Childbirth preparation classes are designed to help the expectant mother and her partner to have a positive birth experience. By using intuition to engage in the physical aspects of labor, deep relaxation to calm their anxieties, and knowledge to make decisions, a woman allows herself to surrender to the experience and thus remains ‘in control’ of her birth. Participants will learn the physiological aspects of pregnancy, labor and delivery, review research-based pros and cons of common medical practices, labor and birthing positions, and extensive relaxation work. Partners participation is highly encouraged, but not required
Hypnosis for expectant couples teaches deep relaxation techniques to be used during labor and childbirth. Use of relaxation during labor helps to reduce anxiety which, in turn, decreases the degree of discomfort a woman may experience during contractions. Each couple will undergo an assessment to identify how the expectant mother processes relaxation. Different techniques including touch, sound, and visualization are used to help the mother learn relaxation. Partners are instructed how to identify how the expectant mother relaxes and to use different techniques to help her maintain a state of deep relaxation. Practicing of deep relaxation as a couple prior to the onset of labor allows for greater partner participation during childbirth. The integration of deep relaxation and partner participation helps the family achieve an overall positive birth experience.
