Frequently Asked Questions
What is HypnoBirthing?
HypnoBirthing is self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to be used for pain relief during labour and childbirth.
When should I start the classes?
Somewhere between 25-30 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 will still help.
Our HypnoBirthing courses generally book well in advance.
Does my partner have to attend the classes?
Ideally, yes. There is a definite benefit to having your birth partner attend with you as they will learn important techniques to help you on the big day. We find that birth partners also need to learn how to remain calm and confident in the birthing room so that they can be the best support possible for mum.
However, we often have mums attend the course on their own and they, too, report that learning HypnoBirthing helped them to have the kind of birth they wanted.
Sometimes, a relative or trusted friend attends instead of a partner. This can be helpful if they are planning to be at your side at the birth.
Who is HypnoBirthing suitable for?
HypnoBirthing is for all, including first-time mums and mums who have birthed babies before. We usually have a combination of first-time and second/subsequent mums on our courses.
HypnoBirthing helps women who are scared of birth because they’ve never done it before, as well as those who are anxious because of a negative experience previously or those 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 mindset, then HypnoBirthing is for you.
Will I be ‘out of it’ if I use HypnoBirthing?
No, absolutely not. With HypnoBirthing, you are aware of what is going on around you but you can just ‘tune out’ the distractions. You are in control and can decide if you want to go deeper into relaxation or come out of it.
I’m scared of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Is HypnoBirthing safe?
HypnoBirthing and hypnosis are absolutely safe and nothing to be scared of. Unfortunately, TV, film and stage portrayal of hypnosis have left a lot of people with a mistaken view of what hypnosis is and what it can (and cannot) do. Essentially, it is a deep state of relaxation.
Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?
No. There are many factors that can affect a birth, some of which are outside our 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 tightenings or sensations.
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, the HypnoBirthing mums still tell us that HypnoBirthing really helped, even if they were induced or needed to undergo a caesarean.
Remember: The aim of HypnoBirthing is not a completely pain-free and ‘picture-perfect’ natural birth (although that is possible). The aim is to have a calmer, easier, more comfortable birth, where you are in control.
When and where do HypnoBirthing classes run?
Our weekend courses run from the Beehive Centre in St George.
In what format are the HypnoBirthing classes taught?
Each set of classes is designed for a small group (with a maximum of six couples), and many of our HypnoBirthers enjoy the social support they receive from the group both during pregnancy and afterwards. That said, we do offer private classes for individuals and couples. Just get in touch for more details!
Do you offer discounts?
Discounts are available for those couples who wish to attend classes but are unable to pay the full price. If necessary a payment plan can be arranged, rather than paying the fee as a lump sum.
There are no additional costs aside from transportation to the classes as all learning materials are factored into the price of the course.
To find out what options are available to you, please contact us for an informal chat.
Is there a HypnoBirthing home-study course, or CDs, tapes and/or videos I can buy instead of attending classes?
There are no authorised HypnoBirthing home-study courses.
Although the book and CD are available for purchase online, they are designed to be used as part of a practitioner-led course. HypnoBirthing is only taught through a series of classes.