The Virtual Midwife

This is it my lovelies - the last episode of the podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're exploring the conscious and unconscious mind – two aspects of our thinking that can have a significant impact on our childbirth experience. The conscious mind is the part of our thinking that is aware of our surroundings and makes rational decisions based on our current circumstances. The unconscious mind, on the other hand, operates beneath the surface of our awareness and can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in profound ways. By understanding how these two aspects of our thinking work together, we can use Hypnobirthing techniques to tap into our body's natural birthing instincts and achieve a positive and comfortable birth experience. In this episode, we'll cover: What the conscious and unconscious mind are and how they work together The impact of negative beliefs and emotions on our unconscious mind during childbirth How Hypnobirthing techniques like relaxation, visualization, and positive affirmations can influence our unconscious mind and create a positive birthing experience Techniques for releasing negative emotions and beliefs that may be affecting your unconscious mind during childbirth Remember, by understanding the conscious and unconscious mind and using Hypnobirthing techniques to influence these aspects of our thinking, we can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into our body's natural birthing instincts. Thanks for tuning in to our Hypnobirthing podcast series! I hope you've enjoyed learning about the different techniques and approaches to achieve a positive and comfortable birthing experience. If you're looking to continue your Hypnobirthing journey, I encourage you to join me in The Due Date Club – a community of expectant parents who are all on the same journey as you. By joining The Due Date Club, you'll have access to a range of resources, including: Just Found Out Course - If you want to enjoy a stress free pregnancy Cesarian Birth - If you want to explore your birth options Hospital Interventions - If you want to make informed decisions Breastfeeding Course - If you want to breastfeed but not sure you can Partner Course - If you want your partner “on board”  By joining The Due Date Club, you'll be part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are all working towards a positive and empowering birthing experience. You'll have access to expert advice and guidance, as well as the opportunity to share your own experiences and connect with others who are going through the same journey. So don't wait – join The Due Date Club today and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birthing experience. We wish you all the best on your Hypnobirthing journey! If you have suggestions for another series then drop me an email - I'm currently recording one on hospital interventions but hit me up with what you want to know more about. In the meanwhile - I'm looking forward to meeting you in The Due Date Club Midwife Karen

Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're talking about brain waves – a key aspect of the Hypnobirthing approach. Brain waves are the electrical activity that occurs in our brains, and they can affect our mood, perception, and overall state of consciousness. By understanding brain waves and how they relate to childbirth, we can use Hypnobirthing techniques to tap into our body's natural ability to birth our baby with ease and comfort. In this episode, we'll cover: What brain waves are and how they work The different types of brain waves and their associated states of consciousness How Hypnobirthing techniques like deep relaxation and visualization can influence brain wave activity during childbirth The benefits of achieving a state of relaxed awareness during childbirth Remember, understanding brain waves and how they relate to childbirth is a key aspect of the Hypnobirthing approach. By using Hypnobirthing techniques to influence brain wave activity, you can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural birthing instincts. So don't wait – start exploring the power of brain waves and Hypnobirthing today, and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birth experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club. Meet new friends who are due in the same month and share your journey with The Due Date Club! Compare symptoms, be inspired & find a community of women who understand your experience. I'll see you there Midwife Karen

Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we'll be discussing how to use hypnotic anchors – a powerful technique for deepening your relaxation and entering a hypnotic state during childbirth. Hypnotic anchors are a way of associating a physical sensation or object with a relaxed state of mind. By using an anchor during childbirth, you can quickly and easily enter a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural ability to birth your baby in a calm and positive way. In this episode, we'll cover: What hypnotic anchors are and how they work The benefits of using hypnotic anchors during childbirth Techniques for creating and using hypnotic anchors, including visualization and touch Tips for using hypnotic anchors effectively during childbirth Remember, Hypnobirthing is all about empowering you to make informed choices and approach childbirth with confidence and trust in your own abilities. By using Hypnobirthing techniques like hypnotic anchors, you can achieve a deep state of relaxation and tap into your body's natural birthing instincts. So don't wait – start exploring the power of hypnotic anchors today, and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birthing experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club.

Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're discussing how to strengthen your intuition during pregnancy. Intuition is a powerful tool that can help you make informed decisions and approach childbirth with confidence and clarity. By learning how to tap into your intuition, you can enhance your birthing experience and create a deeper connection with your baby. In this episode, we'll explore: What intuition is and how it works The benefits of strengthening your intuition during pregnancy Techniques for tuning into your intuition, including meditation, journaling, and mindfulness The role of intuition in making informed decisions during childbirth Remember, strengthening your intuition is not just about childbirth – it's about connecting with your inner wisdom and making empowered choices in all areas of your life. By using Hypnobirthing techniques to cultivate your intuition during pregnancy, you can approach childbirth with confidence and trust in your own abilities. So don't wait – start exploring the power of intuition today, and take the first step towards a more empowered and joyful birthing experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club. I'll see you there Midwife Karen

In this episode, we're discussing how to use visualization effectively – a powerful technique for preparing your mind and body for childbirth. Visualization is a way of creating mental images or scenarios in your mind's eye. By using visualization during Hypnobirthing, you can tap into your subconscious mind and create a positive and empowering birthing experience. Visualization can help you reduce anxiety, stay relaxed, and focus on your goals during childbirth. In this episode, we'll cover: What visualization is and how it works The benefits of using visualization during childbirth Techniques for creating and using effective visualizations, including guided imagery and affirmations Tips for using visualization effectively during childbirth Remember, visualization is a powerful tool for preparing your mind and body for childbirth. By using Hypnobirthing techniques like visualization, you can approach childbirth with confidence and trust in your own abilities. If you're ready to start exploring the power of visualization today, then tune in now! And if you're looking for more resources and support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out The Due Date Club or our Hypnobirthing Course. , and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birthing experience! The Due Date Club is an online community of expectant parents who are interested in Hypnobirthing and want to connect with others on the same journey. You'll find resources, support, and encouragement from other parents who are using Hypnobirthing to achieve a positive and joyful birthing experience. And if you're looking for a more structured approach to Hypnobirthing, then our Hypnobirthing Course might be perfect for you. Our course provides in-depth guidance and support for using Hypnobirthing techniques to achieve a comfortable and positive childbirth experience. I'll see you there Midwife Karen

Cognitive biases are a natural aspect of the human brain, but they can sometimes lead us to make inaccurate judgments or decisions. By understanding the different types of cognitive biases, we can learn how to recognise them so that they don't get in the way of your birth preparation journey. In this episode, we'll cover: What cognitive bias is and how it works The five types of cognitive biases and how they can impact your childbirth experience: Techniques for recognising and overcoming cognitive biases during childbirth If you're ready to learn more about cognitive bias and how it can impact your childbirth experience, then tune in now! Remember, Hypnobirthing is all about empowering you to make informed choices, advocate for yourself and your baby, and achieve a positive and joyful birthing experience. By understanding cognitive biases, you can approach childbirth with confidence and clarity. So don't wait – start exploring the power of Hypnobirthing today, and take the first step towards a comfortable and positive birth experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. And if you're looking for more resources or support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out our website or join The Due Date Club.

Welcome back to our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we're discussing how your beliefs and expectations can impact your childbirth experience. Your mindset plays a crucial role in how you perceive and approach labor, and by cultivating positive beliefs and expectations, you can achieve a more comfortable and joyful birthing experience. In this episode, we'll explore: How your thoughts and beliefs affect your body during childbirth Techniques for identifying and transforming negative beliefs The importance of setting realistic expectations for your birthing experience If you're looking for more resources and support on your Hypnobirthing journey, be sure to check out The Due Date Club or our Hypnobirthing Course. The Due Date Club is an online community of expectant parents who are interested in Hypnobirthing and want to connect with others on the same journey. You'll find resources, support, and encouragement from other parents who are using Hypnobirthing to achieve a positive and joyful birthing experience. And if you're looking for a more structured approach to Hypnobirthing, then our Hypnobirthing Course might be perfect for you. Our course provides in-depth guidance and support for using Hypnobirthing techniques to achieve a comfortable and positive childbirth experience. So don't wait – start exploring the power of positive beliefs and expectations today, and take the first step towards a joyful and empowered birth experience! Thanks for listening, and be sure to tune in to our future episodes as we continue to explore the wonderful world of Hypnobirthing. Midwife Karen

