RUMFORD – Erica Micks heard a co-worker rave about hypnobirthing, so when she became pregnant she was excited to hear that Kathy Sutton, a Rumford Hospital Birthing Center nurse, would soon be certified to teach hypnobirthing.

Micks and her husband, Kim, were Sutton’s first students. Their study and practice paid off on May 18 when seven pound 11 ounce Lucas Micks was born in the calm, controlled way that they had sought.

“It’s a whole different approach to childbirth,” says Erica Micks. “It’s about birthing being a natural process and taking control of your body by relaxing and special breathing.” She and Kim studied with Sutton and read the hypnobirthing book, and she listened to tapes everyday. “Women have done this for years,” Erica says. “We just let our bodies and our babies do what they were made to do.”

“I was concerned because Erica is such a wimp when it comes to pain,” Kim Micks reveals, “but this is amazing compared to the births you watch on TV.”

Erica’s sister, Kathleen Dyke, was also involved in studying hypnobirthing; and she did most of the massage portion of the program through Erica’s labor. “She massaged me for hours and hours,” Erica says.

When Lucas was born, all Erica’s hypnobirthing support people were there. Kim and Kathleen, as well as Certified Nurse Midwife Daisy Goodman, and Sutton arrived just before the birth.

“She’s wonderful,” says Erica of Sutton. “Her voice is very calm,” adds Kim.

Erica, Kim and Lucas Micks were soon back home in Peru, where Kim had a week to spend with his expanded family before going back to work at Bradbury Inc. in Dixfleld.