Today we’d like to introduce you to Janie Herron.
Janie, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My journey to teaching HypnoBirthing began before I got pregnant with my son. Before I got pregnant, I was terrified of giving birth. The idea that women had to deal with excruciating pain during labor and childbirth frustrated me and made me quite angry.
I’m a big planner, so I began to research birth. I started reading birth stories in which the mothers didn’t speak of the pain of childbirth, but rather, they talked about how empowering, strong, and amazing they felt when giving birth. After I read about these positive birth stories, I knew that was what I wanted. My husband and I took a HypnoBirthing childbirth class during my first pregnancy and it was marvelous. I learned more about the way my body was supposed to work during birth, how to relax in labor, and my husband learned how to actively support me in labor.
I had been planning a home birth with a midwife, but my son arrived 5 weeks early so I gave birth at the hospital. Despite the unexpected circumstances, I had a wonderful birth. I used the techniques I had learned in class to relax in labor. I was so relaxed that I even slept between surges (HypnoBirthing’s gentle word for contractions) until I was at 10 centimeters. Instead of utilizing forced pushing, I let my body do the work and I breathed my son out. After my birth, I was so exhilarated. I felt like a Rockstar and I immediately wanted to give birth again.
Because of my wonderful birth experience, I decided to start teaching HypnoBirthing. I want other parents to know that birth can be empowering, calm, and peaceful. A few weeks ago, I gave birth to my second child peacefully and quickly at home.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I teach HypnoBirthing childbirth education classes. In the classes, parents learn about how the body works during labor. HypnoBirthing teaches that when there is fear present in a laboring woman, that fear causes tension in the body, specifically in the uterus, and that tension results in pain. If we can eliminate the fear, we can eliminate the tension, and therefore greatly reduce the pain of birth. A large portion of the class is learning to deeply relax. We spend time practicing breathing, relaxation techniques, and self-hypnosis.
I teach HypnoBirthing because I am passionate about birth. I love educating parents, and teaching them about positive, instinctive birth. One of my favorite things about teaching is seeing the transformation in moms and their birth companions. Often times I will have a couple come in to the first class, and the mother is anxious or scared about birth. The dad comes in very guarded and skeptical about the class (often because of misconceptions about the ‘hypno’ part of class). By the last class the mother is glowing with excitement and confidence about her upcoming birth, and the father is committed and confident about supporting her. The often come to class telling stories of how they are teaching friends, family, and coworkers how great birth can be.
I want mothers to know that they don’t have to be terrified of birth. Birth doesn’t have to be miserable and excruciating. Women can feel great while they give birth. I want dads, or whoever the mother’s birth companion is, to know that they don’t have to sit awkwardly on the sidelines while the mother gives birth. They can be an integral part of the birth by supporting the mother. My hope is that I’m able to help parents connect with their babies and experience a calmer, more comfortable birth.
I am also a yoga instructor. I teach yoga because of the profound difference yoga has made in my life. Yoga was my main form of self-care after the birth of my son, and it helped me to connect with myself again. I think yoga can benefit everyone, so I love bringing the joy of yoga to others.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
When I teach a HypnoBirthing or yoga class, I feel successful because I love what I’m doing. I have a deep joy when I’m teaching because I am doing what I am passionate about. I feel good about the quality of the class I’m teaching, and the way I’m presenting it. It feels wonderful when my students talk with me about the difference the class is making in their lives. To me, success is about feeling good about the product I put out, and seeing that it makes a difference in other people’s lives.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I teach small group HypnoBirthing classes in Saginaw, just north of Fort Worth, and I offer private in-home classes all over DFW. I’m also a substitute yoga teacher at Summit Climbing, Yoga and Fitness in Fort Worth.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breathebyjanie.com
- Phone: 8179131115
- Email: breathebyjanie@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breathebyjanie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breathebyjanie/
Image Credit:
Sable Moments Photography
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