In the second episode in our series on Hypnobirthing , we're diving deeper into the concept of the Mind-Body Connection – a fundamental aspect of the Hypnobirthing approach. The Mind-Body Connection refers to the relationship between the mind and body during labor and childbirth. When we're in a state of deep relaxation and using Hypnobirthing techniques, we can tap into our body's natural ability to birth our baby without tension, pain, or fear. By harnessing the power of the mind-body connection, we can achieve a more comfortable and positive birthing experience. In this episode, we'll explore: How the mind and body are connected during labor The benefits of staying relaxed and calm during labor Techniques for achieving a deep state of relaxation during childbirth If you're ready to learn more about the Mind-Body Connection and how it can help you achieve a comfortable and positive childbirth experience, then tune in now! Remember, Hypnobirthing is not just about achieving a certain type of birth – it's about empowering you to make informed choices, advocate for yourself and your baby, and feel confident and in control throughout the birthing process. So don't wait – start exploring the Mind-Body Connection today and take the first step towards a positive and joyful birth experience.

Welcome to the first episode of our podcast series on Hypnobirthing! In this episode, we'll be discussing the foundational principles of this incredible approach to childbirth. Hypnobirthing is a powerful method that can help you achieve a more comfortable, positive, and even enjoyable birthing experience. By focusing on relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis techniques, Hypnobirthing can help you tap into your innate ability to birth your baby in a calm and confident way. But; it's so much more than that and to get started we'll explore each of these principles in depth, sharing insights and tips to help you apply them to your own journey towards childbirth. Whether you're a first-time parent or have been through labor before, there's something in this episode for everyone. If you're ready to approach childbirth with a new sense of confidence and empowerment, then Hypnobirthing could be the perfect tool for you. So don't wait – tune in now to learn more about the principles of Hypnobirthing and start your journey towards a positive and joyful birth experience! Remember, the principles we'll be discussing in this episode are just the beginning of your Hypnobirthing journey. If you're ready to dive deeper and learn even more about this amazing approach to childbirth, be sure to tune in to our future episodes. And if you're interested in learning even more right now, come on over the www.duedateclub.co.za/ for additional resources and support. Midwife Karen

Choosing your birth environment is more than deciding whether you will be giving birth at home, in hospital or at a  birth center. In this episode we talk about creating a safe sanctuary to welcome your baby into that goes beyond the aesthetics of your chosen place of birth and includes the preparation of your space and the people you bring into it.  More about Charlene here  More about Karen here  Join the Due Date Club here 

Transition is the final phase of the first stage of labour and marks the cervix opening to its widest diameter and the descent of the baby's head. It's physically and emotionally intense and is often the time when you think you can't go on anymore. Karen talks about the 4 D's of transition - denial, despondence, defiance and desperation and they share examples of these from recent births. Charlene highlights the importance of making sure partners know what to expect with transition so they can step in and support you rather than freaking out when you most need them! More about Charlene here  More about Karen here  Join The Due Date Club here 

I have a love/hate relationship with birth plans so we thought it would be a great topic to bring to our weekly chats about everything pregnancy, birth and beyond. In this episode we chat more about why birth plans became popular and the importance of using the right language when creating one so that what you are really creating is a birth day wish list. Essentially everything that you do leading up to your birth is part of your birth plan and involves preparation - which is the part that I love. The more you prepare, the better the plan.  Drop us a line if you have any questions. We love feedback and if there is a subject you'd like to hear us natter about then let us know.  More about Karen here  More about Charlene here  Get Relax into Birth here  Sign up for the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Summit here 

Waterbirth is known for its pain relieving effects and the benefits do not stop there. Water helps the mother to be buoyant and gives her added capacity for mobility. The water softens the tissues as the baby moves down the birth path and provides the baby with a gentle landing, as it transitions from the amniotic waters into the waters of the pool. The soothing effects of water cannot be denied and we chat all about this amazing option for labour and for birth at home or at hospital, to help you make your mind up about it and decide if you would like to try it for your birth experience.  More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here

Charlene had a call from a client in early labor on the morning of recording this episode so we thought it would be a great topic to chat about. Despite the call, we still managed to record this episode and have a few cups of tea and a chat before it was time for Charlene to head over to be with her and the baby was born later that evening.  So in this episode we discuss:  When should you call your doula?  Should you call your doula or your midwife first?  Should you let the hospital know you are en route?  Is it different if you are having a home birth?  Is it possible to call too late?  More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here

Enjoy this 1-hour track of soothing music with positive birth affirmations. I recommend listening to it daily during pregnancy  during deep meditation or  as background while doing other tasks.  During labor, you can have it playing quietly in the background or listen with headphones to keep you focused and grounded. Don't underestimate the power of your mind to change negative and limiting thought patterns. Use the affirmations that don't resonate to identify possible blocks.

