How Pilates can help you in the delivery suite
I was fortunate enough to give birth to my babies both in the delivery suite. Two different experiences.
With Ella-rose I didn’t dilate from 2 cm for what felt like ages. Pains at 8:00pm Saturday and 8:00am Sunday still only 2 cm dilated I thought I was in for the long haul! I suddenly dilated very quickly at the end and it was 45 mins active labour so not too bad and plenty of time in the delivery suite.
Hugo on the other hand, decided to come very quickly so I got into hospital and straight into the birthing pool and he was out 40 Min’s later.
How Pregnancy Pilates Helped Me
I have to say I think Pilates helped me so much with both my labours and also being able to stay calm and in control mentally. It was really helpful to have some exercises to help keep me focused to help keep me relaxed and mobilise my body especially if you are in for what feels like the long haul!! I did these exercises in the delivery suite.
During labour your muscles are tensing and contracting so staying focused on relaxing your body as much as you can will help with pain relief. The more you tense up the more discomfort you feel.
Take a look at the video below, these exercises are rhythmic and flowing. Gravity helps you so being on all fours and pelvic floor release when contractions occur really help. Obviously combined with the breathing.
I have many videos on this on my website and instagram account but this video below gives you some examples of a few exercises you can do in the birthing center. Swiss balls are there which you can utilise. The breathing is the most important thing during your birth as it is the only thing you have control over and your mind.
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I recommend this breathing tip during birth
As you breath in through your noise during a contraction, except any discomfort and as you exhale through your mouth; think of breathing out the discomfort and keep relaxed in your muscles. The breathing will be faster during contractions and then you get a break to get ready to go again.
Pilates enables you to practise this so when you are actually in labour this will be done hopefully feeling more comfortable with the deep breathing and over ride that instant reaction to panic about whats out of your physical control. You can control your mind and breathing. In the birthing center, applying these exercises to that, can be very empowering. It gives you focus which is so helpful during birth.
I hope you find my videos and tips helpful, Of course we run classes to help, we recommend ladies join our Pregnancy Pilates classes any time after their 12 week scan.
Please any questions or feedback do get in touch as I would love to help.
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