Keri Jarvis talks about Hypnobirthing

Wrong. Actually, it’s fast becoming a staple of many expectant mums maternity journey – hypno is definitely happening.

The Duchess of Cambridge is said to be a fan and Hollywood actress Jessica Alba has spoken of how hypnobirthing helped her with the delivery of her second child.

Far from being a fad, hypnobirthing – which involves the use of hypnotherapy techniques to assist in the birthing process – has become an alternative birth method that midwives predict will be a normal part of antenatal care within a decade.

And why shouldn’t it? After all it’s all just about taking control and empowering the mind with a positive attitude.

Medical equipment and maternity services have evolved so why is our attitude towards giving birth still often stuck in the Sixties?

Hypnobirthing specialist Keri Jarvis runs classes at the Therapy Life Centre, Southend.

Keri aims to teach expectant couples to rationalise and release the fear of childbirth that she believes has become indoctrinated throughout our society.

She does this by teaching coping techniques including relaxation, breathing and visualisation to facilitate a labour that's as comfortable and positive as possible.

Keri believes our preconceptions towards hypnobirthing can be holding many women back from exploring this option further.

She said: “I’m not naive to general opinion, I see people's expressions when they ask me what I do.

“The name ‘hypnobirthing’ certainly doesn't do itself any favours!

“People imagine that I have dreadlocked barefoot couples sitting cross legged on the floor whilst I swing a watch in front of their faces, burn some incense and tell them there will be no pain in childbirth.

“In fact, it's a logical antenatal education, based on the hormones of labour and the mind-body connection.

“Contrary to what some believe, there is no promise of a perfect, pain-free, orgasmic birth, rather a whole package of education and techniques to move you to a much more positive experience of birth than you would otherwise have had.”

She added: “It puts you in control, and challenges the ‘all your dignity goes out the window’ and ‘there's nothing you can do, just go with the flow’ mentality which terrifies women who are used to planning and preparing for all other elements of their lives.”

Keri trained to teach KG Hypnobirthing in 2013 after discovering the techniques when pregnant with her own son, Louis.

She says how the method is great at getting dads more involved in the birthing process “Hypnobirthing is truly a team effort, and the journey that most dads go on from quiet(ish) sceptic to raving advocate is amazing to watch,” she said.

“They have a key role to play, no need to hang around like a spare part being regularly sworn at. Mums will often tell me they couldn't have done it without their partner, that he was incredible- how often do we hear that?”

So what type of people do go in for this then?

Keri said: “Although warmly welcomed, I've had very few stereotypical ‘hippies’ on the course but rather it’s teachers, builders, dieticians, financiers, company directors, you name it!

“I myself used to be a store manager for M&S.

Hypnobirthing is not reserved for people of a particular lifestyle. I really believe there is no one who couldn't benefit from this antenatal education.”

Although considered a controversial or even wacky therapy by some, studies have shown hypnobirthing can help decrease the average length of a natural childbirth labour, lower C- section rates and reduce the use of pain relief medication during births.

In addition, the majority of women experiencing hypnosis during childbirth in their second or subsequent births report feeling more in control, confident, relaxed and focused, and less fearful, than during their other birthing experiences.

Keri keeps in touch with many of her class members and says hearing the news of a birth is always special.

“Receiving the news of a new arrival is incredibly emotional- I feel hugely invested in the couples and their babies,” she said.

“We meet for regular catch ups, where those who’ve given birth encourage and support the pregnant mums, ad they often comment on how refreshing it is to be in a room of mothers without hearing birth horror stories – another little gift our society likes to give to pregnant women!

“I like to think as more women experience hypnobirthing, we are changing the way birth is viewed by those around us, one 'normal' family at a time.”

• For more details about Keri’s courses and sessions, visit www.hypnobirthdays.com www.facebook.com/Hypnobirthdays

Read more real life stories in our new Lifestyle section.