FAQs

Q. When is the best time to attend Hypnobirthing classes?

A. You can begin the Hypnobirthing Australia™ course at any time and mothers have benefited from starting the course, even when they have joined late in pregnancy. However, the ideal time to start is anytime from 18 weeks onwards. We recommend that you commence your learning as soon as possible to enjoy the benefit of having access to the course for as long as possible throughout your pregnancy. You will then be able to practice the tools of self-hypnosis, relaxation and other effective techniques for gentle, easy birthing effectively. If you are further along in your pregnancy it's not too late, you can still benefit immensely. Melissa actually learnt hypnobirthing only 3 weeks before the birth of her first child and went on to use it successfully for all three children! 

Q. I'm anxious about things that take away my control. Does the course include hypnosis (hypnotherapy)?

A. This course teaches you how to sink into a deep state of relaxation - similar to that which you are in when you 'zone out' reading a book or watching a movie. You are still absolutely in control, can hear anything you want, can snap in and out of this very normal state at will. Some call it 'deep relaxation' or 'self-hypnosis' or 'hypnobirth' or 'hypnobirthing'.

Women and female mammals have used this skill in childbirth forever... when we are able to approach our birth in a normal, non-fearful way. I'll explain more about this in the course.

Q. How is the birth partner involved and do they have to attend?

A. The birth partner is an integral part of the Hypnobirthing experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation. During labour, the partner guides the labouring mother through hypnosis hypnobirthing prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualisations, provides comfort measures, and joins in welcoming the new baby. If you don’t have a partner or they are unable to attend, you may like to consider bringing a family member or a friend who might be able to support you during labour.

Q. Will I be unconscious or will I remember my birth experience?

A. Despite misconceptions and misinformation, you are definitely not unconscious during self-hypnosis. The hypnobirthing mother is deeply relaxed, but she is also an active participant in the labour process. Though she is deeply relaxed, she is totally aware and may return to a conversant state or choose to become mobile whenever she desires. Hypnobirthing mothers often find that they experience time distortion and are not distracted by other people or their birthing environment, while they focus on their birthing and their baby.

Q. Will the course be useful to me if I don’t opt for a natural childbirth or if circumstances necessitate medical intervention or a cesarean birth?

A. Absolutely. The things you will learn during this course will help you to learn relaxation skills that will be useful to both you and your baby, regardless of your birth experience. In the event that medical intervention of any sort is needed, you will find yourself better able to remain calm and in control. Mothers who have needed scheduled cesareans for medical reasons report that they were totally relaxed before, during and after the procedure. Many report that they needed little or no medication following the birth, and they were able to return to normal functioning in a very short period of time. The Hypnobirthing Australia™ program will provide you with the tools and techniques to help you remain calm, relaxed and in-control whatever turn your birth may take. 

Q. Is it true that I will experience a pain-free birth with the Hypnobirthing Australia™ course?

A. Hypnobirthing Australia™ does not promise painless birthing, though many mothers who complete our program do report having a relatively pain-free birth or one that they were able to manage easily. When the cause of pain ‘fear’ that constricts the birthing muscles—is eliminated, birthing can be accomplished in a shorter period and much more comfortably. A relaxed mother’s body will produce more endorphins, nature’s own relaxants. Hypnobirthing mothers may still experience sensations of tightening or pressure; but most describe their birth experience as working with their body through the sensations, and thus avoiding the excruciating pain that is frequently spoken of by women who have prepared for their birth differently.

Q. What if my doctor/midwife is not familiar with using hypnosis for childbirth?

A. More and more care providers are becoming aware of the benefits of hypnobirthing. If your caregiver is not knowledgeable about hypnobirthing, take the opportunity early in your pregnancy to discuss the techniques you will be using and the type of calm birthing environment that you desire. In class, you will learn how to create a plan of Birth Preferences, which will help you to communicate your birthing goals and preferences to your doctor or midwife.

Q: When is payment required?

An initial, non-refundable deposit of $150 is due at the time of enrolment in my class to secure your booking and resources. Full payment is required no later than 14 days prior to commencement of our first session. If there are special circumstances that you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact me to work out an individualised payment plan. Direct Deposit is the preferred method of payment. In cases where the enrolee withdraws, they are entitled to a refund (less the non-refundable deposit) up to the course start date or they may change to a later course date. In the unlikely event that classes are cancelled by Empowered Birth and Beyond, a full refund is applicable. If any travel restrictions are enforced, we will revert to Zoom for all face-to-face courses.