An active antenatal class, designed to dispel the fear of birth, is launching in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and aims to support and educate pregnant women in a ground-breaking way.
Daisy Birthing, a Social Enterprise programme run by the Daisy Foundation, provides antenatal education with a difference – using gentle flowing movements and breathing techniques that not only work on hidden muscles key for birthing, but promote muscle memory that makes birthing more instinctive.
The classes aim to promote a more enjoyable pregnancy by keeping ‘mums to be’ more active and helping with common pregnancy ailments; but moreover educate women on how to listen to their bodies during the labour process and respond positively to this using a variety of techniques.
Lynne Barrowman, the local teacher for Daisy Birthing Renfrewshire & Inverclyde, decided to train to teach the classes following her own positive experience with Daisy Birthing last year. Her third child, Lynne was overwhelmed with how the techniques helped her during her own labour and wanted to share her experience with other pregnant women.
Speaking today, Lynne said:
“I had my two sons in my early 20s, and after a 13 year gap decided to try for a little girl. To say I was scared about labour would be an understatement! I got induced with both boys and had a bit of a tough time, therefore knowing I was to be induced again this time round filled me with dread.
“I was told about Daisy Birthing by a friend who had a great experience, and decided to give it a try. The classes completely opened my eyes to pregnancy and labour, and I learned so much that made so much sense!
“When it came to my labour day I honestly don’t think I could have got through it without using what I’d learned at the classes. The breathing techniques kept me so focused throughout – so much so that I managed on only two paracetamol! I’m now so passionate about what I’ve learned that I decided to train to teach it for myself. I really want to share my amazing experience and to help other mums to be become more aware of how they can help themselves and that it doesn’t have to be a negative experience. The techniques are so simple to learn that I want everyone to know about them! If it can help me after two previous tough labours, then it can help anyone!”
Daisy focuses on how the woman feels, whether she chooses a natural birth, a planned caesarean section or wants to use pain-relieving medication.
All birth choices are supported and classes educate women not only about active birth but also relaxation, medical inductions and interventions, to promote a more positive pregnancy, enabling women to prepare for birth.
Classes can be adapted for women of all shapes and sizes, and for those with pregnancy-related medical conditions.
Lynne’s classes will take place over a 6 week block, and will take place in Port Glasgow Community Regeneration Centre on a Saturday morning. These can be booked by contacting Lynne on telephone number 07939 675018 or email lynne-barrowman@thedaisyfoundation.com.
More information of Daisy Birthing can be found at www.thedaisyfoundation.com