Q: When is the best time to start classes?

Whenever you want to start preparing for your birth! It is recommended to start the classes somewhere between 20-30 weeks pregnant. This way you have time to practice all the tools and techniques you learnt in class. However, if you are further along please come anyway! A lot of women have joined the course at 35-37 weeks pregnant and found it super beneficial for their birth experience.

Question 1

Why choose Hypnobirthing?

Accepted Answer

The Positive Birth Program includes so much information about how your mind, body and baby can work harmoniously together in labour and birth. This will help you and your birth partner approach birth without fear because you are equipped with knowledge and therefore you can feel empowered to make informed decisions for mama and baby. The Birth class will also give you many tools for labour like breathing techniques, deep relaxation techniques, movement, acupressure, visualisations, birth partner support and many more. Hypnobirthing is a part of this toolbox but definitely not the only thing you will take away from this course.
 
If you practice Hypnobirthing (self-hypnosis and guided meditation) during pregnancy, you can slip into a deeply relaxed state of mind with ease and you can condition your mind to view your birth as a calm and positive experience. This is the perfect mindset for labour and birth. However you want to birth, you will feel excited and prepared for the best moment of your live.
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Not convinced yet, check out the evidence here!

Question 2

When is the best time to start classes?

Accepted Answer

Whenever you want to start preparing for your birth! 
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It is recommended to start the classes somewhere between 20-30 weeks pregnant. This way you have time to practice all the tools and techniques you learnt in class. However, if you are further along please come anyway! A lot of women have joined the course at 35-37 weeks pregnant and   found it super beneficial for their birth experience.

Question 3

Who can attend the classes?

Accepted Answer

'The Positive Birth Program' classes are structured to include the birth partners. They have a big role in your birth experience so I encourage the birth partner to attend alongside mama. Your birth partner can be anyone who will support you during your birth experience, like your partner, mother, best friend, doula, etc. You are also more than welcome to attend the classes solo, mama. I can assist you during the practical parts of the class.

Question 4

Will I still benefit from the Hypnobirthing classes when I have given birth before?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely! Lots of mama's have given birth before when they are coming to class. The Positive Birth Program is such a unique birth education class that I am sure you will find it very educational and helpful.

Question 5

Will I be unconscious and not remember my birth?

Accepted Answer

No, you will be aware of everything around you. Self-hypnosis during your birth is all about being in a deeply relaxed state of mind. I always compare it to that same drive home from work where you are so lost in your thoughts that when you arrive home, you doubt if you ran a red light. Losing track of time and distance like that is hypnosis; a normal state of mind that we experience many times every day. It is the perfect mindset for your birth. Hypno-mama's describe it as feeling deeply relaxed and with no awareness of time. You will be able to block all distractions so you can focus on your body and baby in birth and be immediately present when needed.

Question 6

Will a Hypnobirthing class still be beneficial in circumstances that need medical intervention, like an epidural, induction or caesarean birth?

Accepted Answer

I would highly recommend doing the Hypnobirthing classes when things can't go completely 'natural'. The Positive Birth Program prepares you for a calm birth where you are ready to confidently meet whatever turn your birth may take so you can stay relaxed in medicalised situations. You can use all the knowledge and tools you learn in class to feel in control and at peace during your birth, regardless of how your beautiful baby comes into the world.

Question 7

What if my care provider is not familiar with Hypnobirthing?

Accepted Answer

Many midwives and obstetrician's are nowadays aware of Hypnobirthing techniques and its benefits. In class you will learn multiple tools on how to discuss your birth preferences with your care provider, also when they are not familiar with Hypnobirthing. Hypno-mama's and their birth partners are educated and prepared for birth which always helps a lot when you are communicating with your care provider.

Question 8

What if I can't join one of the Group classes because of other commitments?

Accepted Answer

All good :) Please contact me via the Contact Page so we can work something out!

Question 9

Are there payment plans available?

Accepted Answer

Payment plans are definitely available. Please contact me using the Contact Page to organise the details.

Question 10

What is the difference between a Group and Private class?

Accepted Answer

In the Group class as well as in the Private class we will practice techniques on how to create and maintain a positive, calm and relaxed mindset and learn about how to have your mind, body and baby working harmoniously together during your birth. 
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Additionally, in the Private class we can focus more specifically on what you would like to gain from the birth classes as well as discuss how your pregnancy and prenatal care has been. It is also a great opportunity to talk about your previous birth(s) all in the comfort of your home (or via zoom).

Question 11

How is the course structured?

Accepted Answer

Unit 1 - Creating & maintaining a positive mindset
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Introduction to the positive mindset of hypnobirthing
How our brain is wired to birth
The role of our caregivers
Mind/body connection
What is self-hypnosis and how will we use it for birthing?
Our hormones are our friends
My amazing uterus – understanding the physiology behind birthing
Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome
Causes of Fear (including history) and how it affects our labour
Re-programming the Subconscious
The language for empowered birthing
The power of affirmations
Birthing environment
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Unit 2 - Our toolkit for birth
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Self-hypnosis tracks
Birth music
Conditioning with scent
Hypnotic anchors and triggers
Releasing endorphins through massage and touch
Acupressure techniques for pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding
Visualisations for pregnancy, labour & birthing
The importance of facial relaxation
Relaxation Breathing – a skill for life
Surge Breathing – the best tool ever!
Techniques to help make your surges more comfortable
The ‘urge’ to push/bear down – Breathing/Bearing down
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Unit 3 - Preparation and choices for empowered birthing
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Bonding with baby
Choices in maternity care
Birth Preferences – having open communication with your caregivers
Knowledge is power – researching common interventions and procedures
Questions to ask, to assist in making informed decisions
Birth partner as advocate
‘Guess date’ – a normal range of pregnancy
Inductions – things you’re not always told
Achieving a natural start to labour
Maintaining a healthy diet
Preparing the body – staying active
Optimising baby’s position
Breech or Posterior – options & positions
Instant relaxation techniques
Self-hypnosis, meditation and deep relaxation techniques & scripts
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Unit 4 - Birth: bringing it all together
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What to expect in the weeks and days leading up to birth
Signs that labour is starting
What to expect through labour (membranes releasing etc)
When to call the midwife/go to the hospital
Accidental home/car birth – what to do!
Birth partner’s role
Common procedures
Using water during labour and birth
Upright positioning, movement and birth positions
Special circumstances (including caesarean birth)
Fear release
Vocalisation
Cord clamping & placenta delivery
Undisturbed bonding & breastfeeding time – skin to skin
What to expect afterwards
Self-hypnosis – Rehearsal for Birth
A practice routine – preparation for birth!

Frequently Asked Questions