While some mothers-to-be are still booking C-sections for convenience (rather than medical reasons), there’s a growing trend and interest in holistic births.
The supermodel Gisele Bündchen famously raved about having a drug-free water birth at home to deliver her son Benjamin and claimed that the experience “didn’t hurt in the slightest”.
Meanwhile, Jessica Alba credited hypnobirthing for her relaxing labour, and Kate Winslet called upon Zita West, one of the United Kingdom’s leading experts in acupuncture for childbirth, to help her prepare for the birth of her daughter, Mia.
In Dubai, the prenatal specialist Birth Zone is offering a holistic birth retreat at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. The pampering package includes five-star accommodation, healthy meals (courtesy of Live’ly), educational seminars by local parenting specialists and antenatal exercise classes. The seminars will cover everything from breastfeeding and bonding with your newborn to relaxation techniques and parenting choices. Expectant mothers can also enjoy an Elemis massage in the spa as well as a birth ball, yoga mat and a gift bag.
“The media portrays birth as being a scary and dangerous event. We want to provide in-depth information – which isn’t readily available in the UAE – so that expectant mothers have the opportunity to see a different side to birth,” says Victoria Keenan, the founder of Birth Zone.
“At the same time they can connect with each other and learn new techniques directly from holistic health experts.”
Keenan explains that a doula – an experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth – will also be present during the three-day retreat to share her skills and give advice.
The first two days of the retreat are for women only, although the final day is open to birthing partners and husbands, too.
Keenan was inspired to launch Birth Zone after working as a doula in the UK.
“Coming to Dubai was quite a shock initially as the maternity system didn’t include any holistic care,” she says. “It was incredibly limited. The main impetus for change will come when women here specify that they want more-natural options. And then, once the competition starts, hospitals will start offering more progressive packages.”
Keenan dreams of bringing someone such as Barbara Harper, the world-respected founder of Waterbirth International, to Dubai to see what can be done to promote water births in the region.
“Barbara has lectured in more than 43 countries,” says Keenan. “Surely making it 44 isn’t too much to ask?”
According to Keenan, anyone who attends the holistic birth retreat will walk away with more confidence, new friends and amazing gifts.
• Birth Zone is hosting its first retreat on September 18 at Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. For more information or to book a place, visit www.birthzone.ae or email info@birthzone.ae
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