Frequently Asked Questions regarding HypnoBirthing®
Where does HypnoBirthing® come from?
HypnoBirthing® is based on the techniques of an English physician, Dr Grantly Dick-Read. He was the pioneer in the field of natural childbirth, and his principles are the foundation of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). HypnoBirthing® was originally established in the United States by Marie Mongan. Her book "HypnoBirthing® - A Celebration of Life" was first published in 1989 and you can read lots more at the main UK site if you want to. Already well established in the US, and into its seventeenth year, the HypnoBirthing® methods are now being taught here in the UK.
How come I’ve never heard of HypnoBirthing®?
It is actually better known than you might think. One of the HypnoBirthing® couples was featured on Channel 4's "Richard and Judy" show, and it's also been on the Discovery Channel, BBC News, in Pregnancy & Birth (regularly), Time Magazine (March 2004), the Daily Mail, and many others. However, I'm one of only a relatively small number of practitioners in the UK currently qualified to teach HypnoBirthing® (The Mongan Method), which is why you may not have come across it before.
The Baby Show which takes place at Earls Court, London in May 2008 and the NEC, Birmingham in October 2008 will both have stands which explain the techniques together with a list of registered practitioners for each area of the country. Also, in October 2007 Practical Parenting Magazine published an article about the benefits of HypnoBirthing®.
What about other self-hypnosis courses?
Yes, there are other Hypnotherapists offering various kinds of ‘positive birth’ sessions, but HypnoBirthing® is much more than that. HypnoBirthing® is a complete birth education programme. Most other "hypnosis for childbirth" programmes are about teaching you how to 'mask' the pain. HypnoBirthing® teaches you how, and why, if you're relaxed, that there doesn't need to be pain in the first place.
What do I get?
You'll get a structured but informal class format that teaches about
the physical and emotional aspects of birth. You’ll learn why your
body does what it does, as well as how.
Here are just some of the things you'll learn that a regular antenatal
class would not teach you.
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Breathing techniques that actually help the birth, rather than make it harder and it’s not the panting that most people think they have to do. Think about it - why would anyone want to hyperventilate during labour?
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How to dramatically reduce your risk of tearing during birth with this stunningly simple massage technique.
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When it's right to stand your ground with the medical staff...what questions to ask...and when it's time to let them take charge.
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How to release any fears you might have about childbirth...regardless of where they come from.
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How to induce your own labour with these simple, natural techniques, if you go beyond your "estimated due date".
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Most importantly, you'll know how to relax and stay calm and in control, regardless of what's happening around you.
Plus, as well as the classes themselves, you get a professionally produced 302-page manual (the very latest edition), all the scripts and handouts you need, plus the relaxation and affirmation CD, all included in the price.
What if things don’t go to plan?
Even if you experience complications - perhaps needing to be induced, or if you need a caesarean - you can still benefit greatly from the techniques...by feeling in control of your birth. I can’t promise you a ‘perfect’ birth, in fact, no one can, but I can promise you a much, much more comfortable and relaxed birth than you would have had otherwise. These simple techniques do require practice - but the end result is worth it, don't you think?
There is a lot more to HypnoBirthing, here are just a few of the benefits:-
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Reduce the length of the first stage of labour by anything from 2 - 4 hours.
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Lower the chances of a breech birth by learning how to 'turn' the baby into the correct position using posture and self-hypnosis.
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Increase your milk flow by using the relaxation techniques you'll learn, if you're planning to breastfeed.
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Dramatically reduce your likelihood of suffering from post-natal depression, because you'll have had a much calmer and less painful birth.
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Recover physically from the birth much faster, because you haven't 'wasted' energy in the process.
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Develop the confidence in your own body to aim for a homebirth, if that is an option you want to consider.
When and where are the classes held?
The HypnoBirthing® classes run as five sessions (totalling 12.5 hours), one per week on a Sunday afternoon starting at 1pm, and are designed to be taught to small groups of couples. They are held at ENSO complimentary therapy centre 190 Cheltenham Road, Bristol, BS6 5RB. You'll enjoy a relaxing and comfortable environment for your classes, with a maximum of six couples. Some HypnoBirthing® practitioners just do individual couples, but a great benefit that you get from doing it in a group is the support and encouragement of the other expectant mums and dads. Many of our couples become good friends and stay in touch long after the course has finished.
The big question - how much does it cost?
The normal price for the full twelve and a half hours of instruction, your 302-page manual, CD, handouts, and everything else you need, is just £200.
It may appear expensive in comparison to free NHS classes, maybe, but then this goes way beyond what you’ll be taught on the NHS, as I’ve mentioned previously.
Think of it this way...
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You'll learn the techniques once for this birth, but then you can then use them again and again, no matter how many children you have
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You can use HypnoBirthing® in conjunction with any other plans you have - homebirth or hospital, water birth...whatever. It's your choice what kind of birth to have - HypnoBirthing® helps them all.
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You can use the techniques to help calm and relax yourself any time you feel stressed out...(I've had many of my couples tell me this alone has been invaluable).
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If you remember that my normal price for a single hypnotherapy session is £50 (meaning you're getting £625-worth of my time), and you're also getting all your course materials as well - I'm sure you'll agree this is excellent value
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You're pregnant for nine months - that's around 280 days - which means that over nine months it only costs 74p per day. Far less than the cost of a snack or a decent cup of coffee...
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Reduced rates apply if you book early and pay in full.