Questions about Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing can significantly reduce the perception of pain and help you to manage it more effectively. Learning to relax deeply helps to break the fear-tension-pain cycle.

I don’t avoid talking about pain, but I promise to teach you that it isn’t something to fear, alongside proven tools to make birth as comfortable as possible. There’s so much of birth to embrace, and I’m here to cheer you on at every step!

The best time to start a hypnobirthing course is typically between 20-34 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you and your birth partner, plenty of time to practise the techniques, whilst benefitting from relaxation in pregnancy. If you are over 34 weeks, I offer an Intense Hypnobirthing Course. Please contact me to find out how I can support you within this timeframe.

You’re not alone in questioning what the ‘hypno’ part of this concept actually means. It does refer to hypnosis, but often our understanding of hypnosis - like birth - is not quite what you think. Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation, but you remain fully in control of your mind and body throughout. Remember, the more relaxed a mother is, the more oxytocin and endorphins will flow.

Your birth partner may be sceptical about Hypnobirthing, my husband certainly was. The Birth partner's role is invaluable, so preparing for a positive birth is most effective when done together. On a Hypnobirthing course, your birth partner will learn how to be your voice and advocate for you in the most effective way. You will both learn how to ask questions with confidence, to ensure you are making informed choices together.

Most importantly, your birth partner will be a pillar of safety and emotional support - an oxytocin booster!

This is a huge misconception. Hypnobirthing isn’t about using no pain relief or birthing at home, nor is it a ‘type’ of birth. Hypnobirthing is for all birth preferences and the techniques can be applied to all births and life beyond birth too.

There are lots of wonderful Hypnobirthing books and online video courses that will help you to learn some tools yourself. A Birth with Choice course, is delivered to meet your unique needs and birth preferences. Your worries and questions are answered by an expert and you will receive personal ongoing support throughout your pregnancy.

Absolutely not...that's my job! You will be taught everything you need to know, regardless of your prior knowledge or experience. You will certainly never be put 'on the spot'.

Hypnobirthing is not typically offered as a service on the NHS. Some NHS trusts and hospitals do incorporate Hypnobirthing tools into their antenatal classes; this is dependent on funding, resources and availability of staff. I hope that one day Hypnobirthing will be the expected standard in antenatal care.

NCT is a UK charity that supports parents through pregnancy. As part of this they offer antenatal preparation courses which cover topics such as the birth process, pain management and interventions. Hypnobirthing is a full antenatal preparation course that will cover all of the above, as well as providing you with a toolkit of evidence based techniques. With your knowledge of the science behind Hypnobirthing, you will get the best out of the maternity system and help your body to birth your baby as effectively as possible.

Yes! Hypnobirthing is a toolkit for making informed choices. It can be used in all births. It is not about avoiding pain relief, although research has shown that Hypnobirthing can reduce the need for pain relief.