One of the most frequently asked questions from potential clients I get is ‘Should my husband/partner attend Hypnobirthing classes?” The answer is ABSOLULTELY! This doesn’t have to be your partner at home. This can be your mother, best friend, doula – or whoever that person is that you’ve decided to welcome into your sacred space when birthing your child. You need to trust this person can provide emotional and physical comfort, inspire you when necessary and help empower you for the birth you desire. A potentially daunting job description, isn’t it!
Hypnobirthing classes include the partner in the birthing process. They are an integral part of the journey. They will leave the classes with a sense of what their role is; and it’s not sitting on the sideline waiting for the baby to be born.
I’ve heard stories where Dad feels like an outsider, completely overwhelmed and uncertain of how he can help his partner who is in pain. They struggle to remain calm as fear of the process creeps in and he feels totally useless. I’ve also heard accounts where Dad didn’t realise what Mum was going through and was instead distracted by an enthralling game on the iPhone. A very sad story for both parties.
How the classes help the partner in the journey to a beautiful birthing experience:
Understanding of the physiological birthing process – Your birth partner needs to understand the birthing process just as much as the mother does so they know what to expect, and can provide better support from an educated foundation. For example, if interventions are discuss during labour, it’s helpful to understand the benefits and risk of common interventions so together you can discuss what is best for mother and baby in a calm way. The partner needs to have the confidence and tools to ask questions to get a clear understanding of options (mum will be distracted at times birthing the baby). Another example is Dad understanding the signs of transition so that he can provide encouragement accordingly.
Awareness of hypnobirthing tools – It’s not just hypnosis. That’s just one tool! Your birth partner can actively assist by keeping your birth space calm and relaxed which can help maintain the flow of oxytocin. We also teach massage, acupressure, breathing, affirmations, positions for labour, visualisations and the mind body connection for a positive birth experience.
Birth preferences are important – if you don’t know your options, you don’t have any! A birth preference is not something set in stone; it’s a guide for the parents and caregivers to be on the same page leading up to and during labour. It’s a guideline of how you would like your birth to look and feel, and decision that need to be made. Do you want bubs placed directly skin on skin? A physiological third stage? Will your partner announce the sex? These are decision that will be made for you if you don’t voice your preferences. Having birth preferences helps reduce the stress during birth of reminding caregivers of your wishes so you can both focus on the goal of birthing baby.
What could be better than having your birth partner there by your side for one of the most amazing, transformative experiences of your life? Your birth partner will feel educated and empowered because they’ve been so involved in the process.
Knowledge is Power. You are in control.
There are many things through pregnancy and labour that you may not be adequately informed about, or even know are options. Peaceful Birthing prepares you and your partner for an empowered, educated, peaceful birthing experience, whatever your journey.