Being calm, confident and in control are ultimately what makes for a positive experience.......and that's what the Balanced Birth course with Labouroflove aims to achieve.

10/11/2025

First time mama with a positive birth despite interventions!

Session 3 of the course discusses some of the commonly used interventions in maternity hospitals. While some may consider the discussion overwhelming, the vast majority of women and their partners feel prepared and the discussion and forum to ask questions reduces fear and alleviates anxiety.

Most hypnobirthers are not looking for the interventions but if they are required on the day for the safety of mum and baby they are very welcome!

08/11/2025

Six lovely couples this month all excited to get prepared for their own birth journey!

Eager to learn with lots of questions.....it's the interaction with groups that makes no two courses the same!

Address

Dublin
1

Telephone

+353878564426

Website

http://www.labouroflove.ie/

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