four questions with maeva althaus
Photo: Maeva Althaus
Fine-tuning your mind-body connection and finding the proper support are two of the most important ways you can prepare for birth. We spoke with the New York City-based founder of Hypnobirthing NY to learn more about her practice.
1. Tell us about yourself and your work.
I am a childbirth educator with a specialty in teaching self-hypnosis for birth and a doula. Self-hypnosis is a way to get into a deep state of relaxation. You can use the breath, counting, a keyword, or a visualization of a special place to get there. Most women report feeling a sense of 'being out of it' in labor, which is a sign that they are releasing endorphins and oxytocin. Both promote relaxation. The practice of self-hypnosis before labor teaches you to calm your mind and stay focused, so your body can release these hormones.
2. You teach Spinning Babies to your students. Can you tell us more about this program?
Spinning Babies is all about understanding how your baby's position can affect labor as far as length and pain. The techniques help create more room and balance in the body so that the baby can get into an ideal position for birth. Of course we want the baby head down, but which side the baby starts on and if the baby has dropped is also important. Using these techniques in pregnancy and during labor can help the delivery be more straightforward. It is also very helpful for people preparing for a VBAC and there is a special protocol for when a baby is in the breech position towards the end of a woman's pregnancy.
3. One of the services you offer is a birth trauma healing session. What is this and who might benefit from it?
In my hypnotherapy practice I focus on helping people release their childhood traumas. Often in my childbirth classes I have women join who are expecting their second baby and unfortunately had a negative or traumatic first birth experience. Some of them can't enjoy their pregnancy because they are so scared of the birth experience. Through my birth trauma healing sessions I help them process what happened and release all their negative feelings and find their voice again.
4. When it comes to self-care, what advice do you have for expectant or postpartum moms?
Slow down. There is beauty in the days blending into each other. Just like at the end of pregnancy when everything starts to slow down. Let go of the way the day is usually divided. When else are you going to be able to live in this bubble of time? It is a journey of discovery. If you are experiencing repeated intrusive scary thoughts, can't fall asleep, or feel like you can't cope, reach out to your doctor or a family member or friend for help. Also, if you are experiencing a lot of anxiety make sure you get blood work done before you hit the six-week postpartum mark as it is common for the thyroid to be out of balance after having a baby.