What is haptonomy and how do the sessions take place? When can a pregnant woman begin haptonomy? Here is some essential information before you register for haptonomy classes.
What is haptonomy?
From the early weeks of pregnancy, haptonomy teaches parents how to communicate with their baby. This specific practice does not really prepare the pregnant woman to manage the pain of contractions on the big day! The interest lies elsewhere... Haptonomy rather leads the father and the mother to visualize their baby and to establish a tender and complicit relationship with him. This "science of affectivity" is essentially based on touch, one of the first senses that the fetus develops. Through caresses on the belly of the mother-to-be, parents learn to move their child, to rock him. By observing its reactions, it is already possible to get an idea of the character of its offspring (it is curious, naughty, lively ...)! At the end of pregnancy, the father-to-be also memorizes gestures that will relieve, in particular, the mother's back pain during childbirth.
The benefits of haptonomy for the baby
Thanks to specific caresses, parents get in touch with their child. They gradually discover what he likes and needs. They can even play with him, because the baby understands quickly: he comes to snuggle up right under their hands and then moves, curls up, does antics. Instead of remaining isolated in his bubble, he takes pleasure in living and exchanging. The attention given to the child during haptonomy sessions offers him great emotional security. He will become, later on, an autonomous, confident and fulfilled little being! Birth is generally more serene if the mother has had haptonomy sessions. The newborn discovers the world surrounded by the warmth and smell of his mother's body. He immediately recognizes her voice. The father's presence reassures him, especially if he is the one who does the skin-to-skin, in the event of a caesarean section for example. Babies who have benefited from haptonomic accompaniment most often show an openness to the world full of serenity.
At what stage of pregnancy should haptonomy be started?
Haptonomy sessions can start as early as the beginning of the pregnancy. But it's only in the 4th month, when you start to perceive the baby's movements, that you will really be able to interact with it. Don't wait too long before starting the haptonomic process: after the 7th month, it's too late! It takes time to get used to this method.
Haptonomy: how do the sessions take place?
Haptonomy is rarely practiced in group classes. The couple is usually alone with the midwife or doctor, in order to preserve the intimacy of the "encounters" with Baby. The Social Security reimburses you for 7 haptonomy sessions (not exceeding), as preparation for childbirth, provided that they are given by a doctor or midwife. Only a few maternity hospitals offer pregnancy assistance and haptonomic deliveries. Ask for more information when you register. Otherwise, it is always possible to follow haptonomy courses in a private practice.
What is the purpose of haptonomy after birth?
Most of the time, a specific session is offered to the mother after the birth. The objective? To help the woman regain a feeling of security with regard to her body and to accompany her in this totally new situation that is the birth of a child. It is also a good way to prevent baby blues. In a more pragmatic way, this session also aims to help the mother during the period following the birth of a baby. The following sessions are often devoted to the daily gestures around the baby. How to carry your child? How to help him become aware of his body? Overcoming the colic of the newborn? The idea is also to help the baby to find his bearings before birth in order to ensure continuity and especially to secure him in front of this new world. The haptonomy sessions can continue beyond that until your toddler's first steps.
