California’s SB 848: Empowering Women After Reproductive Loss

January 2024

In a landmark decision that sets a new standard in women’s reproductive health rights, California has implemented Senate Bill 848 starting January 1, 2024. This groundbreaking law mandates businesses with a minimum of five employees to provide up to five days of unpaid leave for women who have suffered a reproductive loss. This includes miscarriages, stillbirths, unsuccessful adoptions, or failed assisted reproduction attempts. Recognizing the intense emotional and physical trauma these events can cause, this legislation aims to bring such experiences from the shadows of silence into a space of healing and acknowledgment.

The Hidden Grief of Reproductive Loss

Reproductive loss, a subject often enshrouded in stigma, impacts up to 20% of known pregnancies, with actual figures potentially higher. Many women suffer early miscarriages before pregnancy confirmation. This startling statistic unveils a world of concealed sorrow where feelings of anxiety and depression prevail. Beyond miscarriages, stillbirths, and unsuccessful fertility treatments are losses. These profound losses have historically lacked societal recognition and support. Senate Bill 848 marks a pivotal shift in this narrative, offering much-needed acknowledgment and support through its leave provisions.

The Evolution of Perinatal Loss Awareness

Historically, perinatal loss, particularly in cases like early miscarriages or failed fertility treatments, was often overlooked and unacknowledged. This societal oversight compounded the grief and isolation felt by those experiencing such losses. For instance, in my hypnobirthing classes, I’ve witnessed couples grappling silently with their grief. Often, the clue they leave of loss is withdrawing into isolation due to feelings of shame and self-blame. Senate Bill 848 challenges historically indifferent attitudes by encouraging women to use leave for self-care and support.

Healing Through Time and Support After Reproductive Loss

SB 848 recognizes the fundamental need for time and space to heal after reproductive loss. The law validates these experiences by granting designated leave. This fosters an environment conducive to open dialogue and reducing societal stigma for perinatal loss.

Creating a Compassionate Workplace

A crucial aspect of SB 848 is its protection against discrimination or retaliation for employees availing reproductive loss leave. This fosters a supportive workplace environment, ensuring women can take the necessary time for healing without career-related fears. While the provision of five days may not be sufficient for all, it establishes an essential precedent for recognizing the impact of reproductive loss.

California Leading Reproductive Health Initiatives

With SB 848, California positions itself at the forefront of addressing and recognizing the challenges faced by women following reproductive loss. Most importantly, this policy is more than legislation; it symbolizes solidarity and understanding in reproductive healthcare, normalizing and validating pregnancy loss as a significant life event. Prior to the 1970’s women suffering perinatal loss were sent home to grapple with their grief alone. Providing women with support after loss is being recognized as important to their overall recovery and mental health.

Empowering Women and Families After Perinatal Loss

This groundbreaking legislation empowers women and families to take the time they need to process and heal from reproductive loss; it acknowledges the unique and often underrepresented challenges they face, offering a framework for support and understanding. I dream of a nation that supports women’s reproductive rights. California is setting a precedent for other states to follow, leading the way in changing how reproductive loss is approached and supported.

The Role of Bereavement Doulas

Legislation like SB 848 lays the groundwork for support, but the healing journey often necessitates a more personal approach, exemplified by the role of bereavement doulas. These professionals specialize in providing emotional, physical, and informational support during miscarriages, stillbirths, neonatal deaths, or other forms of baby loss. They offer a compassionate presence during these challenging times.

Emotional Support
Bereavement doulas provide a safe space for parents to express their grief and emotions, validating their feelings and assisting in processing the loss meaningfully.
Physical Support
They also offer guidance on medical procedures and physical recovery after loss, providing comfort and reassurance.
Informational Support
Bereavement doulas are critical in helping families navigate medical and legal processes associated with reproductive loss, connecting them with resources like counseling services or support groups.

Partner Support and Community Connection

Bereavement doulas also focus on the often-overlooked grief of partners, offering them a space for expression and emotional support. They connect grieving parents with a community of others who have experienced similar losses, fostering a shared sense of healing and understanding.

Educating and Advocating Through Reproductive Loss

Beyond direct family support, bereavement doulas educate healthcare providers and communities about the needs of families experiencing reproductive loss. They advocate for compassionate care and raise awareness about the profound impact of these losses.

Senate Bill 848 and the role of bereavement doulas together create a holistic support system for individuals and families experiencing reproductive loss. This legislation, coupled with the empathetic care of bereavement doulas, honors and facilitates the healing process, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and comprehensive support in reproductive health care. Many resources are available in Placer County to assist you with your grief processing. Placer Birth Connection offers a resource page of professionals to support you in healing or call our office to get connected.

The Power of Mindset in Hypnobirthing

August 2024

From the moment you find out you’re pregnant, your mind starts racing with thoughts, questions, and daydreams about the birth experience ahead of you. Will labor be painful? Scary? Unpredictable? Or can you make it a calmer, more empowered experience by focusing your mindset?

