Hypnobirthing: Your Questions Answered (A Professional view)

Who am I?

I’m Bex, owner and founder of Precious Bumps Hypnobirthing. I teach The Little Birth Company’s programme on a private one to one basis, both a complete full course and shorter workshop for those short on time, budget and dependant on if somebody has used Hypnobirthing before.

Hypnobirthing is super close to my heart, it made me understand birth in a whole new way. When I experienced Hypnobirthing for myself (along with having another birth to compare to, which I hadn’t used Hypnobirthing techniques with) birth was no longer thought of as scary or something to fear. It made me believe that there was a better birth experience for everyone.

I absolutely believe in the power of Hypnobirthing and all that it has to offer, I love teaching new parents to be and seeing the marvellous transformation throughout the weeks!

What is Hypnobirthing?

So what is Hypnobirthing and why you should spend your time, money and energy on it!? Hypnobirthing is a birthing technique used to aid a positive birth by self-hypnosis and antenatal education. It includes breathing techniques, visualisation and relaxation practices, along with learning about the physiology of birth and how your birthing body works. It is important to practice what has been learnt in a hypnobirthing course as the body and mind will have had more time to process the methods, it will be like second nature to use these tools when labour begins.

Unfortunately, the word “Hypnobirthing” can be rather off putting for some, and cause some to scroll past with an eye roll, fear not its nothing “woooo” whatsoever!

The word “Hypno” itself can trigger some to think about on-stage hypnotists, with participants on stage seemingly not in control or knowing what on earth is going on, this is not the case…when you are under hypnosis you are completely in control and are clear to make your own decisions, you can leave a state of hypnosis at any time.

So what will I learn when booking a course?

The basic physiology of birth
To develop a positive belief that giving birth is a wonderful experience
To have an optimistic view on achieving a calm,gentle,safe and stress free birth
Release fear associated with childbirth
How to relax deeply and quickly using breathing techniques, visualisation and deep relaxation
How to stay calm and in control throughout your labour
How to promote the production of your birthing hormones
How to trust your body to work naturally and in harmony with your baby
How to prepare your birth preferences so that you can be better informed and feel in control of your birth
The knowledge and power to navigate birth should you require intervention or assistance
Positions to help birth your baby more comfortably
Breathing techniques that work with your body to maximise your body's own natural expulsive reflex

And so much more!!!

How many weeks pregnant do you recommend when starting The Complete 8 hour Hypnobirthing Course?

I recommend between 22 and 34 weeks pregnant to start. (If you are over 34 weeks I can still offer this course if we run over 2 weeks instead of four weeks.

This gives you plenty of time to practise what you have learnt. If you are earlier on in your pregnancy you can book in with me in advance – this is just my recommendation.

I am over 34 weeks pregnant, do you offer a short workshop/refresher?

Yes! I offer a 3 hour Hypnobirthing workshop. Perfect for those later on in their pregnancy or those looking for a refresher course.

I am over 34 weeks pregnant but I still want to do the full course is this possible?

Absolutely, if you are later on in your pregnancy and would still like to experience the Complete Hypnobirthing course I would recommend that we do 2 sessions weekly, instead of 1 session a week. Usually, The Complete course is run over 4 weeks but in the case of 2 sessions weekly this would run over 2 weeks. Each session lasts 2 hours.

Affirmation

I believe in birth, I believe in you.

We have just finished our online Hypnobirthing course with Becca and can honestly say it was a game changer! I was so anxious and scared about the prospect of birth but she has taught me how to retrain my brain and I am now feeling so prepared and excited for when labour starts! She is so friendly and passionate about hypnobirthing it is hard to walk away not loving it too. It was really nice to do the course via zoom as it meant I was at home and comfortable (occasionally in Pjs) and felt even more relaxed. It allowed me to create my own atmosphere for the relaxations which also allowed me to visualise how I would like my environment to be like when labour starts. I would highly recommend Becca and the hypnobirthing course to anyone but especially if you are anxious about birth. Thank you so much Becca.

I was induced and in labour ward then taken to theatre and I can honestly say I used the hypnobirth techniques for the entirety and (apart from the birth of my boy) it was the best thing about my birth! I remained calm and focussed. All thanks to you Becca!

I was advised to be induced which was a very long process but the hypnobirthing techniques helped me relax and stay calm. It also really helped me make decisions with confidence and although it wasn’t the dream birth I had planned it was still a very positive experience. Thank you

Bex! xxx

Who is the course for?

The courses and workshops are aimed at both the pregnant woman and their birth partner. It is important for the birth partner to be involved in the classes so you can feel 100% supported during your birth, your birth partner has a clear understanding of Hypnobirthing and therefore you can work together as a team. Don’t worry birth partners, I can assure you the course content is fully inclusive of YOU too!! You are the bodyguard in the birth room, the keeper of the birth space and you will leave the course knowing exactly how to support your loved one in labour.

However if you do not have a birth partner or are using a doula as a birth partner it is fine to attend the classes on your own if necessary.

Isn’t Hypnobirthing for a certain type of birth?

Simple answer is no. The course content delivered is there to ensure that you have all the tools, knowledge and techniques to remain in control, to feel confident to make informed choices and decisions , be as relaxed as you can be and ultimately have a positive birth experience . You can still use everything you learn if you give birth at home, in a birth centre or midwife led unit or in an Obstetric led delivery suite. Hypnobirthing is fully inclusive, and you can use its tools however your birth happens, it does not discriminate and YOU CANNOT FAIL AT HYPNOBIRTHING just like you wouldn’t fail at any other antenatal class. I have had clients have wonderful positive births, including those being induced and having caesareans.

Did you know you can make use of your Hypnobirthing practise after birth and beyond?

You may think that after your baby has been born all your Hypnobirthing skills will no longer be needed.

Did you know you can still benefit from what you have learnt from a Hypnobirthing course postnatally and beyond?
I’m pleased to tell you that you can use one of the breathing techniques along with one of the guided relaxations can be enjoyed for ‘general’ use! (DO NOT listen to guided relaxations when driving or moving around!!)
I often tell clients that if they are needing a bit of chill time, overcoming a stressful situation or even enjoying mediation these methods can be used to aid your emotional well-being after the birth of your baby and way into parenthood.