We asked Maddy about her experience of our MamaBabyBliss Couples Birth Preparation Workshop, read her blog:
“We decided to do the course as I loved MamaBabyBliss pregnancy yoga and the ethos of the company. We don’t live near family and don’t have any experience with babies and so I wanted to be as prepared as possible, whilst involving Bailey in a non-intimidating way. We signed up for the workshop, however it turned out to just be us, so Vanessa held it in her studio. We were a bit apprehensive at first, neither liking to be centre of attention but we needn’t have worried, we were quickly put at ease. We loved how interactive yet non intimidating the course was and how it perfectly balanced the emotional, physical and physiological aspects of pregnancy and birth in a very accessible way for both of us, giving us an ‘NHS plus’ overview of options and alternatives. I’d started to research hypnobirthing and the course was very complimentary in terms of approach to birth and labour which put me at ease and helped to give Bailey a greater understanding.
I loved how Vanessa used activities to help us explore our our hopes and fears and was able to address them and help us to let go of them. The course was split into two sections, first learning about the birth process from third to fourth trimesters and dealing with our fears, hopes and questions, then after a break we did more practical activities, exploring different positions and massage techniques to add to our tool kit. Going through the birthing positions together was so helpful to find what worked for us and we were then able to practice these at home which helped to connect us and bring us closer together. The breathing together exercise was incredibly bonding for both of us and was one of our favourite parts of the session.
We came away feeling very connected as a couple with a much better understanding of what to expect and how to aim for the birth we wanted and how to achieve this with the hospital birth we had planned. We both felt empowered as we had learnt so much, me about what to realistically expect and positive ways to work with my body to embrace birth, and Bailey as he had tools to help support me during labour, the birth and beyond. We practiced birth positions together at home and the breathing exercise when we needed to, this really helped us to stay calm, connected and excited about labour and birth.
During labour we tried to be as active as possible and it really helped to already know which positions to try and what I felt comfortably doing. When I was getting tired it really helped that Bailey could suggest alternative positions to help me. I’d definitely say doing the course helped me stay calm and in control during labour and birth as Vanessa had taught us what my body would be doing, when and how so I had complete confidence in what I was doing and was able to work with my body and not fight it. I found other antenatal classes didn’t manage to do this in quite so much detail.
I’d thoroughly recommend the couples workshop, Vanessa is so knowledgable and passionate about giving mums and babies the best start; she looked after us so well and really empowered us both, giving us positive ways to prepare. It gave us the space to address fears and move past them and feel confident and excited about our ‘birth day’ and meeting our Bumpy. We came away feeling very loved up and excited – my pregnancy journal entry just says ‘couples workshop today – wow! Oxytocin overload!! Loved it and I can’t wait for our birth day.’ ”
To find your nearest Couples Workshop click here.