What about the partners?
I want to cover two topics in this section. Firstly, a bit of honesty about the perception that some birth partners may have of hypnobirthing and mindfulness. And secondly, information on the key role that birth partners play in the pregnancy and birth when the couple is practicing mindfulness and hypnobirthing techniques.
Hypno what?!
To be truthful, I not at all keen on the name 'Hypnobirthing'. (Which is why I’m delighted to teach the Mindful Birth Group course; it’s rooted in mindfulness and hypnobirthing but is a full antenatal course and package, based on science and will give you everything you need to plan for a positive birth).
If it's the first time you're coming across Hypnobirthing or mindfulness, it can conjure up images of some sort of birthing version of on-stage hypnosis, with unwilling participants get made to cluck like chickens and generally make fools of themselves. Or for some, anything with 'Hypno' attached to it means you're completely out cold - basically out of control. (Both of which are understandable but completely incorrect perceptions of Hypnobirthing). Or maybe you’ve tried some sort of mindfulness activity and it was a disaster and not at all relaxing.
We need you...
Birth partners can traditionally feel pretty left out during labour. I've had partners say to me before they "didn't know what do with themselves", or "I was just worrying and don't think I helped". It definitely doesn't have to be that way, and my course gives any birth an integral role in the labour and birth, and strong sense of how their emotional and physical connection in the birth room is essential.
Birth partners: here's a few reasons this type of birth preparation is useful to you:
It gives you a purpose and a central role in the birth.
You will learn how to support your partner, both in pregnancy and birth.
We'll discuss 'informed choice', giving you the confidence to ask midwives or medical professionals questions (and know what to even ask and why!), and be the spokesperson for your partner.
You will be helping your partner have a more calm and positive experience - which is better for them and the baby.
Due to the practice, you will know exactly what is happening to your partner and why, and knowing how and when you can help.
It might sound a bit soppy, but it's a wonderful bonding experience, with a feeling of pride for playing such an integral role in bringing the baby into the world.
Have a read of the What is Mindful Birth & Hypnobirthing section to understand the benefits of my Mindful Birth Course and Package.
Thank you for all you do as birth partners. We couldn't do it without you.
