Ohana Counseling & Hypnobirthing

‘This is how we do it!’ I was lucky enough to do a home visit with Lindsey and Olivia, and hear how they rocked their birth! I love Lindsey’s birth story (posted earlier); it’s an amazing example of an empowered birth, of what it’s like to have a informed supportive partner, and of how to handle the unexpected, without losing sight of what’s important. I had so much fun hanging out, laughing and getting lots of snuggles during our home visit! Olivia was the perfect host and Lindsey, I so appreciate your humour and candidness, not only during our home visit but during the HypnoBirthing group as well. If you’re expecting and like Lindsey, want to learn empowering tools for birth (for you And your partner), email [email protected] I have a new group starting January 7th, with limited spots available, register today to hold your spot!

Style, grace, supportive, this group was so much fun to work with! Although it’s sad to say farewell to my couples, it brings some solace knowing we have the opportunity to meet up again and that I’ll be starting up a new group next month, my last HypnoBirthing group of the year. My groups are kept intentionally kept small so we can get to know each other, create a supportive safe environment, have lots of times for questions and to review techniques. This group is for expected moms and couples looking for information not just on what is birth and how does it work, but how can they can move through birth with more calm and confidence. How can they learn to breathe through surges and transform their experience? How can their partner be involved in a supportive and helpful way? We go over all of this and more in this five week class. I’m looking forward to starting soon. Limited spots available; registrations can be sent to [email protected].

Tell a friend! The prenatal HypnoMothering workshop is coming up this Saturday and registration will be closing shortly. I love teaching this workshop because it offers tools that can make a big difference and can be learned quickly. Help spread the word to those you think will benefit from gaining tools to help with the challenging times of being a new mom, where they can access nonjudgmental support and tips on enhancing bonding, with 8 recordings and handouts they can use in real time to help with things like anxiety, stress and lack of sleep. Questions and/or registrations can be emailed to [email protected]. Mahalo and I wish you a wonderful upcoming weekend!

One of my favourite things to do, post HypnoBirthing groups, was to visit with the new family after the birth! Covid put a stop to that, but I’m so happy to have restarted them. I recently got to see Eve and baby Rose is person! Snuggles with babies and a check-in with my amazing mom/new parents, are the best, thank you for letting me visit Eve! Interested in rocking and working through your birth with confidence and tools? I have one last HypnoBirthing group before the end of the year, starting next month.  Spots are limited, register today at [email protected] or ohanatherapy.com. Mahalo! affirmations

Labour Day, what a great day to share one of my client’s labour stories and my upcoming HypnoBirthing Group! Eve’s birth story is an awesome example of why it’s helpful to have many different techniques at your fingertips and how conditioning can be tremendously helpful! Please read her awesome birth story below and anyone interested in registering for the upcoming group can do so by emailing [email protected]. Mahalo! Eve’s Birth Story: Hypnobirthing absolutely saved my life. At 4 cm I was struggling incredibly - couldn’t even breathe properly through the contractions even with the breathing techniques I’d been practicing. Turns out it was largely to do with fear, because I started to play the hypnobirthing affirmations and if calmed me down so much. Mum [who’s seen many births as a midwife] couldn’t even tell if I was having a contraction because I had my eyes closed and was just breathing calmly through it all. She was amazed at how my mindset just changed instantly. She said it was like someone flipped a switch. Genuinely don’t know if my home birth would have been a possibility in the end if it weren’t for your amazing hypnobirthing course.

Thank you so much for everything. Eve

Can HypnoBirthing help with an unexpected C-section? Absolutelty! Hear first hand from Lindsey how they were able to have a calm, empowered and positive birthing experience, even when it didn’t go according to “plan”. If you’re interested in learning techniques, gaining insight and support for your upcoming birth, there are only two HypnoBirthing groups left before the New Year with the September group only weeks away from starting! Email [email protected] to register and read Lindsey’s birth story below to learn more how HB helped them with their birth.

