NEW "active" maternity classes are to launch in East Surrey, offering mums-to-be a holistic preparation for birth.
Anna Coates, who is starting the classes in Reigate and Dorking later this month, has bought the licence to run an East Surrey branch of national birth and baby classes chain, Lazy Daisy. The active birth classes teach movement, breathing, relaxation and movement techniques, and clients sit on mats, as in yoga classes.
Mrs Coates, who has a 3-year-old and 17-month old, said an NHS investment of £400,000 in East Surrey Hospital's maternity unit, which will increase the number of birthing pools from one to four, was a perfect reason to bring the courses to the area.
"It is fantastic to hear East Surrey Hospital is using its funding to enhance the active birthing opportunities for women in the area," she said.
"Birthing pools work so well for some women in labour and our breathing techniques and movements will enhance their experience."
"I am really positive about it," Mrs Coates added. "I really believe in it. Starting your own business is always a bit of a gamble but it is doing so well nationally, I think it is exactly the type of thing the local area needs."
The weekly Reigate classes will begin at the Sovereign Centre in Slipshatch Road later this month and the Dorking classes at the Dorking Christian Centre in Church Street.
"My background is in PR, but I have been doing yoga for years and I had a really great birth with my two children," said Mrs Coates. "I was living in Australia and I had such a fantastic experience with active birth classes so when I saw Lazy Daisy over here, it just felt right."
"The classes are a real mix – very different to an NCT class where you are sat in a classroom learning things."
For more information e-mail anna-coates@lazydaisybirthing.co.uk
