Adopting the Wise Hippo habit
One of the things I love most about being a Wise Hippo is how diverse a group we are. I've said it before and I'll say it again - the #WiseHippo programme really is adaptable to suit anyone. It doesn't matter what type of person you are, you'll find a #WiseHippo teacher you can really connect with.
How do I know? Well, there's plenty of choice! In Essex there's the self-confessed 'Bert and Ernie' of birth, Doula Steph & Doula Lauren of Conscious Birth. Perfect if you want to bring a bit of comedy to your birth (often inappropriate, and sometimes with a bit of light swearing thrown in). In Scotland you can find softly spoken, gentle & kind Alison Tate of Back to Birth. She brings her calming & relaxing spirituality to the programme, as well as 14 yrs experience of working as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS. And of course there are midwives in our ranks too, like Louise Balm of Birth Balm. Louise has 12 years midwifery experience under her belt, and now she (and all our other #WiseHippo midwives) share their knowledge and experience with all the Hippos. And thats only 4 of the 128 of us (without even mentioning our very own unique and inspirational Dany Griffiths & Tamara Cianfini)
So what type of #WiseHippo am I? Well, I come from an altogether more corporate background, having spent 15 years marketing some of the most recognisable brands in the UK. Although there isn't an immediately obvious correlation between that life and teaching a #birthpreparation programme, I'm constantly surprised at how often I recognise principles and techniques in The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme from my career. Take this article from the Fast Company, about how to trick your brain into adopting new habits. In it's own words the Fast Company is 'the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethonomics (ethical economics), leadership, and design'. Not obviously a source to reinforce the principles of #hypnobirthing. And yet, guess what? The 3 techniques they recommend to help you adopt new habits are exactly what we teach in #thewisehippo
1) Create cues so your brain can work on autopilot. Or anchors, as we call them in #thewisehippo Birthing Programme. The technique is to help your brain associate words, actions & emotions quickly and reliably.
2) Avoid bad habit triggers. This is a #wisehippo favourite! It's common for people (friends, colleagues, strangers) to tell pregnant women birth horror stories, often embellished and narrated with glee. It's an odd thing to do. #thewisehippo teaches how you how to use a 'Cloak of Protection' to help keep up your #wisehippo habit
3) Set a reward and keep it in mind. What better reward than experiencing a 'Good Birth' for your baby, your partner and you? The Wise Hippo helps you set realistic expectations for your birth, and prepares you to have the right birth on the day. And as well as the regular #wisehippo practise, you have the benefit of a growing belly to help you keep your reward in mind!
With all that in mind, it goes without saying that if you're pregnant you really might want to consider The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme! I'll be running a taster session in Sevenoaks in October 2014, so check back soon to find out when and where, or email me now and I'll send you details nearer the time.
