It should be less than a month now before we three become four, and so far, things are humming along nicely. We are planning on using the hypnobirthing method, which is sometimes thought of mainly as a pain management technique, but for us it also creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere to bring our baby into the world.
I have to admit that I was a little skeptical of the method at first. It felt a little too hippy groovy, too new agey for my taste – but even after the first class I was hooked. I saw that birth didn’t have to be like in the movies, with the woman screaming in overwhelming pain. Through self hypnosis, and partner guided (that’d be me) meditation, the pain could be ‘controlled’ or even totally eliminated.
The bonus for me is that I have a definite role in the process. I think us guys have a tendency to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what we can do to help, but now my role is clear; I’m excited about that day coming, and not fearful.
Check out this video of a woman who is in deep relaxation, 20 minutes before she gives birth. Keep in mind that she is experiencing the same powerful contractions (I’ve learned that a better word is ‘surges’) that you see mothers screaming through in the movies:
The woman on the right that you can’t see is Clair, who happens to be both our hypnobirthing instructor, and our doula.
Stay tuned, we’ll have some new stuff to write about very soon.
