Walsall’s Midwifery-Led Unit (MLU) is restarting its hypnobirthing sessions for mums-to-be next week.

This course teaches relaxation, visualisation and self-hypnosis skills that may help during labour as they are aimed at helping women to specifically focus on the birth and take less notice of anything else around them at that time.

These virtual sessions will start on Thursday 11 March to run over two Thursday evenings from 6.30pm to 9pm and will be available during alternate months – so May, July, September and so on.

MLU Manager Carol King-Stephens said: “We’re so pleased to be able to offer these sessions again for our women; they are being run by the Wise Hippo company and have been really well received in the past.

“We’re doing all we can to get things back to normal for the women and families we support in Walsall, whilst making sure everything is as safe as possible for them. Hypnobirthing is often described as a way to try and bring some calm to birthing. It is about women learning some relaxation, visualisation and self-hypnosis skills that may lessen their anxiety and fear.

“It may not suit everyone but those who have mastered the techniques do report that it made them feel less fear and apprehension.”

A fee of £40 will need to be paid to General Office on 01922 721172 ext 6837 for anyone who wishes to take up these virtual sessions. General office will provide a reference number.

Once a reference number has been issued mums-to-be will need to call the MLU on 01922 605422 to be booked on to the session. There is a separate charge of £18 plus £3 postage and packing payable to the Wise Hippo for course materials.