Frequently asked questions

Hypnobirthing is a form of antenatal education that prepares expectant parents for a positive birth. It teaches you about the physiology of birth, the mind and body connection, relaxation techniques, reducing fear and anxiety, and all about your choices and informed decision making. At the end of my courses you will fully understand the power of the mind and how it can really impact on your journey to birth. Head to my page 'What is Hypnobirthing'(https://www.hypnatalbirthing.co.uk/what-is-hypnobirthing) to find out more.

Hypnosis is about repeating the same positive messages or images in order to replace old, outdated beliefs and ideas that birth is scary and fearful. It also enables you to get into a deeply relaxed state, blocking out any external noises and influences.

No! Hypnobirthing is actually very logical, scientific and evidence based. I can guarantee a few lightbulb moments in my classes when you realise how birth can be when left undisturbed and unobserved. The hypno bit is about learning to get into a deeply relaxed, hypnotic state to block out the world around you and get into your own safe, calm and relaxing birthing bubble. It's also about replacing negative beliefs and thoughts stored in your subconscious mind with much more positive ideas. If you want to learn how 'unhippy' hypnobirthing is head to my page 'What is Hypnobirthing'(https://www.hypnatalbirthing.co.uk/what-is-hypnobirthing).

Hypnobirthing is not about having a pain free labour or saying that you cannot use conventional pain relief methods whilst in labour. Everything you learn in my hypnobirthing course is likely to reduce the feelings you have in birth, as the fear and anxiety you hold in your body is reduced. You will be better able to manage the feelings and sensations you experience due to all the tools and techniques you learn. Because of this, hypnobirthing often reduces the need for pain relief and medical intervention. Women who have done hypnobirthing often experience less, more manageable ‘pain’, often using words such as intense and powerful rather than painful.

While online hypnobirthing course, books, podcasts etc can give you so much information on hypnobirthing and birth preparation, nothing can replace being face to face with a trained professional who can answer your questions as they come up, tailor the course to your specific circumstances, reassure you if you have any wobbles or worries, do birth related activities and interactive games! There is the obvious price difference, but people who invest in a face to face course say they are definitely glad they paid a bit extra. Plus, if you choose the group course option you’ll make some great friends along the way who are in the exact same boat as you (I still speak to and see the friends I made 4 years ago with our hypnobirthing course!) Check out my page 'Antenatal Courses'(https://www.hypnatalbirthing.co.uk/antenatal-services) for more information on course options.

Hypnobnirthing focuses on preparing your body, mind and birth partner for the best possible birth. It is a complete antenatal education combining the physiology of birth, the mind-body connection, removing birth-related fear and anxiety, deep relaxation techniques, physical comfort measures, navigating the maternity system, how to make informed decisions, how to make any birth a positive one. Unlike other forms of birth preparation, two of the most important aspects of hypnobirthing are around reframing the mind to think positively about birth and the ability to get into a deep hypnotic state during labour to change how birth feels and unfolds. Have a look at the differences on this page.(https://www.hypnatalbirthing.co.uk/group-antenatal-hypnobirthing-course)

You can do one of my courses at any stage of your pregnancy. The optimum time is when you are past 20 weeks, and most people start around 24 weeks. Starting around this point in your pregnancy allows you enough time in between each session and after the course to digest everything you have learnt, ask questions, practice your breathing techniques and hypnosis scripts/mp3s at home.

Absolutely not, some people don't discover and start practicing hypnobirthing until they are 42 weeks, and it's still beneficial then. If you are nearing the end of your pregnancy you may find it better to do my Hypnobirthing Workshop, or we can look at fastracking the Ultimate Hypnobirthing Course depending on dates and availability. Have a look at my page 'Antenatal Courses'(https://www.hypnatalbirthing.co.uk/antenatal-services) for more information on course options or get in touch to book a FREE Discovery Call (https://calendar.app.google/WSNgWKeT9RvYcViLA)with me.

There’s no right or wrong way with hypnobirthing, similarly there is no ‘it didn’t work’. Everything you learn in the build up to your baby’s birth day will help prepare you for that special day. Like with most things, the more time and energy to put into practicing, the more effective you will find it and easier to get into a deeply relaxed state when in labour.

I would always recommend to get your birth partner involved and attending the sessions (if you have one). They play a really important role in your birth, which will be discussed in detail during the course. The more involved they are in the birth preparation, the more likely you will be to get the birth you want.

No! Hypnobirthing is for every birth, regardless of where or how you plan to deliver your baby.

Of course! There is a common misconception that hypnobirthing is only for vaginal births and not caesareans - this is absolutely not true! A positive caesarean is all about being calm and focusing on meeting your baby, just like any other birth. The breathing techniques you will learn in my courses can really calm the nervous system during a caesarean. There is also lots you can do with the environment to really boost your oxytocin levels, from playing music, to adjusting the lighting, gentle touch massage, aromatherapy oils, lowering the drapes, skin to skin after baby is born, and delayed cord clamping.

Yes! Despite the name hypnobirthing does not have you in a spell that you can’t get out of. Quite the opposite, you are in control at all times and totally aware of your surroundings.

Absolutely! One of my courses would make a great gift for a baby shower gift, maternity leave present, birthday or Christmas present.

Of course, I love speaking to expectant parents. Book a FREE Discovery Call!(https://calendar.app.google/WSNgWKeT9RvYcViLA) and I will explain what my hypnobirthing antenatal courses cover, the different course options, how we can work together to fully prepare you for birth, and answers any questions you may have - no matter how small!