This week we had a great question from a listener who is concerned about the size of her baby. She sent us a one liner message asking "Is a baby really ever too big to give birth to vaginally?"  As always, we consider both facts and opinions and explore the different perspectives of doulas, midwives, birthing mothers and obstetricians. More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here

In this episode, we cover the topic of induction as requested by a listener on our Relax Into Birth PLUS mom's whatsapp group.  "Dear Charlene and Karen. I am 39 weeks tomorrow and this morning at my routine checkup, my doctor recommended that I come in for an induction of labor on Thursday. Part of me is like 'hell yes, let's get this baby out pleazzzze', but there is another part that is wondering whether my baby needs a few more days inside? Is he ready? And actually - am I? I have definitely noticed that I am getting more frequent Braxton Hicks and I am feeling a lot of heaviness in my pelvis, but besides that, not much at all. If I go in on Thursday, I could be home by the weekend with my precious baby boy? Should I go for it? Looking forward to your thoughts on induction. Thanks Anon" Is induction of labour always necessary, or is it (sadly) sometimes scheduled out of convenience, fear, impatience or discomfort? Listen in for the ins and outs of this topic, as well as learn about some natural forms of induction that can get the bun in the oven keener to come earth side. If you are keen to join our whatsapp group of preggie mamas, please slide into our DMs and let us know. Also, look out for our Relax Into Birth PLUS online antenatal course, covering extensive Hypnobirthing techniques, as well as the physiological side of labour and birth. See you there! Remember to subscribe and share this podcast if you liked it.  More about Karen here More about Charlene here Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here

This was an uncomfortable topic to tackle. Unfortunately bait and switch tactics are common, especially in South Africa. The conversation was started by a query in our private Whatsapp group which got everyone sharing their experience and encouraged us to open the discussion on our podcast.  In this episode Karen and Charlene attempt to look at it from all angles rather than making it an "us against them" situation and share some useful tips for red flag conversations and how to manage them.  More about Karen here  More about Charlene here  Preview Relax into Birth PLUS here 

If you've been wondering about using Essential oils during pregnancy, your'e going to love this episode with Gayle Friedman from Sunshine Health in Cape Town. Gayle is founder of the Sunshine Colour and Health Academy and Registered Member of Allied Health Professions Council of SA and WOMBS. Gayle has been in the Health Care Field for over 30yrs and has experience as a qualified Aroma Therapist, Reflexologist,  Colour Therapist, Pregnancy Therapist, Doula (Child Birth support) and Yoga Teacher for pregnant women. Gayle offers support comfort and care, using her expertise and experience as a mother of 3, to guide woman & their partners on their beginning journey into parenthood. An essential oil is a concentrated aromatic oily liquid containing volatile chemical compounds  extracted from different. parts of plants for instance, leaves, barks, seeds, flowers and peels. They can be obtained by expression, fermentation, effleurage. or extraction but among all the methods, steam distillation and.plants herbs gums to enhance body emotions mind and Spirit. They can be described as the hormone of the plant and they directly affect the Limbic system of the brain via olfactory nerves, lungs and skin. Gayle shares how to use them safely and effectively. Learn more about Gayle here  Learn more about Charlene here Learn more about Karen here Preview Relaxintobirth PLUS here 

In this episode we talk about the various scenarios you might face and the tools and resources you will need to feel confident. We know that it's tempting to go in earlier rather than later  "just in case", but your labor won't progress any faster because you are in hospital. In fact, the clinical environment may slow or stall your labor and pave the way for interventions you prefer to avoid.  Many parents start their journey of childbirth at home - and initially, labour in the home space and then eventually, at a certain point, leave home for hospital to continue their labour there. When is the best time to leave home for hospital? The answer to this question is quite complex - and there is no one-size-fits-all.  If you are planning a hospital birth, take the time to listen in, as this information is for you - and will help you navigate the decision about when to go to hospital. What happens if your waters break at home? What if you lose your mucus plug at home? What if it's the middle of the night? We answer these questions and more.  Connect with pregnant mamas from around the world and join our Relax Into Birth PLUS whatsapp group here. More about Karen here. More about Charlene here. Get the 3 Must Have resources  that will help you navigate this decision.