Читать книгу The Gentle Birth Method: The Month-by-Month Jeyarani Way Programme - Karen MacLeod Swan - Страница 30

Have you noticed how nearly everyone you meet is compelled to touch your bump? People almost can’t help themselves. A baby bump is intrinsically soothing to the human psyche and even those who wouldn’t presume to kiss you in greeting, reach out their hands to share – for a fleeting moment – the joy of contact with an unborn child.

The power of touch is well documented. Our bodies surge with feel-good endorphins when we are stroked and caressed, boosting our immune systems, dulling our responses to pain and even contributing to a longer life. And the good news is this effect is enhanced yet further during pregnancy. Your increased blood volume not only contributes to a blooming complexion, strong nails and glossy hair, but also means the tiny blood vessels beneath your skin are positively tingling for touch.

Throughout this book, I will show you and your partner how to use touch in a myriad of ways – for example, to deepen self-hypnosis, bond with your baby and reduce your chances of a vaginal tear. A lot of the recommended treatments are technical procedures and require a qualified therapist but, where possible, I’ve adapted certain massage techniques so that you can do them at home. In some instances, you can do them on yourself, although it is best if your partner becomes involved in the treatments. I would like to think that most of you reading this book will share the advice on these pages and work together as a unit – as a family.

Even before birth, you can nurture your baby into a relaxed and loved little individual. Whenever your partner massages you, he is soothing his baby too. Remember, your baby receives physiological support from you on a continuous basis and also picks up on all your feelings. So, when you feel loved and supported by your partner, so does your baby, absorbing all your endorphins. In turn, special hormones that are released from the baby’s placenta prepare you for the birth process and motherhood. A ten-minute massage by your partner not only relaxes you but sends a wave of fresh, nourishing oxygen to the womb and placenta. It’s an intimate opportunity for you to snuggle up as a family and pass on thoughts of love and safety to your baby – what more powerful incentive can there be to make every day of your pregnancy as happy, stress-free and precious as possible?

So surrender to the treatments I list on these pages – they’re not cosmetic treatments, all have a direct physiological effect on your birthfitness: realigning your joints, super-boosting the detoxifying effects of the diet and moulding your muscles to become loose, pliable, soft and flexible for birth. Just as importantly – you’ll feel pampered in the process!