Lindsey's Full Birth Story:
Hi Monica!
I thought I would let you know that I gave birth to our daughter Olivia on June 21 (at 42+1 weeks pregnant), and she is a very happy and healthy little girl. 3300 g and 54 cm long (apparently she is a long baby!) I ended up going all the way to 42 weeks pregnant and needed to be induced after trying all the things we and the midwife could think of to encourage Olivia to come on her own… I did eventually need… an emergency c-section.
While it was not the natural birth I had prepared and planned for, I felt like the Hypnobirthing course helped me to remain calm and patient through the last few weeks of my pregnancy, and calmly accept the way my birth and delivery unfolded. Throughout every check and procedure I was able to use the breathing techniques we learned to manage any discomfort I was experiencing (I wouldn’t say anything was really painful, but I experienced a lot of the procedures like cervical checks, sweeps, and the catheters as uncomfortable pressure), and the nurses and doctors kept telling me how tough I was which I found interesting as tough is not how I have ever described myself previously. I also was able to breath through most of the early labour contractions both natural (that I wasn’t feeling at all but were definitely showing up on the monitors) and Pitocin induced. Eventually I did need an epidural to cope with the back labour that was brought on by the Pitocin but my midwife had told me that I might need one, and in fact she encouraged me to not feel bad about taking an epidural despite preparing to have an unmedicated birth because as she said, I was clearly no longer having an unmedicated birth and she didn’t want me to exhaust myself. When Olivia started to show signs of distress I was again able to remain calm, listen to the doctors and their options and advice, consult my midwife and make informed decisions with Kaesy abo…next steps. And when it was decided (by me and moments later by my OB) that it was no longer wise to wait to have a c-section, again I was able to remain calm and focus on deep controlled breathing in order to give Olivia all the oxygen she needed while we were prepped for surgery. It turns out that Olivia was wrapped in the umbilical cord once around her torso and once fairly tightly around her neck, but once unwrapped she was totally fine and born a very healthy baby so all is well that ends well....I’m really glad that we took the hypnobirthing course. Both Kaesy and I felt well informed and prepared for birth, and were able to utilize a lot of the advice and strategies we learned during the course to clearly communicate our birth preferences, create a calm and positive environment in the delivery suite, and keep our heads when things started to get a bit frantic so that we could make informed decisions that we felt good about. … am proud of myself and Kaes and how we were able to handle how things unfolded ❤️. I had a great, calm pregnancy, and I really do feel like taking the course so early on in my pregnancy was super helpful. I felt like I had a much better understanding of what childbirth entails, and that again just helped Kaes and I to feel calm and prepared and not fearful about any of the ways that things could potentially go…. Thank you for your support throughout my pregnancy…!
Lindsey

Why do I love teaching after so many years? Because I get to work with amazing couples like these! I’m so excited for my new summer graduates and for their upcoming births! I have a couple new birth stories I’ll be sharing next month and my new fall group starts on September 11th. There will only be two more groups taught in 2024, so if you’re expecting before the end of the year, the September group would be your best bet. My October group could be for anyone expecting the end of December or later. Registrations can be sent to [email protected]!

Happy National Indigenous Day! Educate, grow, and support! How? Well one way is by purchasing Eagle Wings Flapping by Shelley & Moses Spear Chief! This beautifully illustrated book not only tells stories to engage, but teaches evidence based techniques to help regulate and manage emotions. Added bonus? They’re amazing people who do so much good in the world, and within their community. I’m happy to support them and urge you to as well! https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/eagle-wings-flapping-beaver-learns-to-manage-big-emotions/9780228876809.html?s_campaign=goo-PMaxSmartShop_Books_BOTY_EN&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv9Tjh6rthgMVXBOtBh3etgiWEAQYASABEgLR9_D_BwE

Last Chance to Register for the Summer HypnoBirthing group! Registration ends June 12th at 12 p.m.!

Do we take time to enjoy our existence or do we work hard to (unconsciously) justify our existence? Check out this thought provoking clip with Dr.Mate & .Cjatterjee https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5WNwseNL1u/?igsh=aWY4ZXR4enNwZHk1 One of the beautiful things about clinical hypnosis? We can tap into what drives and motivates us, to address the unconscious and if needed our childhood, so we’re operating from a healthy, fulfilling compassionate place. What drives you and when can you slow down, reflect, appreciate and be with the things most precious to you?

My daughter came into my room, frustrated she couldn’t sleep. After we talked, I slowly walked her to the door, feeling helpful and hopeful she would go back to sleep. Then, my cat suddenly jumped onto my dresser, fell and pulled everything down with him, breaking some China that was gifted to me. Looking at my broken China and this link from Brené Brown, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6gXGBEpaSx/?igsh=MWkydDU3aHhhYmN1Ng== it got me thinking. Sometimes things seem to be going well, then out of nowhere something breaks, life happens. Sometimes it’s easy to repair, sometimes it’s not and sometimes it’s in many pieces and it takes time to repair, and once it is, it doesn’t always look the same. We can continue to feel broken and can look to others to dictate how we should look. It’s okay to care, to grieve the things that are lost, the things that will be no more, that’s healthy. To be bound by someone elses expectations of how you or life is supposed to look or how we should or shouldn’t feel or be, well, that can make life even more challenging and slows down progress. Repair isn’t always possible and the process can be slow and hard. Know that you’re not alone, you are precious and worthy because you are, not because you do or fit into somebody else’s mould. There are professionals, like myself, who want to help, to be with you in the difficulty, when things feel broken beyond repair, to help you work towards accepting and recognizing your inherent worth, not because of what I /others think you should be, or because of what you’ve done or haven’t done, but because of who you Are. There is beauty, hardship, trauma and joy; there is hope, and things can get better; we can grieve, process, decide what to repair and be something new and beautiful. Thank you for your incredible words of wisdom, and for being there, being authentic and inviting people to embrace all of themselves and what they deserve!

