A BRIDGWATER hypnotherapist is encouraging parents to come to a free taster session and learn about the potential benefits of hypnobirthing classes.

Sue Freeman, who lives in Wembdon, started her own company, Calm and Confident Birthright, a year ago and believes she can help expecting mums and dads improve their birthing experience.

Sue wants to get the message across that hypnobirthing is ‘not some hippy thing’ but has been proven to be beneficial.

She is hosting a free taster session on Thursday, May 3, at 7pm in Angel Crescent for those interested in finding out more.

Sue said: “I run courses; these can be either one-to-one session in the home or in small groups - each course takes approximately 12 hours overall spread out over a number of weeks.

“Session include themes of ante-natal care, physiology, and teaches relaxation techniques which can reduce anxiety.

“It is aimed at giving the best possible birth experience.”

Sue explained that partners can play an active role in the process and not just be bystanders.

She said: “Partners can make a big difference even with small things like the language they use to calm the mother. 

“They are not just a spare wheel and the course shows how best to support the mother during pregnancy and during the birth itself.”

Sue says a big part of hypnobirthing classes is empowering women and giving them choices and control during birth.

She said: “I am a mum of three and I have seen the effect of a bad birth compared to good birth and it can have a big impact on mothers.

“If it goes wrong or becomes an ordeal for whatever reason it can be quite a traumatic experience with long-lasting impact but the techniques taught can help reduce the chances of that happening.”

Sue says the classes could go hand in hand with the recent launch of the Orchard Midwives, an NHS service which helps give mums-to-be a greater chance of giving birth at home.

The Orchard Midwives are a specialist team of midwives who will be on-hand to support home births and low-risk births at Bridgwater Community Hospital and Musgrove Park Hospital.

Anyone wishing to attend the free taster session needs to book a place with Sue.

See the Calm and Confident Birthright Facebook page, email sfhypnotherapy@gmail.com, or call 07788 774588.