In our next session, we will explore a range of coping strategies to support you throughout your natural labour journey. Our goal is to equip you with a toolkit of effective techniques that will help you navigate the intensity of labour while trusting in your body’s innate ability to birth your baby.

Creating a birth space which enhances comfort and relaxation in labour is very important. We discuss setting up your birth space and how thinking about the five senses can enhance your experience (music, lighting, aromatherapy, personal items) 

We will discuss and practice optimal maternal positioning and how certain positions can enhance labour progress and increase comfort.

We will practice some natural pain relieving massage techniques. By having the opportunity to practice these techniques together, you will be able to share what feels good and what doesn't, allowing us to fine tune the approach to match your unique needs.

In addition, we will cover breathing techniques, vocalisation and visualisation, exploring how these tools can help you stay relaxed, present and focused during contractions.

We’ll take time to look at the power of positive words and affirmations, and how they can shape your mindset and help create a supportive birthing environment. If there are any affirmations or phrases that resonate with you, please feel free to share them on the day.

We will discuss the very important role of your birth partner and how they can actively support you during this process. They will have a cheat sheet to refer to with practical suggestions so they can feel prepared and confident in their role.

Before this session please watch:

Module 3 - Physiological Birth

• Is Baby in position? What you need to know before labour begins

• Get your baby into position

• Setting up your birth space

• Positive birth space ideas

Module 4 - Coping with Labour

• Reframing pain

• Comfort measures for Labour

• Stay present

• Key words and affirmations

• Fuelling your body

• Internal coping strategies

• External coping strategies

Homework after session 2

• Continue adding to your birth preferences list

• Practice movement and positions together. Which positions feel comfortable and intuitive to you? Get familiar with a birth ball and practice regularly so it becomes familiar

• Create a plan for your birth space. Considering elements such as lighting, music and aromatherapy. Look at the checklist in the workbook for ideas.

• Write down some coping strategies that you can begin to incorporate into your daily rhythm. Choosing a few breathing techniques, visualisations and vocalisations that resonate with you. 

• Print out your birth partner cheat sheet and discuss them together. 

• Practice daily affirmations that help make you feel positive, confident and supported. Stick them around the house as daily reminders. 

• Create a vision board - this can include affirmations and photos that inspire you.