FAQ
What is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a complete antenatal programme in which we give you unbiased, objective and evidence based information for you to process and make informed decisions with. This is coupled with relaxation techniques to help release any fear, build your confidence and help you stay relaxed so your body can work at it’s best, giving you the most positive birth possible.
When should I start the Hypnobirthing course?
We recommend doing the course in your 2nd trimester as this lets you enjoy all the benefits of the relaxation techniques throughout your pregnancy. This also gives you plenty of time to absorb all the information we give you, so the Hypnobirthing techniques begin to feel second nature to you. Allowing plenty of time for the information to absorb also helps to ensure you are making the choices that you are most comfortable with for you and your family. I do however also offer a 4 Hour Mini Course on a 1-1 basis, which can be slotted in quite easily towards the end of pregnancy if you are short on time or find Hypnobirthing late on in your pregnancy.
Is Hypnobirthing only for home births? Or for those looking to have a natural birth?
No, Hypnobirthing is suitable and effective for any type of birth. Home births to C-Sections and everything in between! It is also suitable whether you are sure you want an Epidural, or want no pain relief whatsoever. Hypnobirthing is here to guide you to make informed choices, whatever those choices are, and to help ensure you are able to stay relaxed and positive throughout any eventuality of birth. Be sure to check out the birth stories page to see the many different kinds of births my clients have had.
How does a Hypnobirthing course differ from the Antenatal classes we have the option to attend?
As above, Hypnobirthing is a complete antenatal programme in which we give you unbiased, objective and evidence based information for you to process and make informed decisions with. This is coupled with relaxation techniques to help release any fear, build your confidence and help you stay relaxed so your body can work at it’s best. The antenatal classes run by the NHS, whilst still a worthwhile thing to attend, unfortunately are much shorter and therefore cannot give you the full picture of birth. They also do not provide any relaxation techniques or tools to help keep you comfortable and sometimes can be quite heavily focused on medicalised births.
What is the ‘hypnosis’ element of Hypnobirthing?
I think this is the part most people are sceptical and apprehensive about, however it really is simple and not as intimidating as it may seem! There is A LOT of information available on Hypnosis’s effectiveness and the benefits and it is already embedded within the medical system. The National Library of Medicine identifies Hypnosis as “a state in which a person’s attention is detached from his or her immediate environment and is absorbed by inner experiences such as feelings, cognition and imagery”. This means, all Hypnosis is, is a state of deep relaxation much like when you are indulged in a really good book, daydreaming or ready to fall sleep. You will still be in full control of your body and mind at all times. It is nothing like the stage hypnosis you have seen on TV. Hypnosis also works on your subconscious mind, helping eradicate the negative thoughts and fears you have from preconceived ideas about birth. Actually - in a way, it’s more like you get ‘un-hypnotised’ from the fear of childbirth!
Does my partner need to attend the classes?
No, but I do strongly recommend that they do! Your birth partner has a vital part to play in the birth and the Hypnobirthing course helps prepare them for this, showing them the ways they can support you to have a positive birth. Often the partner says they don’t want to come then leave the sessions amazed at how valuable it’s been. If your partner is unable to attend, let me know and we can have a chat. If you do not have a partner, or are unsure of who your birth partner will be, that is absolutely fine! You can attend the course on your own and you will still reap the benefits.
Does doing Hypnobirthing guarantee I will have a positive, pain free birth?
No, there are no guarantees in birth unfortunately as there are so many eventualities. But with that being said if you follow the course and put in the practice, it can definitely significantly improve your birth experience. It has been proven that those who undertake a Hypnobirthing course have higher birth satisfaction rates and less medical intervention. Hypnobirthing helps improve your birth experience by:
Helping you make informed choices that feel right for you
Giving you more control over birth experience
Shortening the length of labour
Helping you feel more comfortable in labour (less pain)
Lowering the use of epidurals
Lowering the rates of intervention and unplanned c-section, which both usually correlate with negative birth experiences.
Why should I get do a full Hypnobirthing course with a teacher rather than an online Hypnobirthing course?
I can speak personally here as I have done an online course for my own baby before doing my Teacher training. I can confidently say that an online course helps lead you towards a positive birth experience, but I do believe however that the key to the best possible birth is having a teacher (me) to support you through your pregnancy and early labour. From the outset of the course, I am there to support you, with open communication where you can ask questions and request further information on a topic when needed. The course is much more tailored to your own unique situation and in 1-1 scenarios we can talk about how the information applies to specifically. I am also constantly learning, refreshing my knowledge and there will undoubtably be little extra nuggets of information I am able to share with you along the way. I am an impartial ear to use as a soundboard whilst you make your decisions and can be someone to help keep you on a positive path if you have a wobble! Think of me as like your maid of honour for your wedding - except there’s no wedding, but a birth!