TWENTY-three years ago Mandy Papas was “scared and out of control” following a traumatic birth that left her needing a blood transfusion.

Determined to turn her experience into something positive, the mother-of-two has now started confident birthing workshops to help expectant mums mentally prepare for the big day.

Based around her work as a hypnotherapist and mindfulness coach, the free classes teach women the importance of thought processes during labour and birth using relaxation techniques.

Mandy, 46, said: “With Katie, my daughter, it was a very long labour and she was a big baby. I had to have an emergency caesarean and then I had a blood clot and had to have a blood transfusion. I was very poorly.

“I wish I had known about confident birthing then. Because I went through that I thought I could do something for other mums to help with a positive mind and experience.

“There’s so much evidence around confident birthing that it can improve strength in relationships, and healthier babies.”

Mandy lives in Harestock, near Winchester, and alongside midwife Sue Griffiths, based in Andover, and hypnotherapist Carole Samuda, Alton, the sessions are up and running.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has agreed to run the scheme, with meetings in Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Eastleigh, and Winchester – at Stanmore Community Centre every other month.

It is partly funded from the Big Lottery Fund.

“It’s a very simple and natural process, harnessing that mind body connection. It’s very powerful,” Mandy said.

“It’s not saying you might get your dream birth experience, but you feel in control and positive that whatever the outcome you feel happy.

“It’s absolutely fantastic there’s funding and to work with the NHS – they saw the value of what we are doing. It’s really making a difference to mums that are quite nervous.”

Caroline Brunt, Hampshire Hospitals’ associate director of midwifery and women’s health, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer these workshops. They help women to work with their body in a way that leaves them calm and in control, ready to welcome their baby into the world.”

It is recommended to book between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy, and birthing partners are welcome.

For more information or to book go to hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/confidentbirthing, or call 01420 543365.