The Gentle Birth Method: The Month-by-Month Jeyarani Way Programme. Karen MacLeod Swan

       Reiki

       What is it?

      Reiki is a therapy in which energy is transmitted, via the laying on of hands, to key areas of the head, face, trunk and limbs. The treatment can be given through normal clothes, so it is non-invasive.

      Reiki warms and relaxes the body and facilitates gentle healing by attracting lymphocytes (the immune system cells) to the affected area. It is a very still treatment and for those who like something more dynamic, it can feel as though nothing is being done – but healing is happening, just on a subtle level. It is very common to feel deeply relaxed and even fall asleep during the session.

       Its pedigree

      In the early 1900s, Dr Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian theologian, was allegedly given the secrets of healing in a vision he had following a 21-day meditation and fast. His teachings were passed down and have spread throughout the world. Once initiated, a Reiki practitioner may get immediate results, however it takes many years and hours of dedicated practice to channel the Reiki energy in a more powerful way. The early Reiki masters were able to heal advanced diseases effectively.

       Reiki in pregnancy

      Reiki can be received at any time during pregnancy, as it is so gentle and safe. It is one of the safest treatments you can have in early pregnancy.

       What it can do for you in pregnancy

       Improve quality of sleep

       Deepen muscle relaxation

       Instil calm and reduce anxiety before the birth

       The stillness and peace that is part of a Reiki session can give you mental space to accept pregnancy and bond with your baby

       Can you do it yourself?

      Yes – to a limited extent. Simply laying your hands on someone with healing intent will have a positive physiological effect. It has been proven that if you place your hands on any part of the body, the electromagnetic energy and warmth of your palm attracts lymphocytes (the intelligent part of your immune system) to the area and this can encourage healing. However, positive intention is all-important.

       Craniosacral Therapy

       What is it?

      This is a ‘light-touch’ technique that fine-tunes the body’s rhythms. The therapy is based on a subtle pulse, the Cranio-sacral rhythm, which moves through the core of the body – through the brain and spinal cord and the fluids that bathe them. The pulse has a tide-like rhythm that becomes irregular where there’s a blockage or restriction.

      These blockages – often characterized by tightness – are usually the result of the body holding so-called ‘tissue memories’ of a stressful event, such as a physical injury or a traumatic emotional situation. By freeing the restrictions in the connective tissue and muscles through Cranio-sacral therapy, we can bring about the release of tight ligaments and muscles, realign joints and even release emotional stress.

      Following a session, patients will very often feel increased warmth, tingling or energy surges.

       Its pedigree

      The cranio-sacral pulse was discovered by a team of neuro-surgeons and neuro-physiologists. They observed subtle movements of the dura (membranes covering the brain) during brain surgery and came to the conclusion that restrictions of this pulse could cause functional disorders. Cranial therapy was then evolved to restore optimum movements of the cranial bones and the cerebro-spinal pulses.

      When the egg and the sperm fuse at fertilization the subtle rhythm of life begins and the pulsations of the embryo are immediately visible. This is later seen in the cranio-sacral rhythm, in the membranes that surround the brain and in the circulation of the cerebral spinal fluid.

       Cranio-sacral therapy in pregnancy

      Cranio-sacral therapists believe our life histories – including our emotional and physical traumas – are ‘held’ in our bodies. Hence the release of tension in the joints and muscles also releases tissue memory and emotional stress. This therapy can therefore calm and soothe all mothers.

      The therapy also helps prepare you for the birth process. The therapist checks the movement of the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull, which houses the pituitary gland. This gland lies just below the hypothalamus and both the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus are responsible for producing and releasing prolactin and oxytocin, the hormones for pregnancy and birth. Through craniosacral therapy, the sphenoid bone is able to move freely, ensuring normal release of these hormones for birth.

       What it can do for you in pregnancy

       As a preparation for birth it can release muscle and tissue restrictions that can prevent the pelvis from opening easily during birthing

       The circulation of cerebro-spinal fluid pulse is regulated and this helps with optimum releases of oxytocin during labour

       Can be used during labour to enhance contractions

       Alleviates emotional stress

       Can you do it yourself?

      No. The method of listening to the body’s rhythms that is intrinsic to this procedure is very subtle and too specialized to précis. Visit a qualified therapist.

       Vaginal and Perineal Stretch Massage

      What is it?

      A specially-devised massage that stretches and softens the lower vaginal tissues, preparing them for the delivery of the baby’s head.

       Its pedigree

      Early forms of this technique have been routinely practised in India and Africa for hundreds of years. In India, the Ayurvedic preparation for birth includes a vaginal ‘picchu’, which involves inserting a medicated oil-soaked bundle of soft cotton into the vagina to soften the tissues. In Africa, a similar method is practised using herbs, combined with a vaginal stretching technique. They make a bundle of herbs and insert it into the vagina. The bundle size is increased as term approaches. (The herbs are sometimes wrapped in muslin). I have combined both methods and since introducing it to the programme, the incidence of vaginal tears in my mothers has dropped to less than 4 per cent.

       Perineal stretching in pregnancy

      This procedure is to be practised daily after 36 weeks – DO NOT DO IT BEFORE THEN. It is a very important part of the programme because it reaches the parts deep muscle relaxation cannot sometimes reach. Even if our limbs are limp, the vaginal muscles can remain tense – generations of tucking in our tails, pulling in our tummies, riding, dancing and walking have meant our vaginal muscles have evolved to be tight.

       What it can do for you

       Create more space in the vagina for the delivery of the baby’s head

       Reduce the second stage of labour (i.e. the pushing stage)

       Reduce the incidence of vaginal and perineal tears

       Reduce pain in the vagina and perineum during birth as the baby’s head is born

       Reduce the sting or burning sensation of the crowning stage

       Maximize the elasticity of the lower vaginal muscles and tissues

       Soften the tissues around your vagina thereby reducing pressure effects of your baby’s