FAQs

Will I walk like a chicken?

No! For many, the word "hypnosis" conjures up an image of a swinging pendant lulling a hapless woman into a trance. With HypnoBirthing you will not be in a trance or asleep, what you will experience is the ability to enter a state of deep relaxation as and when you choose. You will remain awake, conversant, aware of your body and your baby's progress.

Who is HypnoBirthing suitable for?

HypnoBirthing is a complete programme of alternative antenatal education that will appeal to all women in a variety of ways. Some women may hold a specific fear of birth generally, or be anxious owing to a previous birth experience, for which HypnoBirthing is particularly useful. Anybody whose priority is to birth their baby in an environment of peace and calm will find HypnoBirthing a hugely positive experience.

Can you guarantee a pain free labour?

There are many factors which could affect childbirth and sometimes these are outside of our control. Like most things, the success of the techniques is related to the amount of practice we put in. So whilst we cannot 100% guarantee a pain free birth, here are some statistics that might explain what is achievable:

  • 65-70% of HypnoBirthing mums don't need any form of pain relief
  • Nearly all the mums in this category 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 report that HypnoBirthing really helped - even if they were induced, or ended up with a caesarean

When should I start the course?

Ideally you will begin your HypnoBirthing course around the 28th week of pregnancy. This will give you lots of time to practice the breathing and relaxation techniques. However, successful HypnoBirths have also occurred with completion as late as the 38th week so don't rule it out if you're a bit late, get in touch to see if we can get you on a course.

Who can attend the classes with me?

Unlike other antenatal classes, the HypnoBirthing course is particularly special because it creates an integral role for the father or birth companion. Instead of your birth companion feeling like a helpless onlooker, this course will allow them to feel involved and informed and therefore in a better position to support you throughout pregnancy and birth. So it is ideal that you attend the classes with your birth companion, however women wishing to attend alone can of course do so and still benefit entirely from the course.

Why attend classes if I can just buy the book?

Marie Mongan's book provides a comprehensive guide to the history and theory of HypnoBirthing. However, it is important to support this with the practical skills of hypnosis and relaxation which are best demonstrated by a certified HypnoBirthing practitioner. You will undergo this tuition in your classes as well as fear release therapy and demonstrations of specific breathing techniques. In addition to this, the classes are the best way to enhance your birth companion's role as they learn techniques and scripts for hypnosis to aid you in relaxation.