The importance of relaxation in labour & birth

However your baby enters the world - whether it be vaginally, C-section, a home birth, using breathing techniques or having an epidural - the importance of relaxation should not be underestimated. 

Staying calm and relaxed, using whatever techniques suit you best, means your muscles will be able to release and work efficiently to enable your baby to be born. During a C-section, while the manual work might be done by the surgeons rather than yourself, staying relaxed is vital to keep you calm and controlled for the arrival of your little one. 

Engaging in breathing techniques, hypnobirthing meditations, affirmations, or even just a relaxing music playlist on Spotify will give you every chance to stay calm, and in staying calm, you can make more informed, educated decisions about what happens during your birth. The majority of mothers experiencing birth trauma speak about the feeling of being out of control during their labour; the benefits of finding ways to stay relaxed include the ability to pause, reflect, ask questions, and then be in control of what happens during your birth journey.

Speaking to an antenatal specialist, a hypnobirthing teacher, or a pregnancy expert will enable you to find the relaxation methods and tools that work for you. You can also get your birth partner involved too; they can help you stay focused and relaxed if they’ve practised relaxation techniques with you before labour begins. 

Find a pregnancy relaxation group near you; not only will you learn vital calming methods, but you’ll also find a community of like-minded expectant mums who can start building your village.