What is HypnoBirthing?
HypnoBirthing is self hypnosis, relaxation and special breathing techniques to be used for pain relief during labour and childbirth.
Who is HypnoBirthing suitable for?
HypnoBirthing is suitable both for first time mums and mums who've had children before.
We help women who are nervous of childbirth because they've never done it before, who are anxious because of a bad experience last time, or who just want a calmer, easier, more natural birth experience.
If you're pregnant, and looking for an alternative to the over-medicalised, pain-is-inevitable, "give me all the drugs" mindset, then HypnoBirthing is for you.
Will I be 'out of it' if I use HypnoBirthing?
No, absolutely not. With HypnoBirthing (in fact, virtually all hypnosis), you are aware of what is going on around you but you can just 'tune out' the distractions.
I'm scared of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Is HypnoBirthing safe?
Hypnosis is absolutely safe and nothing to be scared of.
Unfortunately, TV, film and stage portrayal of hypnosis has left a lot of people with a mistaken view of what hypnosis is, and what it can (and can't) do. Please see ‘about hypnosis’, for more information.
Can you guarantee a completely pain-free, natural labour and birth?
No. Nobody can guarantee you have a perfect birth as there are many factors that can affect it, some of which are outside your control.
Also, like any childbirth preparation class, the success of the techniques is related to the amount of practice you put in.
However, as a guide, we find that around 65-70% of HypnoBirthing mums don't need any form of pain relief. Nearly all the mums in this category simply don't experience any pain - just pressure.
Around a further 20-25% only require something mild, like gas and air.
The remaining 5-10% usually fall into what we call 'special circumstances', where medical intervention is required. However, HypnoBirthing mums still tell us that HypnoBirthing really helped - even if they were induced, or had to have a caesarean.
Remember - the aim of HypnoBirthing is not a completely pain-free and picture-perfect 'natural' birth (although that is possible). It is to have a calmer, easier, more comfortable birth- where you are in control - and in a way that most mirrors Nature.
What if I want an epidural or to use painkillers?
HypnoBirthing gives you a toolbox of techniques which you can use during your birthing experience. However epidurals and painkillers can also be part of your toolbox – it’s up to you what you choose to use. Every birth is different and there is no pressure for you to have a natural childbirth. However, because the course will teach you to feel in control, you are less likely to feel the need for medical intervention.
What if I don’t have the birth I want? Will I have wasted my money?
HypnoBirthing classes are both practical and educational and are full of information about pregnancy and childbirth. You can't "unlearn" the information you’ll gain and you can't take away the benefits that you’ll experience during your pregnancy by doing the HypnoBirthing techniques. These classes are a great preparation for birth, in the same way as any antenatal class; however they go beyond most antenatal classes as they provide so much more than information. And, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re doing everything you can to get the best birth for you and your baby.
Is there a HypnoBirthing home-study course, or CDs, tapes and/or videos I could buy?
No. There are no authorised HypnoBirthing® home-study courses.
Although the book and CD are available separately, they are designed to be used as part of a practitioner-led course. HypnoBirthing is only taught through a series of classes.
Somewhere between 20-30 weeks is ideal, as the success of the course is strongly linked to how much practice you do. However, provided you can finish the course before you give birth, it's still going to help enormously.
We strongly recommend that your partner or a birthing companion attend the class with you as they are a very important part of HypnoBirthing success and HypnoBirthing will help build a strong relationship between mum, dad and baby.
However, if you are a single mum or your partner is not able to get to the class and you do not have an alternative birthing companion, HypnoBirthing will still give you the tools you need to have a more comfortable birth.