Letter of the week: 
Dear Karen and Charlene, 
I have just finished your course - and I loved it by the way, but I have a few questions about pain relief. 
I have been thinking about about how labour will be - and if i will cope. I have heard that epidurals are amazing for pain relief - but have also heard that they can have an adverse effect on the baby. Is this true? What options do i have for pain relief - and should i opt for an epidural? 
From the course I learnt about having a doula present to help with natural forms of pain relief. How do they compare to the big guns of epidural and pethedine? What other options do I have? 
I think i have a high pain threshhold, but my husband thinks I will be begging for an epidural from the get go. I am hoping to prove him wrong - but I also have no idea what to expect. 
Thanks for your help - and for the course, I learnt so much! 
Elle in Cape Town.
If you want your query addressed in our podcast email karen@thevirtualmidwife.com or charlene@relaxintobirth.com
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Pain Relief in Labor - what are my options?

A podcast for pregnant and new mothers packed with lessons from the labor room, women's wisdom, interviews with thought leaders and meditations for pregnancy and birth.

Kids & Family

This meditation is for the breastfeeding mother who finds herself at the intersection of myriad emotions and responsibilities. If you're feeling sleep-deprived, anxious about your baby and your milk supply, overwhelmed by the profound shift in your identity, torn between the roles of mother and wife, grappling with the loss of freedom, experiencing financial strain, succumbing to societal pressures to look a certain way, or feeling compelled to share every moment on social media, this meditation is here for you.
These complex and weighty concerns may have left you feeling disconnected from your transformed body and your newborn baby, contributing to your baby's fussiness and neediness. In the midst of this challenging journey, it's crucial to find moments of respite and self-compassion.
My hope is that this meditation will  be your sanctuary, a haven where you can slow down, fully inhabit the present moment, and rediscover the beauty of your breath and your profound connection with your baby. It's an opportunity to explore the depths of your inner world, embrace the complexities of motherhood, and find the peace and strength within yourself to navigate this transformative path.


Join me in The Due Date Club Whatsapp Support Group "Ask the Virtual Midwife" 


The group is a hub of expertise and shared 
experiences.  See a friendly face, hear a 
reassuring voice, and receive guidance that 
feels like it's coming from a trusted friend. 


Experience the difference that a truly personalized support system, led by professionals can make


If you're looking for answers - especially ones that can't wait until you see your midwife/LC/or pead then join the Ask the Midwife Supprot group and get 


✅ Personalized video answers  to your questions and concerns 
✅ Premium access to our library of resources and video answers
✅ Confidence and connection through shared experiences.


https://duedateclub.co.za/ask-the-virtual-midwife/

A meditation for new mothers

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 

Hypnobirthing Series - The Conscious and Unconscious Mind

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 



Hypnobirthing Series - Let's Talk About Brain Waves

We're nearing the end of this series so I thought I'd answer some of the most frequently asked questions that you may have about this approach to childbirth.
I'll also address other common concerns and misconceptions about Hypnobirthing, providing insights and tips to help you make informed decisions about your childbirth journey.
Remember, Hypnobirthing is not 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. 
By addressing common questions and concerns, we hope to help you feel more informed and empowered to make the best choices for you and your baby.
So don't wait – tune in now to get answers to your most pressing questions about Hypnobirthing, and take the first step towards a positive and joyful 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, then come and join me in The Due Date Club. because that's where you'll get access to my wealth of essential pregnancy resources, guest experts & professionals, plus exclusive discounts on mom & baby gear. 
Midwife Karen 



Hypnobirthing Series - Answers to Your Questions

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.



Pain Relief in Labor - what are my options?

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