FAQs
What is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that focuses on preparing parents for gentle birth. In hypnobirthing 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 encourages a calm, peaceful, and natural pregnancy, birth, and bonding experience for families.
When should I start classes?
You can begin hypnobirthing any time, but we recommend that the optimal time to start your course is between 20 and 30 weeks. This will give you time to practise the self-hypnosis, relaxation and other effective techniques for gentle, easy birthing but also ensures that the course is still fresh in your mind.
If you are outside of that range please don’t worry, you can definitely still attend the classes and achieve a beautiful, calm birth. Melissa actually learnt hypnobirthing only 3 weeks before the birth of her first child and went on to use it successfully for all three children!
How is the birth partner involved?
The birth partner of the mother’s choice can be an integral part of the hypnobirthing experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation. During labour the partner guides the labouring mother through hypnosis prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualisations, provides comfort measures, and joins in welcoming the new baby.
How does hypnobirthing differ from other childbirth preparation methods?
Other childbirth methods tend to teach you how to ‘cope with and manage pain’, hypnobirthing is based on the premise that a healthy woman, with an uncomplicated healthy pregnancy and healthy baby, should be able to birth in a more comfortable manner and without unnecessary interventions.
We focus on the joy of birth and positively anticipate our birthing day. When women understand that pain is caused by constrictor hormones (created by fear), they learn to release fear and create endorphins instead. Endorphins are the ‘feel good hormones’ that we naturally produce when we are calm and happy.
We also change our perceptions. Instead of thinking of a ‘long, painful labour’ – we replace this thought with expectations of a more comfortable birthing. Rather than exhausting, shallow breathing and the distraction techniques of typical “prepared childbirth” programs; hypnobirthing parents learn deep abdominal breathing and total relaxation, enabling us to work in harmony with our body and baby. This allows us to achieve an often shorter and more comfortable labour for mum and baby.
Will I still benefit from the course if I’m later in pregnancy?
Absolutely! Many parents who have attended the course later in pregnancy, have achieved excellent results. In fact, Melissa Spilsted first learnt hypnobirthing techniques at 37 weeks, herself – so it can be done! Determination is the deciding factor when it comes to hypnobirthing success.
Can hypnobirthing be beneficial to someone who has special circumstances, VBAC or who must have a C-section?
Hypnobirthing is very beneficial to Mums who have special circumstances. Many obstetricians, midwives and doctors are now requesting that mothers take a hypnobirthing course or similar before VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean).
In fact, we even have special tracks and an alternative program designed for caesarean birth. We want you to experience a positive and empowering birth; regardless of how your precious baby comes into the world. That’s what we are all about… positive birthing and parenting.