HEALTH
Dr Lindsay Bomford
For Dads only!
A stress-free birth? Childbirth can be a rough ride for many mums, but a local doctor is spearheading a project to make the experience more comfortable. Chris Clifford reports
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named for one of the therapy’s pioneers, Marie iving birth is supposed to be one of the Mongan. The American mum explored holistic most amazing things that can happen to a possibilities after her own labour experience, woman…but we also know that it can be painful and the practice is now hugely popular in the and exhausting. USA. Impressively, approximately 50 per cent of In a bid to make life easier for expectant childbirths in the state of New England are now women, Dr. Lindsay Bomford is offering conducted along HypnoBirthing lines. classes in HypnoBirthing, a holistic practice When asked about the finer details, already popular in the USA, where Lindsay explains: “Our normal it was originally conceived. It Dr bodily functions shouldn’t involves learning techniques Lindsay hurt, and because labour for relaxation, controlled Bomford CV is a normal function, it breathing and hypnosis Anatomy & Human Biology First shouldn’t hurt either. which, when combined, Class Honours Degree But, many women allow more control and – University of Liverpool experience a ‘fight harmony for women in Qualified from Guy’s, King’s & St Thomas’ or flight’ dilemma labour. School of Medicine, Kings College London during labour, which Lindsay, herself a Diploma from Royal College of Obstetrics perpetuates fear mother, who currently & Gynaecology and anxiety. This in works in paediatrics Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner turn takes blood flow at Peterborough City – Mongan Method away from the uterus Hospital (PCH), says Currently works in which leads to more pain. that HypnoBirthing is Paediatrics at PCH HypnoBirthing relaxation an antenatal education techniques help calm the body programme to help aid the body’s and improve blood flow, and while natural analgesic process. we can’t promise a completely pain-free “It’s almost like a marathon runner preparing birth, HypnoBirthing can greatly lessen any for a race,” says Lindsay. “Labour can feel like discomfort without the use of drugs.” a long slog for some, but women can prepare themselves properly in the months preceding Local classes childbirth, just as a runner would before a big Lindsay currently runs classes in Collyweston, event.” and visits prospective parents in their homes, Lindsay teaches the Mongan method,
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NENE VALLEY LIVING July 2008
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Peterborough & Stamford Hospitals are working with local concern DaddyNatal to provide antenatal classes run by dads, for dads. The sessions are specifically targeted at men to help them understand pregnancy, and provide the physical and emotional tools with which to support their expectant partners. Creator of the classes, Dean Beaumont, is a fully qualified antenatal educator, and will run the sessions during evenings at various local locations around Peterborough. www.daddynatal.co.uk
but such is the interest being shown in HypnoBirthing, that sessions are soon due to begin at the new Peterborough City Hospital. Lindsay recently led a study day for midwives at the hospital, and her suggestions were wellreceived. She explains: “the midwife-led unit at the hospital lends itself beautifully to the process of HypnoBirthing because it offers a very comfortable home-from-home environment, and the midwives were quick to appreciate the techniques involved. We also hope to include one free NHS place per session.” HypnoBirthing techniques also mean that a more relaxed woman during labour is less likely to need a Caesarean or other forms of intervention, which can only be a good thing. Lindsay says: “The relaxation methods lead to shorter labours, the babies are calmer and they tend to sleep and feed better. By removing stress mums are less fatigued and can really get to enjoy their babies, which is incredibly important.” • To contact Lindsay, Tel: 07739 839785 or e-mail: Lindsay@naturalhypnobirth.co.uk NENE VALLEY LIVING June 2011
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