What is HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing is a full antenatal programme, it includes relaxation and breathing techniques and self-hypnosis. It helps women work towards birthing with confidence and trusting their instincts. The course covers :

• Education – understanding how your body works in labour
• Breathing techniques – for relaxation, labour and birth
• Visualisation and affirmation – helping you boost your birthing confidence
• Relaxation – lots of lovely techniques to use in pregnancy and birth
• Fear Release – helping you work through and release any fears you may have about birthing and parenthood
• Self-hypnosis – a great skill to learn for birth and throughout parenthood!

Will HypnoBirthing work for me?

Sometimes mums-to-be are concerned that HypnoBirthing won’t ‘work’ for them, perhaps it’s the hypnosis aspect or often they are from a science background and don’t know that it’s the sort of thing that will suit them or work for them.

I have been there! I hadn’t experienced hypnosis before I undertook the class myself as a mum-to-be, as a physicist and someone who focuses very much on research, science and is grateful that we have experienced medical practitioners available to us, I wasn’t sure I was ‘hippy’ enough for HypnoBirthing!

I soon discovered that the HypnoBirthing course is based on evidence and that the techniques and reasoning were very logical. There are many different aspects of the course, every couple picks and uses different tools but there’s definitely something for everyone!

Do I have to have a natural, drug-free birth?

No! Although many mums do, the tools you learn in HypnoBirthing classes can be used for whatever kind of birth you have. It will give you tools, information and confidence to calmly meet whatever turn your birthing takes.

I have a special circumstance / may need a C-section – can HypoBirthing help?

HypnoBirthing techniques can help with ALL births, if your plan should chance during or after the course I can provide you with the additional materials to help you prepare for your birth. A positive mind-set and understanding of your body are some of the main advantages to HypnoBirthing, helping you feel empowered by whatever birth is best for you and baby.

When should I start classes? When should I book the taster?

I recommend booking the taster session from 12weeks on, once you’ve had your first scan. The main classes can be booked from around 20-30weeks. Starting earlier will give you more time to practice, but don’t stress if you’re reading this at 36/37/38weeks etc. – get in touch and we can work something out!

Can I just get the book / CD / self-study pack?

Any HypnoBirthing is better than no HypnoBirthing! However, I always compare it to learning an instrument, you can read a book about it and get some of the way, watch videos and listen to CDs to learn a little more, but to really learn and appreciate the tools you need to take a class with a trained and experienced tutor.

If the cost of HypnoBirthing is a challenge for you, please do get in touch as I offer payment plans and options where necessary.

Does my husband/partner have to attend? Can I come alone to classes?

Having your birth partner with you in the class is idea, whether it’s your husband, partner, mum, sister, friend etc. whoever you will have with you at your birth. That way you can learn the skills together and they can best support you in labour.

If you’re planning to birth on your own or your partner is away/busy /looking after siblings/not keen etc. you care very welcome to come on your own, the class will still be very beneficial.

I previously had a traumatic birth – can HypnoBirthing help me?

Yes – absolutely! It’s be to have a quick chat and work out what class would be best for you. Sometimes mums prefer a one to one class, other times they like to meet the other mums in groups.

Can you guarantee a pain-free labour and birth?

Although some HypnoBirthing mums experience pain-free labours, it’s not a guarantee. There are so many factors that can influence labour and birth. The purpose of HypnoBirthing is to give you the tools to have a more positive, calm birth.

I’m not sure about hypnosis!

The TV shows don’t do much to our image of hypnosis!

Hypnosis is probably something everyone’s experienced without knowing it, if you daydream, or glaze over in a lecture when you’re not so interested in the topic, starting into the flames of a fire etc.

Hypnosis is deep relaxation where you are in full control and can respond and communicate with those around you when needed.

Does the NHS approve of HypnoBirthing? What will my midwife think?

The practitioner training programme is approved by the Royal College of Midwives and some NHS trusts are training their midwives in HypnoBirthing techniques. Many midwives have a good idea of what HypnoBirthing is and have seen the difference it can make.

Do you have any more questions? Just ask!