Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start my hypnobirthing course ?
You can begin the course at any time, but we recommend the earlier the better (after 15 weeks). Commencing the classes earlier in your pregnancy will give you time to practice the relaxation and to enjoy a more relaxed pregnancy.
Some pregnant mothers (and their partners too) report how the tools and techniques they have learnt in their pregnancy helped them to sleep better, feel better, feel more positive and less stressed during their pregnancy – and so you may as well benefit from this for as much of your pregnancy as you can.
It’s also highly beneficial for baby for you to spend regular time in a state of relaxation during your pregnancy.
Plus the more you practise the tools in your pregnancy the more embedded in your life they will be – therefore become super easy to access in labour and birth.
However, it is never too late to start – you will still find the classes beneficial and valuable as long as you complete them prior to going into labour. Many couples have started the course late in their pregnancy (some as late as 37 weeks) and have still found it very beneficial – all agree it is better to do it later than never.
Please book early to avoid disappointment, many classes do fill up fast.
Why does my partner/husband/birth companion need to attend?
The reason we suggest couples to attend together is so your birth support person can understand the tools and techniques you are learning. Your birth support will play a vital role in your labour and birth and we also teach them techniques and how assist you during this time.
It is not compulsory for the birth companion to participate in all of the relaxation exercises if they do not desire. However, it is recommended, as the skills you will learn can be applied to many different areas of your life!
Many support people find it really useful to learn a set of practical tools they know they can use on the day and it increases their confidence in supporting you. Some of them find they can also use these skills in their day to day life too.
And worst case scenario, birth support people might just get a bit of a nap during our longer relaxation exercises – they seem to quite like that!
What should I bring?
Yourself, your birthing support person and an open mind. To maximise your comfort and ability to relax, please dress comfortably. You may bring along beanbags, extra cushions, pillows or a blanket if you desire. During sessions we will take a short break and herbal teas, water and light snacks will be provided. Please feel free to bring along any other snacks, or drinks (ie water bottle) if you would like to.
Please do NOT bring any horror birth stories or experiences. We will only be discussing positive birth stories in this course.
Should I attend other Antenatal Classes?
It’s up to you. The Positive Births hypnobirthing course will provide you information about normal, natural birth and give you tools and techniques to use in any/every type of birth. Other antenatal courses will cover different information such as interventions, complications and how to care for your baby. The knowledge gained through the hypnobirthing course along with other antenatal courses will help you to make informed decisions. Many couples also attend other antenatal courses to develop a network of other parents due at the same time. That’s not to say you wont get a network from your hypnobirthing course too!
The most common comment I hear from couples who’ve attended my courses and other antenatal courses is that they recommend doing the hypnobirthing course earlier in pregnancy. They say this helps to get them in a positive frame of mind, and helps them with the information they may gather in subsequent courses.
Will HypnoBirthing be useful to me if I decide not to have a natural childbirth or I require medical intervention?
Most definitely. The tools and techniques you will learn in your hypnobirthing course will be of use to you and your baby regardless of your birth experience. If medical intervention is required you will find yourself better able to remain calm and in control. Mums who have needed caesareans for medical reasons report that they were totally relaxed before, during and after the procedure and often feel their recovery was very quick.
This course is for EVERY birth situation!
Can HypnoBirthing be beneficial if I'm attempting a VBAC?
Absolutely. Many women who’ve had a previous caesarean and are desiring a vaginal birth find the hypnobirthing course very empowering and helpful in increasing their confidence levels. It’s also pleasing to hear that most of them do succeed in a natural delivery.
Is it true that I will experience a pain-free birth with Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing does not promise painless birthing, although many mums do report having a relatively pain-free birth, or one they were able to manage easily. When fear and tension constrict the birthing muscles higher pain levels are felt. Therefore, mothers who are calm, relaxed and free of fear usually accomplish their birthing in a shorter period of time and much more comfortably. A relaxed mother will produce more endorphins, nature’s own relaxants. Hypnobirthing mums may still experience sensations of tightening or pressure, but most describe their birth experience as working with their body through the sensations, therefore avoiding the excruciating pain that is frequently spoken of by other women.
I speak from having had personal experience with Hypnobirthing, with two births of my own using the techniques. Yes, I felt pressure, tightening and strong intense sensations. Yes at times it was hard work. But it was also exhilarating and wonderfully satisfying. I was calm, focused and working with my body. I did not try to hold my body back, I let my body and my baby do the job they’re designed to do. I believe every woman deserves the opportunity to enjoy a positive birth experience.
What is my investment?
Group sessions $455 per couple – Live in person courses.
Live online courses $425 per couple
Private sessions $800 per couple.
Includes the Positive Birth in NZ book, a wide variety of audio tracks with relaxation exercises and affirmations, scripts, handouts, folder plus ongoing support if required via phone and email until you go into labour.
Sometimes special class places are available for those on a limited income, please enquire for more details.