Frequently Asked Questions
What is HypnoBirthing about?
The HypnoBirthing philosophy supports natural, relaxed and stress-free birth. HypnoBirthing teaches parents tools and techniques to be able to relax deeply, tools they can practice during pregnancy and use on their birthing day. The ability to achieve a deep state of relaxation during childbirth enables the mother to birth her baby naturally in a safe and comfortable way. By deeply relaxing the mind and letting go of fear, tension and the expectation of pain the birthing mother is able to let her body and baby take over and birth in the way that nature designed.
HypnoBirthing sounds very 'alternative' - will it work? HypnoBirthing is self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to be used for pain relief during labour and childbirth. It has been used by thousands of birthing couple in the UK. The evidence shows that HypnoBirthing mothers cope better in labour and have a much greater likelihood of having a complication-free, natural birth.
Normal Delivery:General Population 64%, HypnoBirthing mothers 84%
Emergency C-section: General Population 15%, HypnoBirthing mothers 4%
Instrumental Delivery: General Population 11%, HypnoBirthing mothers 8%
Many people associate HypnoBirthing with home births, however this is not necessarily the case. Hypnobirthing is about each individual couple having the most relaxed and positive experience, be that at hospital, birthing centre or home. Hypnobirthing has also been used very successfully in elective and emergency c-sections and helps mums and dads react positively to changing events during labour.
Where did HypnoBirthing come from?
The HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education Method is based primarily on the writings and theories of two pioneers in natural childbirth - Dr. Grantly Dick-Read (founder of the National Childbirth Trust) and Jonathan Dye. Marie Mongan developed and founded HypnoBirthing and was highly influenced by the writings of these two men in the development of the HypnoBirthing philosophy and method. HypnoBirthing originates in the USA and has spread around the world. HypnoBirthing has been in the UK since 2000
Who is HypnoBirthing suitable for?
HypnoBirthing is suitable for first time mums and mums who have had previous children and want to find a calmer, more peaceful way of birthing.
We help women who are scared of birth 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.
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 not sure about the idea of self-hypnosis. 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. Self-hypnosis is about using guided relaxation to achieve a state of deep relaxation which feels like having a guided daydream. During hypnosis your mind is aware and in control while the body is relaxed. The brain wave activity while in this relaxed state is similar to sleep. It feels somewhat like when you are watching a film and you get so caught up in the action that you feel excitement at the action or emotions like sadness or happiness for the characters. In this deep state of relaxation the mind is able to take on positive beliefs about birth and replace other less positive thoughts that may exist today.
Can my birth partner be involved?
Absolutely! HypnoBirthing enables birth partners to get involved, as often they can feel sidelined or helpless during labour and birth and not know what to do. HypnoBirthing provides the birth partner with tools and techniques to be fully involved in the process and help keep mum relaxed and calm as she labours and births.
When should I start the 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, you can start at any time. We have had ladies start at 38 weeks!
Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?
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 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, the HypnoBirthing mums still tell us that HypnoBirthing really helped - even if they were induced, or ended up with a caesarean.
The objective of HypnoBirthing is to have a calmer, easier, more comfortable birth- where you are in control - and in a way that most mirrors Nature.
I cannot afford to pay for the course in one go - can you help?
Yes, absolutely. We ask for a deposit of £50 to secure your place on the course. We can then agree a schedule of payment installments to help you spread the cost and make it more manageable.
We also offer concession rates so please contact us about this.
The HypnoBirthing philosophy supports natural, relaxed and stress-free birth. HypnoBirthing teaches parents tools and techniques to be able to relax deeply, tools they can practice during pregnancy and use on their birthing day. The ability to achieve a deep state of relaxation during childbirth enables the mother to birth her baby naturally in a safe and comfortable way. By deeply relaxing the mind and letting go of fear, tension and the expectation of pain the birthing mother is able to let her body and baby take over and birth in the way that nature designed.
HypnoBirthing sounds very 'alternative' - will it work? HypnoBirthing is self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to be used for pain relief during labour and childbirth. It has been used by thousands of birthing couple in the UK. The evidence shows that HypnoBirthing mothers cope better in labour and have a much greater likelihood of having a complication-free, natural birth.
Normal Delivery:General Population 64%, HypnoBirthing mothers 84%
Emergency C-section: General Population 15%, HypnoBirthing mothers 4%
Instrumental Delivery: General Population 11%, HypnoBirthing mothers 8%
Many people associate HypnoBirthing with home births, however this is not necessarily the case. Hypnobirthing is about each individual couple having the most relaxed and positive experience, be that at hospital, birthing centre or home. Hypnobirthing has also been used very successfully in elective and emergency c-sections and helps mums and dads react positively to changing events during labour.
Where did HypnoBirthing come from?
The HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education Method is based primarily on the writings and theories of two pioneers in natural childbirth - Dr. Grantly Dick-Read (founder of the National Childbirth Trust) and Jonathan Dye. Marie Mongan developed and founded HypnoBirthing and was highly influenced by the writings of these two men in the development of the HypnoBirthing philosophy and method. HypnoBirthing originates in the USA and has spread around the world. HypnoBirthing has been in the UK since 2000
Who is HypnoBirthing suitable for?
HypnoBirthing is suitable for first time mums and mums who have had previous children and want to find a calmer, more peaceful way of birthing.
We help women who are scared of birth 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.
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 not sure about the idea of self-hypnosis. 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. Self-hypnosis is about using guided relaxation to achieve a state of deep relaxation which feels like having a guided daydream. During hypnosis your mind is aware and in control while the body is relaxed. The brain wave activity while in this relaxed state is similar to sleep. It feels somewhat like when you are watching a film and you get so caught up in the action that you feel excitement at the action or emotions like sadness or happiness for the characters. In this deep state of relaxation the mind is able to take on positive beliefs about birth and replace other less positive thoughts that may exist today.
Can my birth partner be involved?
Absolutely! HypnoBirthing enables birth partners to get involved, as often they can feel sidelined or helpless during labour and birth and not know what to do. HypnoBirthing provides the birth partner with tools and techniques to be fully involved in the process and help keep mum relaxed and calm as she labours and births.
When should I start the 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, you can start at any time. We have had ladies start at 38 weeks!
Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?
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 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, the HypnoBirthing mums still tell us that HypnoBirthing really helped - even if they were induced, or ended up with a caesarean.
The objective of HypnoBirthing is to have a calmer, easier, more comfortable birth- where you are in control - and in a way that most mirrors Nature.
I cannot afford to pay for the course in one go - can you help?
Yes, absolutely. We ask for a deposit of £50 to secure your place on the course. We can then agree a schedule of payment installments to help you spread the cost and make it more manageable.
We also offer concession rates so please contact us about this.
