Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Hypnobirthing?
A: Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that focuses on preparing parents for gentle birth. In Hypnobirthing Australia™ classes, you will learn proven techniques in a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, visualisation, and self-hypnosis. All of these are designed to help you achieve a more comfortable birth. Hypnobirthing Australia™ classes encourages a calm, peaceful, and natural pregnancy, birth, and bonding experience for families.
Q: When should I start your classes?
A: Anytime is possible! The main thing is that you have the opportunity to learn these techniques before you birth. Having said that; the ideal time to start is between 20 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you ample time to practice the techniques leading up to birth. But don't worry, like I said anytime is possible so if you're over 36 weeks just give me a call and we can discuss your options.
Q: How much are your classes?
A: The investment for our group classes is $595 which is for you and your birth partner. This includes almost $200 worth of resources and 12hrs face to face class time, plus ongoing support. As the classes are run by a midwife you can sometimes claim on private health insurance, make sure you enquire about your fund. A deposit of $150 is required at time of booking and full payment is due 7 days before the classes start, however for special circumstances we can provide a payment plan.
Online classes are $199 at the moment with an optional 90minutes with me for $150, to book online send us an email or use the link on the 'classes' page.
Q: The set group times don't suit me and I don't want to do a private course, do you have other options?
A: Yes! Please contact us to discuss an alternative for you, we have many options available.
Q: What happens if my birth partner can't make the classes or is skeptical and doesn't want to come?
A: It is beneficial for you to have your birth partner at the classes, especially unit 1 and 4, however if your birth partner can't attend that is fine and you are welcome to attend on your own. If you're birth partner is a bit skeptical, don't worry most are, here's a video to show them
https://www.facebook.com/mindbumpandbirth/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Q: What do we bring?
A: Just yourselves and your birth partner, this can be your partner, doula, mum, sister - anyone who is going to support you on the big day. Or come solo if you prefer. If you are doing a whole day course bring some lunch, I will provide some morning tea or there will be time to go and buy some lunch in the break.
Q: How many people are in your groups?
A: We like to keep our groups small in size so have a maximum of seven participants per group plus their birth partner.
Q: Can I bring my student midwife/extra support person?
That will depend on how big the class is that you are booking into. If it is not fully booked we encourage student midwives/extra support people to come to the first class. If they are interested in learning more, get them to contact me about the supportive caregiver training.
Q: Will I need to do the hospitals antenatal classes as well?
A: The choice is yours. The Hypnobirthing Australia™ Course is a very comprehensive course in natural childbirth education. Hospital antenatal courses often cover a lot of information about interventions and medical procedures during birth. In hypnobirthing we learn all about the birth process, what to expect during pregnancy/the onset of labour/birthing, how to release any fears associated with birthing and we learn techniques (relaxation, breathing, visualisations and deepening exercises) to use during labour. Having said that, we are of the belief that ‘knowledge is power’ and the knowledge that you will gain through antenatal classes, along with your hypnobirthing classes, can help you to make informed decisions. So ultimately, the choice is yours whether you choose to attend just our course, or both.
Q: What exactly do you cover in classes?
Unit 1: Creating & maintaining a positive mindset
Introduction to the positive mindset of hypnobirthing
How our brain is wired to birth
The role of our caregivers
Mind/body connection
What is self-hypnosis and how will we use it for birthing?
Our hormones are our friends
My amazing uterus – understanding the physiology behind birthing
Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome
Causes of Fear (including history) and how it affects our labour
Re-programming the Subconscious
The language for empowered birthing
The power of affirmations
Birthing environment
Unit 2: Our toolkit for birth
Self-hypnosis tracks
Birth music
Conditioning with scent
Hypnotic anchors and triggers
Releasing endorphins through massage and touch
Acupressure techniques for pregnancy, birth & breastfeeding
Visualisations for pregnancy, labour & birthing
The importance of facial relaxation
Relaxation Breathing – a skill for life
Surge Breathing – the best tool ever!
Techniques to help make your surges more comfortable
The ‘urge’ to push/bear down – Breathing/Bearing down
Unit 3: Preparation & choices for empowered birthing
Bonding with baby
Choices in maternity care
Birth Preferences – having open communication with your caregivers
Knowledge is power – researching common interventions and procedures
Questions to ask, to assist in making informed decisions
Birth partner as advocate
‘Guess date’ – a normal range of pregnancy
Inductions – things you’re not always told
Achieving a natural start to labour
Maintaining a healthy diet
Preparing the body – staying active
Optimising baby’s position
Breech or Posterior – options & positions
Instant relaxation techniques
Self-hypnosis, meditation and deep relaxation techniques & scripts
Unit 4: Birth – bringing it all together
What to expect in the weeks and days leading up to birth
Signs that labour is starting
What to expect through labour (membranes releasing etc)
When to call the midwife/go to the hospital
Accidental home/car birth – what to do!
Birth partner’s role
Common procedures
Using water during labour and birth
Upright positioning, movement and birth positions
Special circumstances (including caesarean birth)
Fear release
Cord clamping & placenta delivery
Undisturbed bonding & breastfeeding time – skin to skin
What to expect afterwards
Self-hypnosis – Rehearsal for Birth
A practice routine – preparation for birth!
Q: What happens if things don't go to plan in our birth?
A: Don't worry, with hypnobirthing we learn to 'calmly meet whatever turn my birthing takes'. The techniques you learn can be used in any situation you face to make calm, confident and empowered decisions. Remember knowledge is power.