Hypnobirthing – Part 1

We’ve taken the plunge and started our first of 4 hypnobirthing classes. It’s an evening class run by the local NHS midwife team at the hospital. We’ve heard great things about how it can make a big difference in birth experiences.

So despite our reservations that it might be a bit “hippy” we went with open minds…

We are one of 8 couples… in our group it seems to be classic mum and dad situations all round. 7/8 are first time parents-to-be… the one second-time mum wants to have a home birth this time.

It started with the usual outlining expectations and getting to know everyone a little then covered: what hypnobirthing is, positive affirmations, the language of hypnobirthing, creating a safe and oxytocin (happy hormone) environment to minimise fear and adrenaline (bad hormone as it stops the birth processes).

They split the ladies and blokes up for one activity where the blokes listed the things they would do to set a romantic room up… while the ladies listed what they thought it would be like on arrival to the hospital room. It gave the blokes the challenge of making the environment as close as possible to the “honeymoon” room. I liked this part as it really empowered the blokes to take charge of the situation and be a huge asset in making mums as comfortable and calm as possible.

After the break where we had to be hauled back from our chats with other couples… we covered breathing into the belly and started to look at relaxation. They used scripts and relaxation music to lead us through drifting into calmness. It’s practical and hands on with lots to think and talk about. The “homework” keeps this momentum up too.

So far it think there will be some useful content we will use – I guess it’s all about adapting it to work for you as a couple.

The biggest positive so far has been how much hubby has started to realise that he can do to help. Very empowering. Last night I came home from work in a bit of a mess and he just swung into action with warm bath, strokes and massage, positive speaking and relaxation music. It was such a chilled evening and I felt so much better.

Part 1… Part 2… Part 3… Part 4… Birth story (coming end of Feb!)