top of page

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.

Mind, bump & birth, Darwin
bottom of page