Pregnant mums-to-be in Fife are adopting an unusual technique to control the pain of giving birth.
Known as 'Hypnobirthing', it involvs visualisations and breathing techniques, and can apparantly eliminate the need for pain relief. According to figures released today, 1 in 3 pregnant women experience feelings of depression or anxiety.
The technique's believed to have been used by Holywood actress Jessical Alba, as well as the Dutchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
Alison Chalmers, from Dunfermline, qualified as a practitioner earlier this year. She said:
"Lots of my friends ask me what it actually is, and some even think it's quite a hippy thing to do, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. It's really a simple approach to birthing taught over five weeks that leads to safer, easier, more comfortable births. I can say this with confidence having delivered my 10lbs 1oz bundle of joy entirely naturally last year.
"A lot of people have congratulated me on that ‘effort’, but it's something that was entirely ordinary and natural, and if there are no other special circumstances, anyone can do it."
"Some people - and I was one of them - understandably get very stressed and anxious about the prospect of giving birth. HypnoBirthing puts you and your partner in control and the fact I didn't require any medication during the process proves to me that it works.
"The experience was a natural and memorable one, I can honestly say that I wasn't in distress at any point, and I would recommend the approach to any mums-to-be who are feeling anxious and want to take control.
"I have to say NHS Fife were fantastic, especially my midwife, although she probably enjoyed the fact that she was able to chill out for a few hours too."
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