Kate Middleton goes on record about going through hypnobirthing during her labor for all of her three children with Prince William. The Duchess of Cambridge opened up about this birthing method in a very personal interview last Saturday, Feb. 15.
Speaking in the podcast Happy Mum, Happy Baby with Giovanna Fletcher, Kate revealed that she decided to give hypnobirthing a shot without asking her husband or anyone else to help her manage the baby's delivery. Prompted by a very bad morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), the duchess said that she took it upon herself to learn hypnobirth so that her mind can ease off the challenges her body will experience.
According to Mayo Clinic, hypnobirth makes use of self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to help a mom prepare for childbirth. Kate understood the different levels of the process and said that she personally felt the power of her meditation and deep breathing as she took charge of her body during the labor.
She admitted that, while her pregnancy was bad because of her extreme morning sickness, she "quite enjoyed" the labor because of hynobirth. She loved it so much, she used the same technic for all of her three pregnancies. However, she also said that the technic is not for everyone.
Speaking of her bad pregnancy, Kate admitted that Prince William felt so helpless while she was battling hyperemesis gravidarum. She knew she wasn't the best pregnant person around as the morning sickness made her feel "utterly rotten."
The duchess said that she couldn't eat well and felt really sick while pregnant. Prince William wasn't also the type to "chant sweet" things to make her feel better because there was nothing else he could do about the way his wife's body changes during pregnancy.
Kate also revealed that Prince George's gender was actually a surprise. She and Prince William didn't learn of it until his birth. The third in line to the throne was born in July 2013.
The podcast is first for the duchess who doesn't often have exclusive interviews. Its airing coincided with her latest initiative on early childhood development. Kate's "5 Big Questions" survey aims to generate conversations on the importance of surrounding children with loving and supportive people, especially in their first five years because this will have a long-term impact in their lives.
The duchess said she had amazing role models to look up to as a child, such as her grandmother and parents. She had a great and happy childhood and she wants the same for her kids.
