What on earth is Hypnobirthing?
What is Hypnobirthing?
How will the course help you?
Hypnobirthing
isn't:
What will
you learn?
Why do a course?
Hypnobirthing is evidence-based, logical and practical. It is a complete birth preparation programme, effective for ALL types of births - water births, Caesarean births and everything in between! It's about creating a positive birth experience whatever that looks like for YOU. You will be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to remain calm and in control whatever path your birth takes, and to make informed decisions that are right for you and your baby.
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Feel prepared, know your options and make informed decisions - even if things don't go to plan!
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Remain relaxed, calm and in control during your birth experience
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Feel supported by your birth partner and care providers
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Release any fears or negativity that you have around birth and actually feel excited about giving birth!
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Hypnobirthing is NOT stage hypnosis: no clucking like chickens involved and not a pendulum in sight! You will use your own abilities to induce a state of deep relaxation or self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness that everyone drifts in and out of all the time, such as when drifting off to sleep. You are fully in control to snap out of that state immediately should you need/want to.
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A bunch of ‘airy-fairy’, ‘mumbo-jumbo’, ’woo woo’, ‘[insert other alternative descriptive adjective here]' techniques for birth. It is completely evidence-based and logical.
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Only for home births. Absolutely not. We cover all types of births and hypnobirthing can help whatever situation you find yourself in/your baby decides to do. It's about creating a positive birth experience, rather than the mythical 'perfect' birth! Even better, the tools and knowledge you will take away with you are effective well beyond the birth experience.
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How to release fear, overcome anxiety and let go of negativity around birth
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How to reach and maintain a deep state of relaxation in labour & birth
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Highly effective breathing and massage techniques to help you relax
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What happens to your body during labour and what can help
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How to navigate the NHS maternity services to create the best experience for you and your baby
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Knowing your choices and options and making informed decisions that feel right for you
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How your birth partner can be your powerful protector and support
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How to create a relaxing birth environment wherever you are
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Hypnobirthing is effective however your baby enters the world. There are lots of benefits for you, your baby and your birth partner including:
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You are more likely to experience a more comfortable and calm birth
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Improved maternal wellbeing
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Labour is often shorter
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Less pain perceived in labour
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Your baby is more likely to have a calmer and gentler entry into the world
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Less likely to need pain-relief and medical intervention in labour
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Faster recovery after birth as the physical impact of giving birth is often reduced
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Your birth partner has a central and active role in the birth and knows how to support and advocate for you
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Who is the Navigating Motherhood Postnatal Course suitable for?The course is for all new mums, whether for the first or fifth time, with babies from birth. It's designed for mums in the first year of motherhood with babies who aren't yet too mobile . There isn't a specific baby cut-off age as every baby is different and will move at different times - please get in touch if you'd like to discuss this in more details.
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When can I start the course?The Navigating Motherhood Postnatal Course is suitable for new mums and babies from birth. Come along as soon as you feel ready to make it out of the house!
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What if I'm running late?You and your baby are always welcome, at whatever time you arrive! The door will always be open, just let yourself in as and when you arrive and join us in your own time.
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What if my baby screams the place down, needs feeding or changing?All of these are completely expected and welcome! Please feel free to change nappies, feed and soothe your baby as often as you need to. You and your baby are always welcome as you are, and however you are feeling that day. Your baby's cry is his way of communicating and expressing himself, and it will never be an issue here. I'm a mum of 3 little ones (+ my middle one had reflux) so no amount of crying phases me! I've been vomited on on multiple occasions in previous groups and we all had a laugh about it! And please ask me for anything that you need to help you feel more comfortable. I have a fridge to store milk and can warm bottles for you.
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Is there parking?Yes, there is free parking nearby and I have a number of visitors permits also.
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Is there space for buggies?Yes. There is a dedicated buggy space in the garage which is safe and undercover.
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Do I need to have done a Hypnobirthing Course before?Absolutely not! You do not need any prior knowledge or experience of Hypnobirthing to join the postnatal course. (If you have done a hypnobirthing course with me you might recognise some of the hypnobirthing tools and techniques, adapted specifically for the postnatal period.)
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What qualifications do you have?I'm a certified Hypnobirthing practitioner trained by Katharine Graves and the Hypnobirthing Association and have a KGH Hypnobirthing Diploma, a course accredited by the Royal College of Midwives. I trained with the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre to teach Mindfulness. I'm an accredited 3 Step Rewind practitioner (gentle technique to help process a difficult birth or perinatal experience). I'm a mum of 3 small ones. I completely get it. I’ve experienced three very different postnatal journeys and the rollercoaster of emotions multiple times! I'm a Mental Health First Aider I've been facilitating group conversations around birth and the postnatal period for years: the difficult ones, the ‘embarrassing’ ones, the funny ones. I’m ALL in for all of the above!