Frequently asked questions:

 

What is the ‘hypno’ part all about in hypnobirthing

This is often the ‘elephant in the room’ subject! The word hypno can conjures up many images of swinging pendulums and seeing people on a Paul Makenna show clucking like a chicken or talking in another language. This can feel quite scary to lots of people because they think that they are having their mind taken over and left feeling out of control. On these TV shows, the ones being ‘hypnotised’ are the ones who are wanting to go along with the act. You might be wondering if I will be whispering  ‘Go on vagina, you can do it’ , when actually you do the talking to yourself.  The true definition of hypnosis is to be in a relaxed state of mind, and you also can choose how much to engage with it.so I’m sorry, but Im not able to control your mind!

 

We are actually in a state of hypnosis every day without even realising it. Have you ever driven to work, a route you know well, and then when you have got there, realised you have no idea how you did so. This is because your mind was deeply relaxed, or even daydreaming. We tend to associate the image of hypnosis to what we have seen on TV, just like birth. However hypnosis can never make anyone actually do anything! The aim is to get you as relaxed as possible so that the muscles of the uterus work efficiently to get your baby out.

 

Think about it like this, we wouldn’t run a marathon without any preparation involved would we? Athletes use alot of the techniques that hypnobirthing offers to help get their mind and body working together as one.

 

What hypnobirthing is not

It is not a course that guarantees a pain free birth. The techniques that you learn help to reduce the fear which in turn helps the mind/ body connection. It is possible to have a pain free birth, but pain is subjective, and everyone experiences this differently.

 

It is also not a course that just focuses on’ natural’ drug free births. It encompasses looking at all options because I strongly believe the more you are informed, the more empowered you are to make your own decisions about the type of birth you want.

 

Hynobirthing is NOT intended to replace any medical advice given by health care professionals

 

How does it work and what are the benefits

Hypnobirthing is actually a complete birth preparation course. It involves analysing your beliefs around birth, mindset work, how your mind influences birth hormones, the birth process and understanding your options. When we do the hypnotherapy part of the course, we are helping your subconscious mind absorb more positive beliefs, which then influence how your body responds. For me, this was a lightbulb moment when I truly understood why my body was doing what it was doing. When we are more calm and relaxed, and go into birth with a positive mindset, then we feel in control, knowing that we have a voice. It also helps you to…….

• Connect with your partner and allows them to have a more active role

• Have a more relaxed pregnancy with excitement for the upcoming birth

• Helps you to feel more in control

• Reduces fear

• Reduces the need for an epidural (if that’s what your not wanting)

• Reduce the pain levels you feel and less likely to need further pain relief

• Question decisions that are made on your behalf/ understand the maternity system more

• Deal with bumps in the road

• Understand just how amazing your body is, and what it is capable of doing

 

What if my birth partner is sceptical?

When it comes to birth, partners who are men often are sceptical of how hypnobirthing can work. They can think its hippy and way out there, and why on earth would it benefit their other half! My husband was just the same, but in the end, he became an avid fan as he was able to feel more confident and knew how to get involved. On the course, we encourage your birth partner to attend as they can learn so much which will help you on the birthing journey. Birth partners can also be mums, sisters, another relative or friend. They are not just a spare part, they are the ‘keeper of birth’ and hold that space. They are your advocate, and can voice your birth plans to professionals, so you can truly concentrate on the job in hand. You want them to be helping practically and emotionally, and there are plenty of ways they can get involved. You need to work as a team!

 

Men in particular have always been shut out the birthing room going back many years, and no doubt you will have had family comment on this. When I was pregnant with my first child, my grandma gave me a cartoon book on birth from the 1950’s. This depicted the husband collapsing on the floor as he walked in just as the baby was born. It just shows the stigma surrounding this at the time, but this still feeds into future generations. It can still be a taboo subject.

Hypnobirthing is a science, and we will talk a lot more about why that is on the course.

What if Im planning on wanting a C-section?

Well that’s great and that’s your choice, as I have said, hypnobirthing techniques apply to all birth scenarios. Some people choose to have gentle caesareans, also known as belly births. If that’s your plan, we can also discuss comfort levels and options specifically for this type of birth.  Everyone has different ingredients that they want in ‘their cake’!

How can I be the right person to help you?

Ive always had a passion for anything birth, and doing previous hypnobirthing courses myself, I have seen the transformation of why people need this! I love to read around the subject, and in particular the history of childbirth fascinates me.  After the birth of my 2nd child, I went on to train as a Doula with Developing Doulas in 2017. However due to work commitments within the NHS as a podiatrist, Ive not been currently practicing. Doing the doula training has enabled me to really understand the emotional and practical support needed, and also covered the postnatal period and breastfeeding support. In early 2023, I trained as a hypnobirthing Teacher with Love your Birth which is FEDANT approved (The Federation of Antenatal Teachers). I am now combining my passion for birth to work alongside my main job as a podiatrist in private practice.

 

I am use to meeting all different people in my current job and value communication and listening. I understand how the NHS can work, and the drawbacks of being within a system.  I aim to make my courses fun and interactive and really help you get the most out of the learning journey.

 

I have two children myself which definitely keep me busy! I am fun loving, and enjoy anything to do with Ibiza, dance music and the chillout scene.  My friends have described me as the life and soul of a party and someone who is there when they need them. I am also a bit obsessed with Costa and Starbucks and a sucker for cheese and chocolate!

If you want a 10 minute chat to see if I am the best fit for you, please feel free to message and we can get one sorted! 

Why cant I just read from a book?

You can read lots about birth, and maybe even the Haynes manual guide to babies, but that wont help you understand how to use that knowledge practically. Discussions are also encouraged and certain activities to really get you engaged and thinking. Books about hypnobirthing can certainly help validate what you learn on the course, and reading around the subject yourself is always a bonus.

 

Also you need to be practising the techniques with your birth partner. The course allows you time to do this together and focus on just the two of you and your baby. I loved going to these sessions myself, as it gave me something look forward to when we all lead busy lives.

 

Why cant I just do a cheaper online course?

Everyone has different ways of learning, and if you remember at school, didn’t you just hate those long lessons that didn’t engage you at all!! I remember plenty of those. However most people’s learning is actually visual. Also the average attention span is only 20 minutes before your fed up and your mind starts to wonder. That’s why on my course there are plenty of visual aids and tasks to get you thinking and questioning. When learning is interactive, fun and engaging, you will retain information more.

 

What are the benefits of a 1-1 course?

The 1-1 courses are can be specifically designed to suit the birth you want. They are more personal and concentrate on just you, your birth partner and your baby. Different hypnosis scripts can be tailored to your specific needs. If you prefer to do the classes via zoom, you can stay at home with your PJ’s on and create your own chilled out environment. Remember that this is your time!

 

When in pregnancy is best to start classes?

The best time to start a course ideally is between 20-30 weeks pregnant, but even if its later in your pregnancy, there is so much to gain. Doing the course in the earlier weeks just allows you more time to practice the techniques.

 

If you are late on in pregnancy, perhaps around 36 weeks or later, then there is an option to do a shorter more intense course to cover the key elements of hypnobirthing. Please see my course options.