You’ve heard about others who have done it, but how? Can you do it, too?

That’s where the power of hypnobirthing comes in. Hypnobirthing is a childbirth education course that provides parents with basic childbirth education and promotes deep relaxation and positive thinking for a more effortless, more comfortable birthing experience. More than just a set of tools for managing pain, hypnobirthing is a shift in mindset – letting go of fears, misconceptions, and cultural stories about the agony of labor.

The key is approaching birth with an open, focused, and trusting mindset. Here are some mindset principles and tips to help you tap into the power of hypnobirthing:

Let Go of Expectations

Labor and birth often don’t go as “planned.” When you release rigid expectations and go with the flow, you avoid frustration and stay centered. Affirm that your body knows exactly what to do. Allow things to unfold in their time and way.

Trust Your Body’s Abilities

Women’s bodies are innately designed to give birth. Fear diminishes when you reject notions that birth has to be a struggle and instead see it as a natural process your body knows how to do. Have faith in your strength. Visualize your baby moving through your body with ease.

Focus Your Mind

Where focus goes, energy flows. Keep centered on your vision of a positive birth rather than getting distracted by pain or tension. Use hypnobirthing tools like breathing, meditation, and mantras to stay relaxed and inwardly focused through each surge.

Visualize the Experience

Your mind processes vivid imagery as real experiences. Visualize scenes of labor progressing smoothly, your baby emerging peacefully, and you staying calm and in control. See yourself smiling afterward, empowered by the experience. Placer Birth Connection.

Affirm Your Capabilities

Affirmations repetition conditions your mind. Tell yourself regularly: “My body is made to do this,” “Each surge brings me closer to meeting my baby,” and “I am strong, calm, and confident.” Feel the emotions behind the words. Emotion is KEY to the effectiveness of your affirmations.

Let Positivity Flow

Anxiety and negativity tighten the body and impact birth progression. When stressful thoughts creep in, consciously relax them away and redirect your mind to something positive – a calming image, a favorite song, or a favorite image of a person, place, or animal. Many women report picturing their pet dog, or cat helped them relax.

Stay Present

Rather than projecting ahead, focus on the current moment during labor. Mindfully breathe and soften into each sensation, wave by gentle wave. This builds confidence and rhythm.

With preparation and practice, you can cultivate a relaxed yet focused mindset for your hypnobirthing experience. This is one of the reasons we ask you to enroll in your HypnoBirthing course at around week 20. We have both on-line and blended options for ease of learning hypnobirthing techniques. This gives you adequate time to practice. You learn why this practice or repetition of your new skills is so important during your hypnobirthing class.

When Birth Doesn’t Go As Planned

Of course, birth may veer from your ideal vision. I always tell my students, “Babies will be born how and when they need to be born.” If things begin to go away from what you mentally rehearsed, you double down on mindset tools to steer it back on course rather than losing your center or giving away power.

Here’s how an empowering mindset continues benefiting women during the unpredictability of birth:

“I had visualized an easy labor. When surges became intense, I focused on breathing calmly through each peak. My midwife’s reminders to relax my jaw and envision opening up helped tremendously. We got back on track.” – Jessica.

“Early labor was stop and start. I reminded myself this was normal and felt confident my baby would come when ready. Distractions like walking, baths, and music kept me relaxed. Once active labor kicked in, I felt I could handle strong but productive surges.” – Alicia.

“Labor wasn’t progressing, and I had to get an epidural. I was initially disappointed but kept an open mindset. I still used my hypnobirthing tools to stay peaceful and connected to my body, which was so empowering. My baby’s birth was beautiful.” – Rhea.

Mind over matter is powerful, mamas! With preparation and intention, you can achieve the empowered, comfortable birth of your vision. Trust in your body’s abilities, visualize the experience you desire, and mindfully direct your focus where you want it to go. The power of mindset is at your fingertips. Enroll in a Sacramento HypnoBirthing class now to learn how to manage your mind. We hold our classes in Roseville, CA, both on-line through Zoom classes and in person at our Holistic Light House center downtown. And remember -You’ve got this!

FAQ: The Power of Mindset in Hypnobirthing

1. What exactly is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that uses self-hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and positive affirmations to help women have a calm, natural, and empowered birthing experience. It emphasizes the importance of mindset, assisting pregnant women to release fears and build confidence in their body’s natural ability to give birth.

2. How does mindset play a role in childbirth?

How a woman perceives and mentally prepares for childbirth can significantly influence her experience. A positive mindset can help manage pain, reduce fear, and create a serene birthing environment. Embracing key principles, such as letting go of rigid expectations and trusting the body, can make the birth process smoother and more empowering.

3. Is hypnobirthing only for those who want a natural birth?

While hypnobirthing is popular among those seeking a natural birth, its techniques, and principles can benefit anyone, regardless of their birth plan. Whether you’re considering a home birth, hospital birth, or even a planned C-section, the relaxation, breathing techniques, and mindset strategies of hypnobirthing can help enhance the experience.

