EXPECTANT parents are being encouraged to try a type of antenatal education programme which boosts 'confidence, control and self-trust' from pregnancy right up to their little one's arrival.

Lindy Davies, 48, had a "traumatic" experience during the birth of her son Rufus, who is now 16.

Six years later when expecting her daughter Esme, now 11, she did some research on Hypnobirthing.

"It was a totally different experience," she said.

"The first time I didn't prepare. Like most couples probably do, I went in and hoped for the best. "But the second time I was in charge. I was calm and I was in control."

Lindy, founder and owner of Serenity Hypnobirthing, has taught her methods to more than 50 couples over the last five years and she believes awareness of the techniques is improving.

In fact just recently Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, appeared in the national media after sharing her experience of the programme.

"Hypnobirthing focuses on your body working as it should," Lindy explained. "It's about reducing fear and anxieties. Couples learn all about the physiology of the body and how it naturally works in labour.

"We use deep relaxation techniques, self hypnosis and positive affirmations and statements to reframe any previous fears or anxieties about birth.

"If you trust in your body, you can go back to your instincts and your mind and body can work together calmly.

"Your environment is important as well - you need to feel calm, safe and that someone has your back, like your partner.

"That is why it is important that partners come together. They're learning together all the way through.

"That's amazing in birth and it's a lovely connection for the couples as well.

"It is really nice that Kate Middleton has raised awareness. When that happens people realise it's not just 'that hippy thing' that they think it is.

"But this is not just for the Royal Family. It's here in North Wales too."

And Lindy says the techniques aren't just helpful for a natural birth - but are beneficial for any kind, whether that be in a water pool, caesarean or induction.

"It is about having the confidence to ask questions and know all of your options so you can make an informed choice," she added.

"Your birth experience does impact on you for the rest of your life and if you prepare, it's helping you to have the best birth for you."

The Leader had the chance to meet several parents who had been through the Hypnobirthing experience and wanted to encourage others to try it.

Beth Medlicott, aged 32 and of Buckley, had her daughter Elinor three months ago.

She said: "I looked it up on the recommendation of friends. "I was interested in having a home birth, but in the end I had the opposite - an emergency caesarean after induction.

"Hypnobirthing really helped me to be prepared and in control because it was the opposite of what I was thinking my birth would be like, but I still feel I have really positive memories and I don't feel I didn't get what I wanted.

"The pre-birth support of Lindy was amazing but during labour it was good to have a real understanding of everything and having the confidence to ask questions."

Kath and Dan Morley said they would recommend hypnobirthing to others. Their daughter Kelyn is now almost one year old.

The couple, from Nannerch near Mold, say they both took different things from the experience.

Dan said: "From my perspective it allowed me to get involved in the whole process.

"There was no real fear - the expectations were set right at the beginning as to what my duties were.

"All of the uncertainties were explained to us which was really good.

"We used our initiative to go and pay for extra help but I think this should just be included on every birthing programme."

Kath said: "We learned so much from Lindy, using breathing, relaxation techniques and music.

"I had an emergency after Kelyn was born but I think they [hospital staff] were were impressed with how calm I was throughout it all, even through surgery."

Kerry Rainford, from Bryn y Baal, had her daughter Clementine six months ago.

"I think it gave my husband a role in the preparations," she explained.

"He helped with all the relaxation things so he knew exactly what to do during labour.

"One of my biggest fears was having a caesarean but using Hypnobirthing gave me a lot of tools and techniques to know that if that happened, I'd be confident because it would be my choice.

"I felt empowered because I had educated myself.

"Our birth ended up in theatre, but the surgeon actually changed the environment for us to make it more Hypnobirthing friendly.

"She dimmed the lights and kept talking in the theatre to a minimum.

"They were brilliant at the Maelor - very Hypnobirthing friendly."

Claire Hughes and Matt Saunders, from Hawarden, used Hypnobirthing to prepare for the arrival of their now 14-month-old son Thibauld.

Matt said: "The Hypnobirthing classes made us confident. We knew we could do it, no matter what obstacles we came up against.

"Claire had a great experience."

Matthew Hughes and Bethan Lloyd, from Buckley, celebrated the arrival of their son Finlay seven months ago.

Bethan said: "I'm quite an anxious person and we both felt quite overwhelmed by the whole thing. "A lot of what you hear about birth is horror stories.

"We wanted to be a bit more educated so that even if it all goes wrong it can still be a nice experience and you can still have control and calmness. That really sold it for us."

To find out more about Hypnobirthing, visit https://serenityhypnobirthing.co.uk/