An example of a visualisation
Points to consider for recording
Points to consider before you visualise
Visualisation can be a powerful tool in many life situations. The use of a labour visualisation is aimed at creating 'a scene', whereby the physical information of the labour and birth process, is used on an imaginary level. This exercise can play a role in reinforcing the various support strategies you have explored throughout the classes, and hopefully introduce some positive attitudes about the pain of labour.
Some women have used similar visualisations to build positive attitudes, as well as preparing coping strategies to assist them, in case they start feeling fearful, anxious or overwhelmed during their labour. Others have used this tool if they are feeling concerned about their baby's wellbeing. This can be achieved by creating positive thoughts about the labour and birth being a normal, healthy process, rather than seeing labour as negative, or 'harmful' for their baby.
You can create images relating to seeing the baby as 'resilient', ready for the labour and birth, reinforcing that labour is normal for your baby. The contractions can be viewed as stimulating your baby, in readiness for the outside world, massaging them, nudging them forward.
The following visualisation can be used in the final couple of weeks of your pregnancy. You may wish to make your own recording, or ask a friend or relative (with a gentle, soothing voice) to record the visualisation for you. This particular visualisation is a guide only. You can use this one, add or remove sections or write your own personal imagery, tailoring it to your personal feelings, and the environment you wish to create.
NOTE: Labour visualisations can create powerful suggestions and could be capable of prematurely stimulating labour. We therefore recommend its use only after 37 to 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Points to consider for recording: