Antenatal birth preparation
When should I start birth prep classes?
You can start your birth prep classes from 20 weeks gestation. It is good to have time to prepare but the best time to come is when you feel that you are ready: birth preparation classes can still help you even in the late stages of pregnancy. However, the more time you have to practice and listen to my MP3s, the more you will benefit from the hypnotherapy and relaxation tools that you will learn. I will not turn someone away even in very late stages of pregnancy as you can still benefit from what you will learn.
Will I be put to sleep or into a trance?
No. You’ll be totally relaxed and fully in control, aware of what is happening to you and around you. Using hypnotherapy in your birth preparation allows you to experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation, free of the fear and tensions that allow your body to do its job – just as nature intended. You’ll be in a very focused or heightened state of attention. Although you’ll be aware of what is going on around you, you may find that there are times when you want to focus completely on yourself and what your body is doing. You may want to be still, you may want to move about – there is no right or wrong. You will be listening to your body’s needs and responding in the way that feels right for you.
What is the difference between hypnobirthing classes and antenatal classes?
Hypnobirthing classes will complement any antenatal or NCT classes that you are attending. The primary function of my birth prep classes using hypnotherapy is to teach you how to utilise your own resources to help you to relax, to be in control and feel comfortable and positive about your labour. Antenatal classes generally cover how to best look after your health during pregnancy and labour and how to look after your baby after the birth.
Who can use hypnotherapy for birth?
Anyone! Using hypnotherapy for your birth is about increasing your sense of control irrespective of how your baby arrives into the world. A focused and relaxed mind helps you to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby.
Is hypnotherapy only useful for those planning a natural birth?
Using hypnotherapy for your birth is about increasing your sense of control, irrespective of how your baby arrives into the world. You can use it to help to prepare for a home birth, a hospital birth, even a Caeserean. Hypnotherapy teaches you the skills to make an informed decision: a focused and relaxed mind helps you to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby. If you have a Caesarian birth, hypnotherapy can allow you to relax and feel calm in a situation that could be quite scary. Antenatal birth preparation classes can also prepare you and your partner for the C-section itself, so that you know what to expect.
Does using hypnotherapy for my birth guarantee I will have a completely pain-free birth?
No one can guarantee this. That said, many mothers who have used hypnotherapy report having had low pain sensations. There is a physiological explanation for this: fear and anxiety creates feelings of tension in the body thus constricting the birthing muscles. This in turn increases sensations of pain. By addressing fears through the hypnotherapy workshops and enhancing feelings of relaxation and control through the tools you will learn, birthing can be accomplished more comfortably and in a shorter period. Furthermore, having a relaxed body encourages the release of endorphines - our body’s natural pain killer.
Does my partner need to attend?
Antenatal birth preparation classes provide valuable techniques for both you and your partner. Classes allow you both to feel prepared and positive about the birth of your child so, if they can, it is important that they attend. However if it is not possible for them to attend, please get in touch for a chat. It is likely that we can work around this. If you don’t have a partner or are planning to birth without your partner present, hypnotherapy will still work for you: many women have had great births without a partner present.
Which hypnotherapy for birth/hypnobirth course should I choose? I've heard of lots of different methods and am confused.
The word 'hypnobirthing' is a generic one and there are many people across the world offering varying approaches. Not all practitioners however are certified clinical hypnotherapists so, for this reason, I would choose with care when looking for a provider.
I am an easibirthing practitioner: easibirthing is a UK based model which was designed in association with midwives. This means that it complements UK birthing practices. The Certified Hypnotic Birthing Practitioner qualification is the only hypnosis for childbirth qualification in the UK which is independently accredited. All of its graduates are clinical hypnotherapists or psychotherapists. I am also a member of the National Society of Hypnosis, Psychotherapy & Mindfulness.
If you are still confused and would like to have a no obligation chat, please contact me via phone or email.
The course consists of five x 1.5 hour workshops and costs £220 per couple in person or £180 if taught online. You will also receive a set of audio tracks (which is included in the price of the course) that you can use through your pregnancy and baby's birth.
Which areas do you teach antenatal birth preparation in?
I currently teach courses around Bristol, both in person and online. Private courses can be taught around Bristol and Bath. If you live outside of these areas and you are interested in classes, please email thehappyparentsclub@gmail.com as I would be happy to help - I’ve worked with many couples all over the world using Zoom and it is as beneficial as in-person sessions.
How many couples are in the group?
Courses run either from my home at a time to suit you and these can be private or as part of a small group - three couples at a time whether in-person or online. I also run a course on Friday evenings at The Southville Centre BS3 for a maximum of ten couples.
What is included in the cost of the course?
Included in the course cost is
7 1/2 hours of fun and friendly tuition, usually taught over five sessions (weekdays) or two Saturdays a month for yourself and your birth partner.
My hypnobirthing MP3s recorded with my voice.
A goody bag including The Happy Parents’ Club positive affirmation cards.
On going support via the group, phone or email.
If you would like to talk to me about using hypnotherapy for your birth preparation and how it may help you, please contact me for a no obligation discussion.