Frequently Asked Questions
When should you start a hypnobirthing course?
You can start your hypnobirthing course whenever you feel ready. Most people choose to begin around 28-32 weeks to allow plenty of time to apply the tools and cultivate a positive mindset. However, the sooner you start the more time you will have to practice! And even if you are nearing the end of your pregnancy, it is not too late- the knowledge & tools you will gain from this course will be incredibly valuable whenever you start.
Is it worth doing a hypnobirthing course?
The list of things we are conditioned to believe we need when expecting a baby is vast! Most expectant parents create a beautiful nursery, invest in a full-spec pram, curate a wardrobe full of the cutest outfits. A hypnobirthing course can feel like a big investment at a time when you already paying out for so many things.
But a newborn baby only really needs loving and responsive parents. And your birth experience matters. It matters because it stays with you & it impacts on the way you experience those first few months with your new baby (& possibly far beyond).
Why should I do hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing helps to reduce anxiety and fear around birth. It helps to build confidence & belief in your body's innate ability to birth your baby & provides you with tools that enable you to feel calm and in control.
Studies have shown that women who use hypnobirthing techniques usually have a shorter labour with fewer birth interventions. They also experience greater post-natal well-being and report a overall more positive birth experience.
Can I learn Hypnobirthing on my own?
As with most things nowadays, there is a whole wealth of hypnobirthing information easily accessible online and it is absolutely possible to learn many of the tools and techniques yourself. However, a hypnobirthing course is much more than just a set of tools to use in pregnancy & labour. It is full birth preparation course, teaching you how the body works during birth so that you can utilise this knowledge and work with your biology for a more easeful birth. You will also learn how the maternity system works, enabling you to make decisions about your birth from an empowered & knowledgeable place (rather than out of fear).
Does my birth partner need to attend hypnobirthing classes?
Ideally, yes! Your partner will be your advocate during birth and so it is really important that they understand birth, the maternity system & the choices available to you. By learning hypnobirthing tools alongside you, your birth partner will feel equipped with practical strategies that they can use to support you during labour.
Does hypnobirthing replace the need for pain relief in labour?
Hypnobirthing can support you to manage the powerful sensations of labour in a more holistic way. It teaches breathing techniques, massage & self-hypnosis to build a positive mindset & help your body to relax into the process of birth. It should also cover the physiology of birth, which means you can work with your body by creating an environment & choosing positions that support your biology. If you want to have an unmedicated birth, hypnobirthing can be incredibly useful.