A Collaboration Between Ace Parenting Club + Emma Founder Of Olibella Hypnobirthing
I was absolutely over the moon when I found out I was pregnant but fear quickly crept in. As someone with a severe needle phobia, I started looking into natural ways to manage labour with as little medical intervention as possible.
That is when I discovered Hypnobirthing. The skills I learnt through hypnobirthing allowed me to feel confident and calm about my birth as well as making informed decisions that were right for me and my baby.
Emma is the founder of Olibella Hypnobirthing and is a certified hypnobirthing teacher. She works with first time mums to help them to feel in control and more prepared for birth. Mainstream antenatal classes like NCT classes taught me to expect fear, pain and to follow what you are told by medical staff whereas Hypnobirthing taught me to trust in my body, my voice, and my choices.
1. Calm Breathing Techniques That Actually Work
I can’t tell you how helpful the breathing techniques were, not just during labour but throughout my entire pregnancy. Because of my needle phobia, every blood test felt like a mountain to climb. Breathing calmly helped me manage the stress and remain relaxed.
During labour with my first baby, I used breathing techniques from the very first contraction. Even my mum, who had doubts about hypnobirthing, said: “You went into the pool, it looked like you fell asleep and then there was a baby!” Emma teaches deep, slow controlled breaths which allows your muscles to relax and reduce blood pressure.
2. Understanding the Mind-Body Connection in Birth
3. Making Informed Decisions During Labour
Pregnancy is full of questions and uncertainty, and that can quickly become overwhelming. When you’re in labour, feeling tired and emotional, it can be difficult to think clearly and understand your options.
One of the most empowering tools I learnt through Hypnobirthing was the BRAIN acronym. It helped me take a step back and assess each situation:
We used this tool during both of my births. It was especially helpful during my first, when I experienced a major haemorrhage, and again during my second birth, when we felt pressured into decisions because I was two weeks ‘overdue’. Having a structured way to process the information gave me confidence to make the right choices for myself and my baby.
4. Deep Relaxation and Visualisation Techniques
I wasn’t sure if I would benefit from the meditation and visualisation aspects of hypnobirthing, but they quickly became part of my routine. I found listening to the guided meditation at bedtime worked best for me, as it was the time I could guarantee peace and quiet to focus and relax. It helped me focus on the birth I wanted and provided mental space to relax and prepare. Through Olibella Hypnobirthing your encouraged to listen to the voice and visualise the story so enabling you to drop into a state of calm relaxation.
5. Creating a Positive Mindset for Birth
Having a positive mindset made everything else easier. Without it, I don’t think I could have put the breathing, relaxation or decision-making tools into practice. After a major haemorrhage during my first birth, I had to approach my second birth with a different mindset. I used everything I had learnt through Hypnobirthing to help me stay focused and positive.
Emma at Olibella Hypnobirthing support Mums to reframe fear and doubt into calm confidence so they enter birth with a positive mindset.
Our Final Thoughts
Hypnobirthing is often misunderstood. Some people think it’s just breathing techniques and relaxing music, but it is so much more than that. The tools taught through Hypnobirthing gave me confidence, calm and a voice during birth.
Having a birth partner who learnt the techniques alongside me made a huge difference. They were able to support my breathing, suggest different positions and help me stay focused when I needed it most. To have someone like Emma who understands what you are going through and can teach you all these amazing tools through Olibella Hypnobirthing.
I cannot recommend it enough and they are skills you will use for the rest of your life.
