Prior to doing the Calmbirth course, I was super anxious and nervous about labour. The first thing we learn about labour is that it’s painful. I was prepared for all the drugs as I just didn’t think I could bare the pain.
However, the Calmbirth course was extremely informative and went through each step of the labour and what we could do to get through each step.
Story by Lindel
James and I were fortunate enough to attend what I think would’ve been one of the last face to face courses in Bowral in early March with Karen McClay, before the COVID lockdowns. I remember leaving that weekend, us both feeling so well informed and not anxious about labour and more connected as a couple with the focus on this little person we were about to bring into the world. Before that life had been its usual busy self and we hadn’t had time really to stop, think and digest.
I just remember looking down and all I could see was her odd shaped head with a white cap where the suction had been, but when I looked at James’ face I could see he had fallen in love with her instantly as she had her big blue eyes wide open and he kept saying “she’s perfect, she’s perfect” and I knew that things had changed and he had a new love in his life!
Times are really crazy and surreal at the moment and stress levels are high. There are things we can do though, to help manage our stress and anxiety during these times and finding ways to do this is important. Connecting with our breath is one way and the beautiful thing is that it’s easy to do, and we can do it whenever and wherever we need to.
Hi, I’m Karen McClay, I’m the the owner Director of Calmbirth, Midwife, mother and Calmbirth Educator. Now more than ever it’s crucial for pregnant couples to empower themselves with the best quality and evidence based childbirth education to prepare for labour & birth, so that you can work together as a team to birth your baby. The skills and tools you will learn in Calmbirth are tools for life and will help you to deal with your heightened levels of fear, anxiety and stress, especially in these uncertain times as you navigate your way to becoming new parents.
Karen McClay is the Director of Calmbirth®PTY LTD. She is also a Southern Highlands Calmbirth Educator, practising Registered Midwife (RM), and a Registered Nurse (RN) and is the daughter of the founder of Calmbirth®, Peter Jackson.