The Ulster Hospital is now offering Hypnobirthing classes as a birth preparation option for women and their birth partners from 28 weeks gestation. The first course which ran over four weeks took place in the Innovation Centre in the Ulster Hospital in December 2016. Suzie Smyth and Sue Chittick, Midwives from the midwifery-led Home from Home Unit facilitated the course.
Midwife, Suzie Smyth said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be running hypnobirthing classes to help women and their partners prepare for the birth of their baby. The course involves a mix of theory and practical exercises which aim to prepare and equip couples with knowledge and coping strategies, including relaxation techniques that will help them with pregnancy and childbirth”.
One of the participants who attended the classes said: “I really enjoyed the varied nature of the hypnobirthing sessions, with a mix of practical and demonstration style learning. The approach was really flexible and not prescriptive so we could practice and see what worked for us.
“It taught us ways of keeping the partner involved which were really beneficial. I can now look forward to the positive birth of my baby and I hope it can be offered to more women”.
The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust now plans to extend the service into its antenatal services in community areas. If you would like any further information about Hypnobirthing at the Ulster Hospital or to book a place on a future course, please contact the Home From Home Unit on (028) 9056 4777.
