Soften and Open 250gsm A3 Print

A thick 250gsm poster print to use as a teaching tool for hypnobirthing explaining the physiology of softening and opening in early and active labour. Will be sent rolled in a tube.

I know that the 'fundus' (top of the womb) as a term isn't usually used about in hypnobirthing - but it's what helped me to understand what was going on with the cervix and contractions. So I like to talk about it!

Before I learnt about 'building the fundus', I felt confused why it was so much work for the body to just 'open a hole'!

Once I learnt that the hole is created by the womb muscles squeezing to draw themselves up, which builds the muscles at the fundus (power to push later!), and it's because the muscles have moved to the top that the 'hole' is created - everything seemed clearer.

And then I understood what surges had to do with cervical dilation and effacement. Which is hugely important, because once we understand the ancient wisdom of our bodies in birth, then it can help make surges less scary and more welcome.

These soften and open digital download hypnobirthing handouts represent some of what is happening in the womb during surges (contractions) and would be a great tool for remembering the hard work your body is doing in labour - and how the sensations in your womb are safe and productive.

"We think in pictures and we should be painting accurate pictures. The cervix nor the vagina bloom. The cervix is not a zip lock bag. The purpose of labor is NOT the creation of an opening or a hole... The purpose of labor contractions and retractions is to BUILD the fundus, which will, when it is ready, EJECT the baby, like a piston. Without a nice thick fundus there is no power to get baby out....the cervix does not dilate out....it dilates UP as a result of the effort to pull muscles up into the uterus to push muscles up to the fundus." - Carla Hartley, midwifery educator

I try to use non-medical language in my pictures where I can. I like to use womb instead of uterus, that kind of thing. I've done a mix here. I decided not to include cm measurements of dilation, because we don't really need to know what measurement dilated we are.

Order today to enjoy free delivery on everything. Plus, a 10% loyalty discount when you order over £30. Please see delivery information for shipping options to UK and visit my Etsy shop to order internationally. Also available as a colouring poster and digital download to print and share with clients.

COPYRIGHT
This poster is copyright Hannah Thomas of Womb to World Art and may not be reproduced.