Swiss-British-born Zoe Perrenoud may be far from home and family but she is looking forward to the birth of her first child, thanks in large part to hypnobirthing classes.

“I 100% recommend other people to do hypnobirthing. In terms of the build-up to the birth, it’s really helped me accept that birth is a natural process and it’s possible to go through without panicking,” she said, adding: “Even if it doesn’t go how I would like, learning to accept that is important.”

Perrenoud found the English-language class offered by MammaFit Luxembourg among the information she was given by her doctor. She said that finding a gynaecologist through an online search and getting an appointment after learning she was pregnant was easier than she expected, “which was surprising because here when you want to go for a normal gynaecologist appointment, it can take quite some time.” Perrenoud was also pleasantly surprised by the support she received when she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Her main tip for other expectant mothers in Luxembourg is to register early for the hospital classes, which are offered in English. And to find other like-minded mums, to share positive birth experiences and to build a support network.