Obstetric studies have now shown that massage therapy during the first 15 minutes of every hour of labour decreased anxiety and the need for intervention. In addition, the massaged mothers had shorter labours, shorter hospital stays and less depressed moods.
Giving birth can be an overwhelming experience for mothers and partners alike. Private instruction helps couples to explore options for labour, giving them a “toolbox” of techniques to draw upon that helps Mum stay focused and relaxed, and helps Dad or Partner to support and facilitate. Couples can learn optimal birthing positions which involve partner and incorporate massage techniques to assist with relaxation during pregnancy and ease in labour. Mothers and partners can learn specific shiatsu points to help encourage baby into the optimal position for birth, assist with contractions/surges, and enhance the natural, steady flow of labour. Often the first and longest stage of labour is prolonged by unnecessary tension, anxiety and stress, which can impede the body’s natural means of guiding the baby into the ideal birthing position (baby’s spine resting against the front of the mother’s abdomen and away from her spine). By encouraging the baby into this position through exercises and massage, labour time can be significantly reduced. Dad can also use acupressure points to assist Mum in remaining relaxed and open in the weeks leading up to labour, during surges and postnatally to enhance breast-feeding.
The more support for Mum during the birthing process the better, so other family members are welcome to partake in the lessons as well. Length and content of lessons will be tailored to individual needs.
Private lessons can be scheduled at your convenience, or shared with another couple to split the cost.
Alternately, group workshops take place regularly at the Special Yoga Centre and serve as an ongoing forum for couples to practice and learn new techniques to add to their repertoire in preparation for labour. The next session takes place on Friday 28th May from 7:30-9:30pm. To enroll, please contact the Special Yoga Centre directly on 0208 928 1900.
Should you have any other questions, please submit them below or via email: info@queensparktherapies.com or phone: 079 4325 8540.