4. How do I start with meditation and visualization for birth?

Begin by finding a quiet space where you can relax. Focus on deep breathing, inhaling positivity, and exhaling fears or anxieties. Visualize your ideal birth, imagining every detail, from the environment to your emotions. Over time, this practice can help anchor positive expectations and reduce fear or anxiety.

5. Can hypnobirthing techniques be combined with other birthing methods or pain relief options?

Absolutely! Hypnobirthing is all about empowering the mother to make the right choices for her. Some women combine hypnobirthing with other pain relief methods, such as epidurals or nitrous oxide, while others may incorporate techniques from different childbirth philosophies. It’s all about what makes you feel most comfortable and empowered.

6. Are there certified hypnobirthing courses or professionals?

Yes, there are certified hypnobirthing instructors and courses available worldwide. These professionals undergo specific training to equip expecting mothers with the tools and knowledge needed for a hypnobirthing experience. Doing thorough research and choosing a reputable course or instructor is always recommended.

7. Is there any scientific backing for hypnobirthing?

Several studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that hypnobirthing can reduce fear, anxiety, and even the perception of pain during childbirth. By tapping into the body’s natural relaxation response, hypnobirthing may reduce the need for medical interventions and result in a more positive birth experience. However, like all childbirth methods, what works best will vary from person to person.

8. How does a positive birthing environment affect the baby?

A serene and calm birthing environment can gently welcome the baby. Babies born in such environments are often observed to be more relaxed, cry less, and latch on to breastfeeding more easily. The reduced stress hormones in both the mother and baby can contribute to a smoother transition to the world outside the womb.

9. Can partners be involved in the hypnobirthing process?

Absolutely! Partners can play a crucial role in the hypnobirthing experience. They can learn the techniques and exercises to support and reassure the birthing mother, helping create a peaceful environment and providing encouragement.

10. I’ve had a traumatic previous birth experience. Can hypnobirthing help me?

Many women turn to hypnobirthing after a challenging or traumatic birth experience. The techniques focus on releasing past traumas, rebuilding trust in one’s body, and cultivating a positive mindset for the upcoming birth. It can be a healing and empowering method for those seeking a different birth experience the next time.

Remember, every birth is unique, and the right approach is the one that resonates most with you. Always consult with healthcare professionals and trusted sources when making decisions related to childbirth.

What Is The Gold Seal in HypnoBirthing?

April 2021

Another voicemail. A concerned and panicked momma.

She took a class called, “Hypnobirthing” from a center that offered lots of birth-related classes. However, after all the classes are done, she has questions about what she learned.

As her story unfolds disappointment and sadness fill my heart. It is evident she thought she enrolled in a HypnoBirthing the Mongan Way, birthing hypnosis class, but she hadn’t. The class was advertised that way. They used the book HypnoBirthing the Mongan Way

However, the instructor was not certified in HypnoBirthing. She was a mom who experienced the gentleness of a HypnoBirth and wanted other moms to have the fantastic birthing experience she received.

Excitement, appreciation, and a positive birthing experience can not replace the knowledge and training required to receive certification as a HypnoBirthing instructor. Yes, it is true, many moms go on to train as a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator after they have experienced their own HypnoBirthing. But just using the skills and reading the book does not qualify a person to call themselves a HypnoBirthing instructor.

I have over 700 hours of training in hypnosis. Add an additional 60 hours of training in HypnoBirthing to be able to teach HypnoBirthing. Then, add childbirth education classes at the instructor level.

Sadly, after a successful hypnobirth, many women think they are qualified to teach other women. It comes from a well-meaning place. And as this momma and a few dozen other moms who have turned to me after taking a class from a non-certified instructor have found out, certification makes a difference.

Would you take your car to a certified mechanic to have the engine tuned or to someone who tuned their own car once and now wants to share with you how to do tune an engine? It is best to take your car to a certified specialist who is manufacturer trained. They know nuances about the engine your hobby mechanic may miss because they lack the factory training.

How Do You Know a Certified HypnoBirthing Instructor?

Look for the Gold Seal on their website. The gold HypnoBirthing emblem is a sign of both credibility and professionalism for Educators internationally. This emblem is only given to those Educators who have pushed themselves to successfully complete the extensive HypnoBirthing certification classes and training. And just to make sure someone is being totally honest, and didn’t just pin the Gold Seal to their site, check the HypnoBirthing Institute site. It has an up-to-date listing of all instructors internationally.

As a student of a Certified HypnoBirthing Educator, you will receive, included in your tuition, your book, a workbook, and a download keycard to access your MP3s. You will also receive additional branded handouts during/following each class.

Educators have a uniform curriculum we follow. It is updated frequently with the latest evidence-based information from birthing science, brain science, and follows adult learning theory to make sure you receive the latest information and best instructional practices.

Yes, I did work with this mom. We filled in the gaps. She felt confident and ready to use her HypnoBirthing tools.