How to Become a Wise Daddy

When I meet new couples, most of the time the men/birthing partner tell me they have no idea what they have been signed up to. They are usually just wondering if this is worth missing out on football on the TV for the next four weeks. 
The biggest thing I have seen Hypnobirthing do for the couples is make them connect on a new level. They develop a new understanding of the miracle of birth and how amazing their lives are going to become. 

Session one of the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme is an introduction to why we need to learn how to birth. By the end of the session the men/birthing partner usually say "that makes complete sense why doesn't everyone do it this way”.

As a midwife I have attended many births where men are anxious, nervous and scared of the unknown. They leave the midwife to get on with their jobs, however men also have a vital role in labour and Hypnobirthing teaches them this. The course teaches birthing partners how to be supportive, confident and above all, a protector of the birthing environment and their partner.

Through lots of techniques, the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme teaches them how to help their partners keep calm, relaxed and in control by reading relaxation scripts. It gives positive affirmations and soothing massage techniques which reassure and empower the women at a time where she needs to feel safe and secure. This is why her partner providing this support works so well.

Together you have made a baby and you’ve watched the bump grow week by week. It makes perfect sense to support your partner through this amazing journey. This will make you even more excited to meet this new person that is about to join your family.

Midwives are experts at supporting a woman in labour as they are trained to do this. I truly believe if the birthing partner is telling you how proud they are, it is far more powerful than the midwife that you have only recently met.

Throughout the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme we learn how fear affects labour and how to become experts in relaxation. Having your birthing partner learn the techniques with you allows them to bring you into a deeper state of calm. You have love and trust when you are in a relationship and to have their support during such a life changing event has a profound effect on the experience. 

Men/birthing partners have a place in the labour room. By having an understanding of labour and birth through completing the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme gives men a confidence to understand why things are happening and relieves fear. This allows them to be interested in the birth and feel that they are playing an active role in the birth of their baby. 

Do you know any birthing partners that are looking for a more active role in the birth? 
Please share this blog and let me know what you think in the comments section below.