A SoundBirth is when a woman’s contractions are accompanied by the resonant sound of a crystal singing bowl giving her ‘permission’ to use her voice in a focused and inhibited way allowing any pain to subside and power to rise.
SoundBirth was created by Nicole Lloyd a year after the birth of her 3rd baby. Nicole gave birth to all her children at home, but during the 3rd labour whilst she was labouring in her bedroom, her mother started to play one of her crystal singing bowls. Nicole started to vocalise with the sound of the bowl which helped her feel relief from the painful contractions she was experiencing. Nicole explained that she couldn’t believe the difference in pain levels and confidence she had throughout this labour in comparison to her previous two births.
SoundBirth supports pregnant women to feel confident about using their voice before the birth so she can use it as a powerful and supporting tool throughout her labour and beyond.
Giving yourself permission to make noise during labour is important. By moaning, groaning, roaring etc it will assist you with pain relief, relaxing, opening the cervix and even helps to keep a woman in ‘the zone’. By making noises you help yourself by working with and through your contractions, rather than fighting against them.
By implementing SoundBirth into your birth plan it could have a number of different benefits to a woman in labour, some of which include:
– Reduces anxiety.
– Help act as a natural source of pain relief.
– Reduces the need for drugs.
– Reports of overall positive labour and birth experiences.
– Gives the courage to make noise.
– Helps a women get in ‘the zone’.
– Gives her supporting person a role to play.
– Leaves you feeling empowered and strong!
It’s been known that unfortunately some midwives can be quite judgemental in the birth space. They tell you to make less noise, asking you whether it is necessary and telling you to just breathe through the contractions to conserve your energy. I’ve also spoken to a few different mothers who have been told to “shut up” by midwives. It’s important to know that you are allowed to and should be encouraged to make as much noise as you need. Your birth should be everything you want, and your decisions should be supported by everyone present within the labouring space.
You should invite positive support people into your labour space, and they need to be made aware the benefits of noise. Making noise, groaning, moaning etc. will assist you to let go of tension and stop you fighting contractions.
There should be no shame in making noise, no matter how that noise is being made (singing, laughing, moaning, humming, roaring).
By having a crystal singing bowl in the labouring room it will help to draw your attention to the sound and vibrations being sent, rather than focusing on the pain of the contractions. The sound will be a reminder and help to encourage you to make sound and match the pitch the bowl is making.
By making sound, you are exhaling 3 times longer than if you were to deep breathe.
By relaxing and allowing yourself to make noise by doing things such as, toning and humming for around 10 minutes it will help to release all the good birthing hormones like, oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin.
By requesting your support person to utilise the Crystal Singing Bowl in labour, it will help them to feel involved and a part of the birth process. Some of these ways include:
– It gives them an important and supportive role to play.
– By playing the crystal singing bowl it helps bring everyone in the room to be present in the moment.
– It will leave them with a positive birth experience knowing they played a role that helped you.
– They become attuned to your contractions and your rhythm, which leaves you feeling more connected to each other.
It is known that from 16 weeks in utero a baby can hear sounds, and throughout pregnancy a mother/ father/ partners will try to connect to their baby by talking, reading or singing. A baby spends its whole time in the womb listening to the mother’s heartbeat, her breathing and digestive system.
This all feels normal right?
So why isn’t SoundBirth more known about?
Implementing SoundBirth has so many proven positive outcomes, so what’s stopping you from learning more and trying it in your labour?
If there is anything more you would like to know about SoundBirth, I would love to be of assistance.
My name is Nadine Lloyd, and I am a qualified doula who has trained at the Doula Training Academy. If you would like more information about my doula services, then I would love to hear from you!
Phone:
0402 184 998
Email:
[email protected]
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