I never remember doing the school run (and other hypnotic stories)

My children go to school about 10 minutes away from where we live. This means I drive the same journey day after day after day. And when I get home do I remember the journey? nope - it's like I haven't even done it (although the lack of children in the car suggests I did in fact make it as far as the school gates).

So why can't I remember the journey? Well that's because I was probably in a hypnotic state. I have done that journey so many times, my conscious brain is not needed to find my way - Every concealed driveway, turn and pothole is embedded in my subconscious so I drive on autopilot. However, this doesn't mean I am hypnotised and unable to respond to my surroundings. If a car pulls out in front of me, I respond just as quickly as I would driving anywhere else.

Now, I am fully aware that the name 'hypnobirthing' puts a lot of people off. But the 'hypno' part is nothing to be scared of. I know you will resonate with my school run story because we all go into a hypnotic state at different times - watching tv, reading a book, listening to a podcast. It doesn't mean we are 'out of it' or not in control, it just means our conscious brain is not active. If someone says your name, you are perfectly able to reply to them.

This is what you want to aim for when you are in labour. Our conscious brain is where we hear all the chatter 'How long will this last? What's my partner doing? Have my surges (contractions) slowed down?' which isn't particularly helpful. It takes us out of our oxytocin, birthing bubble and into the present. Other mammals don't have a conscious brain so they just trust their instinct and crack on with giving bith.

Learning how to switch off our conscious brain takes practice. The school run journey didn't become embedded after just one trip. It took weeks of repetition. That's why so much of hypnobirthing is about practice during pregnancy. It's ok to read a hypnobirthing book, but it is the practice that will leave you feeling confident and calm about giving birth. Listen to guided hypnosis tracks, repeat affirmations, visualise and get to grips with the breathing so when the big day arrives, everything will be second nature. You will then easily be able to retreat into your subconscious brain, where your birthing brain is situated, and get on with birthing your baby like the boss you are!

If you want to get be confident with the techniques to support you during labour, check out my upcoming course dates or book a bespoke private course. I will guide you through your hypnobirthing toolkit so you will feel totally empowered and ready to birth your baby in the way you want.