Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Because there are some questions that crop up over and over again, I’ve put together a quick-fire list of the most common questions. If you have a question or query that isn’t answered here, or anywhere else on the website, please get in touch and I’ll happily try to help.

1. What is HypnoBirthing™?

2. Who is HypnoBirthing™ for?

3. Will I be ‘out of it’ if I use HypnoBirthing™?

4. I’m concerned about hypnosis and hypnotherapy – is HypnoBirthing™ safe?

5. Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?

6. When and where do the classes run?

7. Are the classes held in groups or just with individuals?

8. How much do the classes cost?

9. Is there a HypnoBirthing™ home-study course or CDs?

10. When is the best time to start the course?

11. Does my partner/husband need to attend every class?

What is HypnoBirthing™?

HypnoBirthing™ is a complete childbirth education programme, which teaches specific self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to be used during labour and childbirth to enable a calm, comfortable and blissful birth.

See ‘What’s HypnoBirthing™’ for more details.

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Who is HypnoBirthing™ for?

HypnoBirthing™ is suitable for any expectant mum, whether they are first timers or have had previous births.

HypnoBirthing™ can help those who have had traumatic birth experiences in the past and are seeking a different way with their next child, aswell as the first time mums who are just a little concerned about the unknown.

The bottom line is that HypnoBirthing™ is for anyone who would like the chance to have a calm, comfortable, safe and gentle birth.

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Will I be ‘out of it’ if I use HypnoBirthing™?

No, absolutely not. With HypnoBirthing™ (in fact, virtually all hypnosis), you are completely aware of what is going on around you, but you have the ability to simply 'tune out' the distractions.

See ‘Myths About HypnoBirthing™’ for more details.

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I'm concerned about hypnosis and hypnotherapy - is HypnoBirthing™ safe?

HypnoBirthing™ is completely safe and absolutely nothing to be concerned about.

The state of hypnosis is the same state you’re in between sleep and wakefulness, a daydreaming sort of state. It is perfectly natural and beautifully relaxing.

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.

See ‘Myths About Hypnosis’ for more details.

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Can you guarantee a completely pain-free labour and birth?

No, unfortunately I can’t guarantee that. There are many factors that can affect your birth, some of which are completely out of our control.

Like any childbirth preparation class, the success of HypnoBirthing™ is related to the amount of practice you put in. It isn’t enough to just attend the classes, you need to practise what you learn. The more you practise the easier and quicker your body will be able to reach that place of deep relaxation that you need.

However, as a guide, around 70% of HypnoBirthing™ mums don’t need any form of pain relief and nearly all the mums in this category experience no pain at all, simply the sensation of pressure.

Around a further 20-25% only require mild pain relief, such as gas and air.

The remaining 5-10% fall into what we call 'special circumstances', where medical intervention is necessary. However, the HypnoBirthing™ mums in this category still say that HypnoBirthing™ really helped - even if they were induced, or ended up with a caesarean; myself included.

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When and where do HypnoBirthing™ classes run?

I run classes throughout Shropshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire and choose dates and times that suit my parents-to-be.

The course consists of five 2.5 hour classes, generally run on a weekday evening over five consecutive weeks, to allow ample time for practise and any questions to arise.

The exception to this is if you are 35 weeks along or more I can teach the course in a shorter timeframe, though the full course will still be covered. It is NEVER too late. I myself only had two weeks of practise before my daughter arrived and it worked perfectly for me, and I know mums who hadn’t even finished the course before they gave birth, yet still the techniques they had learnt proved incredibly useful.

For private one-to-one classes the timetable is tailored to your specific needs, allowing for the option of weekend sessions and an altered timeframe.

See ‘Course Details’ for more information.

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Do you run courses just in groups or with individual couples too?

Because our modern lifestyles are often more erratic, with us, or our partners, working away from home during the weeks, aswell as group classes I also offer one-on-one sessions in your own home and tailored around your specific schedule needs.

For individual courses I offer the option of holding weekend sessions, aswell as being able to alter the timeframe, enabling us to miss a week if necessary and pick up again the following.

The course is designed to be run in groups and there are benefits to being part of a group – added support from others, hearing answers to questions others have posed, meeting people in your area who are also expecting – but the course can be effectively taught on on a private one-to-one basis.

See ‘Course Information’ for more details.

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How much do HypnoBirthing™ classes cost?

The cost for attending a HypnoBirthing™ course in a group setting is £250 and on on a private one-to-one basis is £375.

Aswell as the 12.5 hours of tuition, you will also receive the course handbook, the Rainbow Relaxation & Birth Affirmations CD (which is a beautiful guided visualisation to practise relaxing at home), your own course folder and weekly comprehensive handouts and phone & email support up to and beyond your birth.

Because I believe that everyone should be able to benefit from the extraordinary power of HypnoBirthing™, I also offer a payment plan scheme and a discounted rate to those with restricted finances.

See ‘Course Prices & Booking Information’ for more details.

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Is there a HypnoBirthing™ home-study course or CDs that I could buy?

No. There are no authorised HypnoBirthing™ home-study courses, it is only to be taught in the series of five classes.

Although the handbook is available to buy from bookshops it is designed to be used as part of a practitioner-led course. You will not receive the precise teaching needed to perfect the techniques from just reading the book or receive all the additional information supplied on the course.

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When should I start the classes?

You can attend a HypnoBirthing™ course anytime from 20 weeks and ideally before week 30, as the success of the techniques is strongly linked to how much practice you are able to have. However, if you come to HypnoBirthing™ later in your pregnancy, do not worry, it is NEVER too late. I myself only had two weeks from the end of my course until my daughter arrived and it still worked perfectly!

Class sizes are kept small, to allow for more one on one attention, so places are limited and fill up quickly. So it is advisable to get in touch and book yourself onto a course as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

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Does my partner/husband have to attend the classes?

Yes - birthing companions are a very important part of a HypnoBirth.

However, if your partner/husband cannot attend all the classes, and/or help you practice, or attend the birth, your mother, sister or friend can also be your birthing companion.

It is important that you have someone with you who you trust and who will support you and help you achieve the birthing that you desire.

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If you’ve any questions or queries feel free to drop me a line at:
Rachel@BlissfulBirths.co.uk
or give me a bell anytime to chat on: 07941 140233 / 01584 781746