FAQ
What is HypnoBirthing®?
HypnoBirthing® is self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to be used for pain relief during labour and childbirth. Please see our "What is HypnoBirthing®" page for more details.
Who is HypnoBirthing® suitable for?
HypnoBirthing® is suitable for first time mums and mums who've had kids before.
We help women who are scared of birth because they've never done it before, who are anxious because of a bad experience last time, or who just want a calmer, easier, more natural birth experience.
If you're pregnant, and looking for an alternative to the over-medicalised, pain-is-inevitable, "gimme all the drugs" mindset, then HypnoBirthing® is for you.
Will I be 'out of it' if I use HypnoBirthing®?
No, absolutely not. With HypnoBirthing® (in fact, virtually all hypnosis), you are aware of what is going on around you but you can just 'tune out' the distractions.
I'm scared of hypnosis and hypnotherapy. Is HypnoBirthing® safe?
Hypnosis is absolutely safe and nothing to be scared of.
Unfortunately, TV, film and stage portrayal of hypnosis has left a lot of people with a mistaken view of what hypnosis is, and what it can (and can't) do.
Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?
No. There are many factors that can affect a birth, some of which are outside our control.
Also, like any childbirth preparation class, the success of the techniques is related to the amount of practice you put in.
However, as a guide, we find that around 65-70% of HypnoBirthing® mums don't need any form of pain relief. Nearly all the mums in this category simply don't experience any pain - just pressure.
Around a further 20-25% only require something mild, like gas and air.
The remaining 5-10% usually fall into what we call 'special circumstances', where medical intervention is required. However, the HypnoBirthing® mums still tell us that HypnoBirthing® really helped - even if they were induced, or ended up with a caesarean.
Remember - the aim of HypnoBirthing® is not a completely pain-free and picture-perfect 'natural' birth (although that is possible).
It is to have a calmer, easier, more comfortable birth - where you are in control - and in a way that most mirrors Nature.
When and where do HypnoBirthing® classes run?
If you are not local to Brighton and Hove, don't worry, there are practitioners all over the UK. To find your nearest, check out the HypnoBirthing® UK Website
Each practitioner will run the class on days and schedules that suits them and their clients best, but the course is designed to be run as five two-and-a-half classes. However the practitioner runs their course, you should receive a total of 12.5 hours of instruction.
If you have any questions which are not answered here, please contact me and I will be happy to help.