046 How to feel calm and GROUNDED leading up to and during labour

Welcome to another episode of the My Lighter Way Podcast, where we explore ways to enhance your birthing experience and stay calm, grounded and cool as a cucumber in your lead up to labor.

Today, we'll delve into the importance of trust, breathing techniques, and effective preparation to create a calmer and more easeful birth.

I go much deeper into all of this inside the My Lighter Birth course.

You can dive into it here: www.mylighterway.com/mylighterbirth

Let's get started!

Here are the main tips I expand upon in the episode:

1. Trust Your Body: Labor is a unique time where your body takes the lead. Develop a deep connection with your body during pregnancy. Embrace the uniqueness of this journey and allow your body to guide you.

2. Breathe: Practice extended inhale and exhale early in your pregnancy. Focus on the exhale during the pushing stage. Visualization exercises can be incorporated – a mini-course to guide you through.

3. Preparation IS KEY. You're not going to want to skip OR underestimate the potential of this step: Mental Preparation:

• Program your subconscious mind for a positive experience.
• Reduce fear through mindful practices.
• Create a flexible birth plan aligned with your vision.
• Work towards a positive and calm mindset.

Physical Preparation:

• Engage in fitness routines tailored for pregnancy.
• Explore various birthing positions for comfort and effectiveness.

Support and Environment:

• Surround yourself with a supportive network.
• Create a conducive and calming birthing environment.

Be Discerning:

Mental preparation goes a long way in swinging the pendulum back from all the negative birth stories you've probably heard to the positive ones. 

Selectively choose information that aligns with your vision. Personalize your preparation based on your desired birthing experience.

Example: For instance, in my own journey, the fear of pain was a significant motivator for preparation. I sought positive, holistic, and empowering birth stories that resonated with my vision. Being discerning in the resources I chose allowed me to curate a positive and calm experience.

My Lighter Birth Course inclusions:

1. Positive stories to reprogram the subconscious.
2. Breathing techniques and visualizations.
3. Links to favorite resources, including meditations, books, and birth stories.
4. Focus on healthy boundary setting.
5. Streamlined and downloadable resources
6. An introduction to hypnobirthing and how it will change the way you think about and FEEL during labour

Available at www.mylighterway.com/mylighterbirth

Other resources listed in the episode:

Create your birth preferences:

Episode #28 My birth story:

Episode #13 Pregnancy

Masterclass to Support your Emotional Wellbeing as you Prepare for Postpartum: www.mylighterway.com/masterclass

Thanks for listening!!