Class 1

Where is the Pain Coming from in Labour

Have you every wondered where the pain, pressure and intensity of contractions and labour comes from?

The more you understand your body, and what it is doing, the easier it is to work with the intensity of labour.

Class 2

Stress and Allostatic Load

Allostatic load is the cumulative “wear and tear” on the body from chronic stress. It represents the long-term physiological cost to the brain and body, working to adapt to repeated or prolonged stress.

In the context of birth, we can work to prime your body for calm and to respond appropriately in peak performance as opposed to exaggerated biological stress conditioning experienced in modern life.

Class 3

Gateway Pain Theory

‘The Gateway Pain Theory’ proposes that pain signals travelling to the brain are modulated by a ‘gating’ mechanism in the spinal cord, where non-painful touch signals can block or reduce pain signals.

Learn why this is so effective for working with the intensity of labour.

Class 4

4 Rings of Pain

Four rings of pain creates a framework in your mind around progress and breakthrough. Everything you feel is communication from your baby and your body. The pain is the messenger and your connection to your baby in labour.

Class 5

Perceptions of Pain

Pain perception is the brain’s complex subjective interpretation. This creates a varied experience influenced by personality, psychology, mood, beliefs, culture, relationships, environment, preparation and context, not just the intensity of the physical experience itself.

It is the individual’s perception that determines the final feeling, which can differ greatly even with the same stimulus. This is why labour can feel so different for every woman.

Class 6

Factors Increasing and Decreasing Intensity in Birth

Factors influencing intensity and opening your mind to what you can control in your birth. This will have a direct impact on how you feel intensity, emotion and pain in labour.