Preparing For Childbirth With Calmbirth Educator Lauretta Hamilton

If you give birth in a hospital (which around 97% of Australian women will do) then most likely you will be offered childbirth preparation classes. These classes cover the basics but often lack details on how to prepare your body and your mind for labour, birth and parenthood.

When I was pregnant with my first daughter, I already knew a lot about the physiological process of birth, so I was looking for ways to get my head around it. One of my clients was discussing Calmbirth and Hypnobirthing and I thought HELL YES that is definitely up my alley. And I have seen friends turn into chickens at the footy hypnotist night so I thought, why not, what’s the worst that can happen? Well I didn’t turn into a chicken, but I sure did make some pretty primal noises at one stage!

I used the skills that I learn in the course during both my labours. In particular the breathing techniques, affirmations and mantras but I think my husband actually benefited the most. Even though he fell asleep during the course, he came out feeling so confident in my ability to birth which really set me up for success. 

On a side note, the skills I learnt I have used in so many other areas of my life. From managing the pain of broken bones to focusing on my breathing when the girls get nude for the 5th time just before we have to leave the house. It may seem basic, but these skills are skills for life. 

I am fortunate to have a friend in my local community who is a Calmbirth Educator and she has generously offered to answer a few questions about the Calmbirth course. So, I’d like to welcome Lauretta who is a wonderful midwife, Calmbirth educator, wife and mother to two beautiful little girls.

Lauretta with her two baby girls.

What exactly is a Calmbirth class? 

Hi Megan - thank you so much for allowing me to share a bit of Calmbirth love and what makes it such a wonderful part of your birth and parenting preparation. Calmbirth is evidence-based and scientifically proven childbirth education. Developed by Peter Jackson - an Australian midwife, it is based on experts and knowledge from Midwifery, Obstetrics, Neuroscience, Psychology and Mind-Body Medicine.

Calmbirth aims to reduce fears and anxieties about birth through knowledge, practical and mindset tools as well as subconscious healing via the Calmbirth scripts (sometimes knowledge isn’t enough, and these help delve deeper into the subconscious mind just by listening to them).

 During the classes you will learn all about the mind-body connection, the physiology of labour, the stages, what’s happening in each one and how to work with it, creating an optimal environment, hormones of labour, how the uterus works, physical tension and the very important role of the birth support person throughout. We teach you tools to work with your body (Mindset tools, Calmbreathing techniques, Visualisation, Acupressure, Massage, Optimal Positions) and all of your options for pain relief (natural and medications) so that you can be fully informed about all of these and make the best decision for you.

A really important part of the classes is ‘Preparation for other possibilities’ such as induction, assisted birth, caesareans and how to work with and use the techniques for each birth scenario, because although birth is unpredictable, you can still be prepared for the twists and turns your labour and birth path may take. We also cover informed consent and communication with caregivers. Other useful topics we discuss may include supporting the pelvic floor, foetal movements, perineal massage, ribozzo techniques and supporting you with your birth plan/map - our support as educators is ongoing, not just during the classes but in the lead up to your birth.

We also look at preparing for parenting, relationship changes, mental health, the first few weeks and months and how to plan for a positive postpartum or fourth trimester. The skills we teach are not just for birth, but as Megan has written about - skills for life!

Baby Zia with Georgia in my Belly

Who is it for? 

Honestly, Calmbirth is for everyone! Whether it be your first or your fourth baby, planning for a VBAC, having an induction, Home birthing or Hospital birthing, it will prepare you for whatever birth you are hoping for and for every possible scenario.

Calmbirth isn’t about advocating for a particular type of birth, it is about preparing you and your birth support person to be informed and have the knowledge and tools to create a positive birth experience - however that may look for you. 

When you have the knowledge to make the right choices and decisions for you, women are more likely to have a positive birth experience regardless of the path their labour and birth may take -  which is one of the proven benefits of doing a Calmbirth course, and most importantly it means women are less likely to experience mental health issues following the birth. 

This is something particularly close to my heart, I want all women to look back at their births and feel AMAZING, birth truly can be something that empowers you and makes you feel you can do anything, which you can carry with you into your new adventure of parenting and for the rest of your life.

When is the best time to do a course?

As a guide we recommend you attend a course between 24-34 weeks of pregnancy, however if you’re feeling anxious, the sooner the better, as this will help you to enjoy your pregnancy with the tools you will learn. And it’s never too late, but it is preferable if you have some time to practice what you have learnt (an excellent excuse to sneak in some more massage practice from your partner too).

Have you used the Calmbirth tools in your own labours and births? 

I surely have! I discovered Calmbirth when I was pregnant with my first daughter Pippa, my husband Jim and I attended classes in Geelong with the wonderful Kath Maxwell over a weekend, and we did a one-day refresher class with Kath prior to the birth of Daisy.

It might seem strange being a midwife and attending the course, but when it is your area of work, it comes with its own challenges and ‘baggage’ going into your own pregnancies and births, and although we learn all about the physiology we aren't taught the amazing techniques that Calmbirth teaches to help you work with your body and labour.

Although Jim was part midwife after years of helping me study and hearing many birth stories, I wanted him to have as much knowledge as possible to support me in the birth we hoped for. I remember saying to Jim during our first class at morning tea that ‘I have to do this course and teach this stuff!’.

It was so lovely to be with other couples about to embark on their own adventures, and to have that time for us both to focus on this precious time together. It’s often a very busy stage in the lead up and having dedicated space to talk all things labour, birth and parenting was really lovely. Both of my labours were quite fast and intense once they got going, which presents its own challenges as you don't have much time to ease into it and re-focus in between contractions. I used the Calmbirth scripts to listen to in early labour, along with the TENS to help me sleep and rest during the night. Jim used the massage techniques on me and the Calmbreathing really helped me along with visualisation and using a mantra in my head during contractions. Overall it really allowed both of us to trust the process, especially with my first when things started to go off track and my midwife brain wanted to take over, I was able to take control and stay focused. 

Doing the course had us both feeling excited for the births and it gave me the confidence that I COULD do it, after two quite difficult pregnancies (I had hyperemesis with both) I had a lot of doubt in my body’s abilities - but both births were incredibly empowering, and whenever I face anything challenging I draw on these experiences, and it reminds me of that strength. I still use the Calmbreathing techniques daily and the knowledge about the powerful mind-body connection has helped me be more mindful in everyday life.

Thank you so much Lauretta for sharing your experience and knowledge. This is an incredible resource for all women. If you’d like to book one of Lauretta’s classes, click here. Or reach out via email at calmbirthwithlaurettahamilton@gmail.com if you have any questions.