I just finished teaching another group of amazing couples. I shared with them why after 13 years I still love teaching, it’s not just about the techniques, the visualizations and learning how to relax deeply for birth, but about being empowered, learning how to flow and be flexible, to be supported, yet capable all on your own, even though you don’t have to, you have support, and can cultivate a community. I’m blessed to be a part of this community, to work with these lovely couples and to inspire and empower them to learn techniques for birth and life. Are you pregnant or know anyone who is? I’ll soon be starting my last summer group, before taking a break and resuming in the fall. Those interest can email me at [email protected] Mahalo!

I just finished teaching another group, with more amazing couples and was sharing why after nearly 13 years, I still love teaching! The course isn’t just about learning breathing techniques and visualizations, or learning how to relax before and during birth, it’s about adjusting your mindset, seeing what you’re capable of, being realistic, while learning how to be flexible, being empowered, yet being supported, knowing that our bodies are amazing and beautiful, and we can do so much more than we know is possible. Pregnant or know someone who is? I have my upcoming summer group starting soon, this will be the last course before the fall, so don’t miss out, registration closing soon. Interested? Please email [email protected]. Mahalo and May you be covered with sunshine, and learn how to bring out your inner Sun when the days are gray and the wind blows, may you know how precious and amazing you are! Much Mahalo!

“Thanks Monica. And thanks for teaching us the ways again! You’re awesome! Absolutely so so helpful and something I will always use. We had an 8 hour birth in total and I was in the zone the whole time! Our baby was over 9 pounds and we got our vbac at home in the water!!… 💜 Erin”

I so appreciate the generosity of my couples who share their birth stories, whether it’s private or here, whether it was a belly birth/C-section, one that they had to really work through, or one where the baby floated out into this world; all moms deserve to be proud! Thank you Erin for allowing me to share your kind words, loved working with you both again, and I really look forward to working with a new group of couples tomorrow! Above I also included a picture of my last group, two couples are missing because they had their babies before we finished. We even got a sneak peek of one in the last group, love it, and I loved working with them too! :-)

I start a new group tomorrow, registration will be closing very soon. If you’re expecting and want some tools and perhaps even a story like Erin’s, please email [email protected]. Mahalo!

I’m re-sharing one of my favourite interviews with a HypnoBirthing couple I had so much fun working with! https://www.instagram.com/tv/CBoJh1BgdRV/?igsh=N3JqcmY0aGtocGY3 Sometimes moms and couples wonder, can this even work for me, will it actually be helpful? Although everyone has their own unique birth experience and talents, and we can’t guarantee what birth will look like, there are so many tools taught in the course, that I always hear it’s helpful in some way. Pato and Julian did amazing with the tools and Pato was able to have a beautiful and empowering birth, despite not finishing the last class! :-) Hear this gorgeous couple’s experience in their own words. Are you pregnant/know someone who is and could benefit from taking a supportive course that educates, teaches skills and techniques, And addresses the psychological and emotional aspect of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? I have a HypnoBirthing group starting up this Tuesday and registration is closing soon. There will only be one more group offered before the fall. Registrations can be sent to [email protected]. Mahalo and I wish you all a blessed day!

My spring Hypnobirthing group will be closing soon. If you, or you know someone who’s expecting, please share this post. Why do I still love teaching, after 11 years? Because I get to teach my moms and couples techniques that help them navigate not just their birth, but challenges and surprises in life as well. I get to teach how to be informed, how to regulate your nervous system, how to use self hypnosis to help you with various situations, including birth of course. I hope to empower and inspire my couples and moms, to lead with self compassion, and the reality that birth cannot be planned to T; we do not know exactly what our birth will look like, but we can learn techniques to help us navigate our birth, questions to ask so that we know our options, and people to lean on for support. All those interested in registering can email me and [email protected]. And as a added bonuses to this awesome course, your insurance may likely cover the cost!

It makes me smile, looking at these wonderful couples. I really had such an amazing time working with them! And as one of my moms recently shared with me, “I’m sad the group is over”, “me too” I said!

In my HypnoBirthing groups, it’s not just about the techniques, the hypnosis, or education they learn, it’s also really about the connections we make, the strengths each person is able to find within, and the support they find from each other. Relationships are made, and a fun, supportive group is birthed. Without fail, at the end of six weeks, I always have a little pain in my heart, when I have to say bye to my couples.

I’m also excited for them and their inner superpower they just learned, self-hypnosis not only for birth, but life as well. I also get to work more with some moms who take my HypnoMothering workshop, which is packed with skills and techniques, support, information and recordings to help moms through postpartum. Techniques can be used on the spot and quickly; we look at bonding and working with the “noise” that can sometimes happen from others, as well as our own inner voice, sometimes questioning and doubting.I recommend this workshop for all moms-to-be (having taken HypnoBirthing is not a prerequisite). I have a workshop starting tomorrow afternoon and am still accepting registrations.

My last HypnoBirthing group starts this coming Wednesday, November 15th. I welcome all those who are interested; inquiries and registrations can be sent to [email protected]. Mahalo and Aloha Friday!