Preparing for Birth is Like Preparing for a Marathon

I once dreamt I was stood at the London Marathon start line...and I was horrified! I'd done zero training. No prep, no plan, nothing, just me and 26.2 miles ahead. Safe to say, I wasn’t expecting a good time... or a good experience... or even to finish in one piece! This got me thinking: Birth is similar. Would I expect to complete a marathon without preparing my mind and body? Nope. So why do we sometimes expect that with birth?

Hypnobirthing = Sports Psychology for Birth!

During Positive Birth Leeds Hypnobirthing courses, I often compare your birth prep to training for a sporting challenge. (And not to stereotype, but this really helps a lot of dads-to-be "get" hypnobirthing!) One dad once said "So hypnobirthing is basically sports psychology for birth?" YES!! yes it is!

Five Ways Birth Prep is Like Training for a Marathon

Here's a quick run-down of just five powerful crossovers between sports psychology and hypnobirthing.

1. Mental preparation: Train Your Brain

Athletes know the mind is just as important as the body.Same goes for birth. When fear takes over, your muscles don't get the blood and oxygen they need to function effectively and efficiently, which can make birth longer and more painful.

Hypnobirthing tools like relaxation, breathing, affirmations and visualisations help you stay calm and keep your body working at its best.

(And just FYI, your birth partner’s mindset matters too! Their calm or fear rubs off on you which can effect your labour progression.)

2. Physical birth preparation: Get Birth-Fit

You and your baby work as a team during labour and there are many simple things you can do to train for it.

• Stay active: swimming, walking, yoga, pilates, sitting on a birth ball instead of reclining on the sofa are beneficial. Check with your midwife or health care provider (if you have one) that the activity you are doing is safe for you, particularly if you are starting something new.

• Keep you pelvis happy: checking your pelvic alignment with a women's physiotherapist or osteopath can be helpful, particularly if you've had a historic injury. Sarah from The Pelvic Health Clinic explains the benefits of looking after your pelvis in pregnancy in this guest blog.

• Try techniques from www.spinningbabies.com to help optimise your pelvic capacity and baby's position for birth.

3. Fuel Up: Hydrate & Eat

   You wouldn’t run a marathon on an empty tank. Birth is no different, your uterus muscles need loads of fuel to function during labour and birth so...

   • Drink regularly (straw bottles = less effort) - think water, coconut water and isotonic drinks

   • Eat when you can: carby meals early on, energy snacks later, even a quick sugar boost like honey at the end

   • Wee often - a full bladder can block baby’s way! Plus moving around to get to the the toilet can help baby desend through the pelvis - hello gravity!

4. Build Your Dream Team

   Crowds cheering on the runners with words of encouragement and affirmation matter - "Keep Going!" "You're Doing Great!" all give a little extra boost, and so does surrounding yourself with a kick ass and supportive birth team.

   Birth partners who know how to advocate for and support you to feel calm and safe (whilst remaining calm themselves!) can completely transform your experience. I share loads of practical tips to help birth partners feel confident in their support during birth in the Hypnobirthing courses I teach.

   
   

   And what about doula support? A 2023 research study shows receiving doula support reduces caesarean rates, boosts breastfeeding success and increases birth satisfaction. (Doula support is something I also offer - because everyone deserves to feel nurtured and empowered through birth and beyond.)

5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize:

Marathon runners often focus on a cause close to their hearts to keep them going. In birth, your focus is even more powerful: Meeting your baby.

Runners talk about the high they get after finishing the race! Just like crossing that finish line, after birth you’ll ride a massive wave of oxytocin (your “love hormone”) - helping you bond, heal and feel amazing.

Bottom Line?

Whether it's a marathon or giving birth: preparation, mindset, support and self-belief make all the difference.

You've got this. You are incredible.

I can help you get informed and feel confident and empowered for your baby's birth.

I offer nurturing Doula Support and a selection of Hypnobirthing courses and birth prep options to suit your needs.

Visit the Positive Birth Leeds website to find out more or book a free Discovery Call to chat about the support that is right for you.

Charlotte x