There's nothing more enjoyable as a Hypnobirthing Educator than to hear the pre-conceived ideas of what parents thought when they heard of 'Hypnobirthing' and comparing it to what they come to know and understand after attending the Positive Birth Program.
It usually sounds like this... "when my partner told me we were booked in to do a 'hypnobirthing class' I rolled my eyes and wondered what hippy woo woo nonsense we were wasting our time on". Thankfully, after attending the class I'm usually told "I am so glad we've done this, I'm excited, I feel confident about knowing what role I can play and how much I can positively impact the birth of this child". In fact it's often the birth partners that are our biggest advocates!
So, What is Hypnobirthing Childbirth Education?
Hypnobirthing is a form of Independent Childbirth Education (meaning it's provided outside of the hospital system - which is a good thing!), Hypnobirthing provides in depth, modern, evidence based education, techniques, preparation to support all types of birth including natural vaginal delivery, spontaneous labour, induced labour, cesarean birth, drug-free, epidural, high-risk, low risk and everything in between.
More than anything else Hypnobirthing Childbirth Education is about empowering birthing mothers and birth partners to have a POSITIVE.
What Does The Research Show About Hypnobirthing?
A 2019 study carried out by WACHS (Western Australia Central Health Service) on the impact of 'The Positive Birth Program', resulted in some really impressive outcomes across the board reducing interventions like cesarean, induction and allopathic pain relief, whilst improving feelings around preparedness, excitement, empowerment and actual birth satisfaction. To view the official results, head here.
Hypnobirthing Education v's Hospital Birth Education
Some parents that come through the Hypnobirthing 'Positive Birth Program' choose to do just our course or both courses. What I typically hear back from attendees that do both is that the hospital course is built around hospital policy, procedure, facilities and allopathic pain relief options. The courses are typically shorter in length but don't include coping tools and techniques for birthing mother or supportive care giving techniques for birth partners.
Independent childbirth education such as The Positive Birth Program means that the educator is not bound by a hospital or care providers policies or procedures, and rather, can provide independent, evidence based childbirth education. This enables expectant parents and birth partners to safely navigate the maternity hospital system empowered with communication skills, birthing wisdom, coping techniques, aligned medical and personal support as well as understanding the basic human rights in childbirth.
Class sizes are usually smaller providing expecting parents with a tailored and thorough learning experience where attendees feel more comfortable to ask questions which always leads to really interesting conversation.
Myths & Misconceptions about Hypnobirthing
It's no wonder there are so many myths and misconceptions about Hypnobirthing with it's history linked to hypnotherapy shown a voodoo party trick on stages and in movies. However the truth is Hypnotherapy and Hypnobirthing has been shown time and time again in various scientific research studies to provide a multitude of advantages and positive outcomes for birthing women and their babies.
Hypnosis is a wonderful technique to dispel fear, reframe beliefs, and condition birthing mothers to get into a deeply relaxed state for their birth making for a calmer, more positive birth experience, and who wouldn't want that!
Hypnobirthing Isn't Just About Hypnosis
Quite contrary! The Hypnobirthing Australia, Positive Birth Program, brings together a range of different researched and evidence based techniques and teachings from various renowned and respected birth experts from around the globe and tailoring this for the modern family.
Within the course you learn different techniques like; self-hypnosis, breathing techniques, massage, acupressure, visualisation, mental rehearsal, relaxation techniques, vocalisation, mindset techniques including fear releasing and SO MUCH MORE.
To review the full course outline, head here.
Have You Got More Questions About Hypnobirthing?
Here I've listed the frequently asked questions I'm usually asked, but if you have another question I haven't covered, then simply send an email to kate@mindbodyfertility.com.au
Wishing you all the best on your birthing journey,
Kate
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