MUMS to be will soon be able to deliver their baby in a state of complete relaxation when a birthing technique which will reportedly be used by the Duchess of Cambridge comes to Brentwood.
Hypnobirthing, which aims to take the fear out of childbirth, thus allowing expectant mothers to deliver their baby more comfortably, will be taught to those who are more than 20 weeks' pregnant by mum-of-two Tamara Cianfini, 40.
"It's about putting the joy back into birth," said Mrs Cianfini, who will soon open her business above Halfords in Brentwood High Street.
"Hypnobirthing specifically teaches you techniques to remain calm and in control."
Mrs Cianfini, a qualified hypnobirthing instructor, will teach customers how to develop relaxation and breathing techniques, along with visualisation and massage that enables the body to release its natural painkillers.
Attendees also receive a book, a CD, a folder with hand-outs, refreshments and a comprehensive birth plan with support via phone or e-mail.
Indeed, the CD is an integral part of the course, as Mrs Cianfini explained.
"It's a hypnosis CD that helps re-program the mind that they will have a positive birth," she said. "It's all about belief which creates confidence.
"Your mind is in the right place, you are prepared to deal with whatever comes your way, you're very much in the moment and remember everything."
Her tools include Blu-Tack and blue satin ribbons to demonstrate the inner muscles of the uterus, which, it is claimed, when visualised enables women to relax while having a contraction.
Mrs Cianfini, who has taught Hypnobirthing to around 1,000 women over six years in London and Hertfordshire, first learnt of the method when she was 36 weeks pregnant with her second child and has come to Brentwood in order to teach couples in Essex.
The technique, which can be used in homes and hospitals, will "prepare you and help you deal with whatever turn your birthing takes," she added.
Pregnant mum-of-one Ainhoa Keskin owns Mi Neni, a Spanish baby boutique on the Ongar Road.
Ms Keskin, 25, and 38 weeks pregnant, attended Tamara's Brentwood Hypnobirthing class with her partner Charlie, 27, on Saturday.
"The second time round, pregnancy is so much scarier because I know how much pain I'm going to be in," Ms Keskin said.
"Antenatal classes didn't benefit me and Tamara made me feel relaxed.
"To be honest, it benefited me and my partner – it's soothing and calming.
"After the class he was glad he went because he felt he could go into labour feeling calm too."
Expectant mums and dads-to-be are invited to take part in the course of five classes, which will take place on Saturdays between 1-4pm.
The course, which costs £295, will begin on February 16.
For more information, visit www.birtheasy.co.uk
