• to understand your body and how you can take control of your birthing process  

• to identify and release the fears and anxieties you have around pregnancy which in turn can impact positively on your birthing experience      

• to utilise techniques that can help you through your pregnancy and prepare you for the arrival of your baby 

• learn hypnotherapy tools you can take with you through life that can help you manage stress, anxiety and instil feelings of calm

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Here are some of the questions I am frequently asked about hypnobirthing:

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When is the best time to start hypnobirthing classes?

Although it is good to have time to prepare (as you will be given a set of audio tracks that focus on the different stages of your pregnancy and birth), like 'regular' hypnotherapy, the best time to come is when you feel that you are ready. I will not turn someone away even in very late stages of pregnancy as you will benefit from the hypnotherapy and relaxation tools you will learn.

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What is the difference between hypnobirthing classes and antenatal classes?

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 including information on nutrition and breastfeeding. They are also likely to talk about your options during labour including where you will give birth, what support you will have and the medical interventions you may be offered. In the past (pre COVID), you may also have been invited for a tour of the maternity unit where you would have been giving birth. The NHS classes are generally led by a midwife.

Whilst hypnobirthing goes well with and is supportive of the information you will receive in antenatal or NCT classes, the primary function of my workshops is to teach you tools that you can use to help you relax,  to take control and to feel comfortable and positive in the lead up and through your birth.  

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Will using hypnobirthing mean that I am asleep or out of control?

When you are using hypnosis (whether for birth or otherwise) you are completely, if not more so in control than you usually are. It is a very focussed or heightened state of attention. In relation to childbirth, you will be aware of what is going about you if you choose to be, but may find that there are times when you want to focus completely on yourself and what your body is doing. You will learn self hypnosis which may mean that at times you will be still with your eyes closed. At other times, you may want to move about... and that's absolutely fine too! There is no prescribed right or wrong; you will become increasingly attuned to listening to your body's needs and responding in the way that feels right for you.  

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Is hypnobirthing only useful for those planning a vaginal birth? 

Not at all! Hypnobirthing is about increasing your sense of control irrespective of how your baby arrives into the world. Furthermore, a focused and relaxed mind helps you to make the decisions that are best for you and your baby. 

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Does using hypnobirthing guarantee I will have a completely pain-free birth?

No, no one can guarantee this. If a therapist does guarantee this to you, please please proceed with caution. 

That said, many mothers and birthing people who have used hypnobirthing 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 hypnobirthing workshops and enhancing feeling 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 bodies natural pain killer. 

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Which hypnobirthing course should I choose? I've heard of lots of different methods and am confused.

The word 'hypnobirthing' is a generic one and therefore there are many people across the world offering varying approaches. 

I am an Easibirthing practitioner: Easibirthing is a UK based model which was designed in association with midwives which therefore means 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. 

If you are still confused and would like to have a no obligation chat, please contact me via phone or email.    

The workshops consist of 4 x 2.5 hour workshops. Cost is £240 per couple for group workshops and £350 for 1:1 workshops . You will also receive a set of audio tracks (which is included in the price of the workshop) that you can use through your pregnancy and baby's birth. I am also on hand to answer any questions or offer any additional support throughout your pregnancy and in the run up to your baby's birth.

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If you would like to speak about hypnobirthing and how it may help you, please contact me for a no obligation discussion.