Good question. A lot of people are put off by the name “Hypnobirthing” (myself included!) as let’s face it, it sounds like some sort of wishy-washy hippy nonsense! 

In fact, it is a complete antenatal education course designed to fully prepare you for birth. By understanding the science of exactly what your body is designed to do during birth, Hypnobirthing will teach you practical tools and techniques to help you work with your body, rather than against it.

Hypnobirthing is scientific and evidence-based (nothing woo-woo here!) and in recent years more and more women are choosing to prepare for birth using Hypnobirthing techniques. The NHS is investing in Hypnobirthing, by training midwives to support Hypnobirthing techniques and by establishing dedicated Birth Centres which are designed to support natural birth.

Yes, it really does!

Studies have shown Hypnobirthing can make our labour shorter, reduce our perception of pain, and significantly reduce rates of medical intervention, including the need for pain-relief, forceps/ventouse deliveries, and unplanned Caesareans*.

Many NHS trusts are now hugely investing in Hypnobirthing, as midwives and obstetricians have seen the incredible benefits it brings to pregnancy and birth. 

You can read birth stories of Hypnobirthing in action on my blog.

I strongly recommend birth partners attend so that you are both on the same page and able to prepare together. Often women are concerned about their partners being sceptical, and they may need an extra bit of initial encouragement to attend the course. But I promise, once they have understood what Hypnobirthing is, how scientific, logical and practical it all is, they will be completely on board! They will be your biggest source of support, and will have such an important role in the birth room. Being able to learn and practice the techniques together during your pregnancy will ensure you are both fully prepared for the big day. 

No problem, you are welcome to attend by yourself! However, your birth partner doesn’t need to be your actual partner – they can be your mum, sister, friend, grandma…anyone who you trust and want by your side on the big day. Having a supportive birth partner can make a huge difference to your birth experience, so do think about who you might want to be there to support you. Otherwise, you can hire a doula to support you, and I can point you in the direction of where to find your local doulas. 

You can get started any time after your 12 week scan. Most clients prefer to complete the course during their second trimester so that they have plenty of time to practice and perfect their chosen techniques before the birth.

Between 16 and 32 weeks is generally the ideal time in your pregnancy to get started.

NCT classes are a traditional form of antenatal education that have been around since the 1950's. On NCT classes you usually learn about baby care (such as how to change a nappy) as well as what to expect when you go into labour and the different forms of pharmacological pain relief available.

You may learn a breathing technique for labour on NCT, but you won't usually learn any  Hypnobirthing tools. Rise & Glow courses are focussed on giving you the knowledge and tools for a positive birth, allowing you to feel powerful and confident during your pregnancy, with plenty of opportunity to practice different Hypnobirthing techniques in class.

Some parents choose do Rise & Glow Hypnobirthing classes instead of NCT, while some parents choose to do both.

Both NCT and Rise & Glow classes are brilliant opportunities to meet other local parents-to-be, so choose whichever will enable you to feel prepared for the birth of your baby!

Don’t worry, you won't get hypnotised! The techniques you will learn in Hypnobirthing simply allow you to access a state of deep relaxation to help you focus and stay calm during labour.

Yes, of course! It is important to state that the objective of Hypnobirthing is NOT a pain-free, drug-free birth. With or without Hypnobirthing, the sensations of birth are one of the most intense things you will ever feel, and it would be unrealistic of me to promise you a pain-free birth. If you wish to have medical support, including analgesia or an epidural, your Hypnobirthing tools will still work in harmony with any interventions, and ensure your birth experience is a positive one. 

Yes, definitely! Hypnobirthing is a vital skill to learn for ALL types of birth, including inductions, assisted births, and Caesareans.

Please be aware I will not be able to provide advice on any medical conditions you have in pregnancy. You should always talk to your midwife or doctor about this.

I can however point you in the direction of the latest studies and guidelines, to help you make any decisions relating to your birth.

Delighted to have you on board! I’m so excited to help you prepare for the most amazing day of your life.

So let’s get started! Click below to book your course: