Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to complete a Hypnobirthing course?
You can complete the Hypnobirthing Australia™ course at any stage throughout your pregnancy, however ideally it's best between 20-30wks gestation, this ensures you have plenty of time to practice the techniques taught in the lead to birth. If you've left things a little late and can't attend an upcoming course, please reach out to Kate on the contact page to learn more about last minute options.
I have a doula / private midwife / Obstetrician, should I still do a course?
Hypnobirthing Australia™ is the most popular independent childbirth education program in Australia for a good reason. 'HypnoBirths' are calm and have a great atmosphere which makes the experience for everyone in involved a good one. Your doula, midwife or Obstetrician will likely be thrilled that you considering educating and empowering yourself with a Hypnobirthing Australia™ course and will be able to support you in line with what you are taught.
Should I still do hospital antenatal classes?
It's completely up to you. The Hypnobirthing Australia™ courses are very comprehensive and focus on 4 main areas being; Knowledge, Tools, Support & Preparation, these elements truly set the scene for an informed and empowered birth experience no matter the twists or turns. Hospital antenatal classes typically aren't as thorough and focus more on that hospitals policies, procedures, facilities, pain relief options, interventions and procedures and not so much on natural techniques for labor and birth. Learn more about the 'Positive Birth Program' here.
Is it important for my partner to attend classes & how are they involved in the birth?
It is always best if the birth partner can attend classes with the birthing mother but we also understand that this isn't always possible and that's ok. You can bring another partner along to the class or come solo, the choice is yours. The birth partner takes on a really integral role during labor and birth by being the main support person for Mum, providing comfort, hydration, nutrition and speaking on behalf of and advocating for the birthing mother so that she can focus inward on the journey. Partners love the course and find it exciting that they have a special role to play in the birth.
What if I require or opt for intervention or a cesarean section, should I still do the course?
As a Mum of 3, I've experienced high risk pregnancies, emergency cesarean and premature births, let me assure you this type of education will serve you very well no matter what twists and turns thrown in your direction. I know all too well the feeling of disappointment and fear when things don't go as planned. Thankfully, I had the mindset tools to adjust my expectations and be flexible in the lead up and during birth. What resulted were fear free births where I felt present, happy, calm and connected to the process.
Can Hypnobirthing assist those wanting a VBAC?
Yes, very commonly women choosing to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) go through the Hypnobirthing Australia™ courses due to the reduced rates of medicated and surgical interventions required. Here's a great article written by Vicki Hobbs on VBAC. We also have lots of great stories from parents who have had VBAC's on the main Hypnobirthing Australia™ page found here.
I've never done hypnosis before, what can I expect?
As a Hypnotherapist I get the honor of providing this wonderful experience to my clients each and every week. Most commonly clients describe their experience as 'a guided meditation on steroids' (insert laughing face), or like a deep relaxation where you are still aware of what is going on around you and feeling so calm that you don't want to move, similar to the feeling of falling asleep on the couch whilst the TV is on where you are drifting in and out similar to the moments before you fall asleep at night.
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There are lots of misconceptions and myths around hypnosis but let me assure you, you can't get stuck in hypnosis, you wont be 'unconscious', you will still be able to move around if you want to, you will remember your experience and you can't do anything against your will.
Will I have a pain free birth?
Many clients do experience pain free births or births that are manageable after completing a Hypnobirthing Australia™ course and are more able to work 'with' their body, they understand and have trust in their body and their ability to birth. It is important to understand that when fear is experienced during birth (whether real or imagined), we lose our ability to produce endorphins which relieve pain naturally. Our body initiates the fight, flight, freeze or appease response, stress hormones are released, blood flow and oxygen is concentrated to the defence systems rather than the uterine muscles (like the womb... if you need to run from a tiger your body will put labor on pause so you can have best chances of survival), this results in muscles constricting and needing to work harder to move the baby through the birth canal, slowing or even stalling labour, thus creating pain.
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