Frequently Asked questions
Note: For course dates/prices and other important course info check here.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a focused state of deep relaxation, in which you are conscious and aware. During hypnosis your mind will be more open to taking on positive new ideas, for example that giving birth is normal and you can have a positive empowering and gentle birth experience.
In hypnosis your mind or 'free will' is never controlled by someone else. You will only take on ‘suggestions’ that are aligned with what you truly want. Hypnosis teaches you to master your own states of awareness so you are more in control of your body and mind.
Will HypnoBirthing give me a pain-free birth?
HypnoBirthing does not promise painless birthing. It does offer a calmer, and more comfortable birth. Mothers who use HypnoBirthing techniques for second or third births report significantly less ‘pain’ than during previous births. Some HypnoBirthing mothers do have a pain-free birth and say they felt only pressure or tightening. Whatever the sensations, with HypnoBirthing skills mothers usually feel more in-control and are able to stay more relaxed and manage things well.
When is the best time to start the course?
You can begin HypnoBirthing anytime, but anywhere between 18-30 weeks pregnant is ideal. Earlier is certainly ideal as HypnoBirthing relies on you integrating the relaxations and techniques into your life, so that when you go into labour, a calm response will be second nature.
That said, it is never too late and many couples have found tremendous benefits starting the course as late as 35 weeks.
Essentially, if you are committed to having a positive birth experience and putting in some time, you will get the resources and skills you need in time for your birth.
Who can I bring along?
Definitely your husband or partner. They are a vital part of your HypnoBirth.
It is important that birth companions learn the philosophy and techniques too, so that they can support the mother to stay relaxed. If your partner can not come, we recommend you choose a second support person who can be there at your birth.
As part of the standard fee, you may also bring an extra birth support person or doula. Your care provider, (midwife or obstetrician), is also very welcome to attend.
What should I bring to class?
Yourself and your partner, your HypnoBirthing book, paper for notetaking.
Dress comfortably. Bring extra cushions, pillows or a blanket if you desire (some are available).
How does HypnoBirthing differ from other childbirth preparation methods?
HypnoBirthing is a complete prenatal education. However rather than focussing on pain management, HypnoBirthing is based on the premise that birthing will be more comfortable, and even pain free, when the mother is deeply relaxed. Therefore a major focus of the course is the reduction or elimination of an anxious or fear-based response to birth.
Unlike in standard antenatal classes, there is also very little focus on complications, (or ‘special circumstances’ as we call them in HB), as spotlighting methods of intervention does not tend to help a mother feel calm and relaxed.
The course does include a huge range of relaxation techniques, birthing breathing, information on the birth companions role, bonding, nutrition, posture, preparing the body for birth, positions for birthing and much, much more.
Some couples choose to attend other antenatal classes to connect with other parents and to gather more information in order to make informed choices.
Is HypnoBirthing useful if I have a c-section or medical intervention?
Definitely. Many couples who have a birth involving special circumstances, say that the relaxation techniques they learnt in class helped them to remain calm and in control, even when things didn’t go to plan.
Several mothers have needed c-sections for medical reasons, and they have been able to feel peaceful and joyful during their birth.
Can HypnoBirthing help for a VBAC?
If you want a vaginal birth after a previous c-section, HypnoBirthing will help you to release any fear or trauma, and give you a ‘clean slate’, so you can can embrace your next birth with a confident mental attitude. This will enable your mind and body to be more relaxed during labour.
Can Christians Use HypnoBirthing?
Yes! There is no mind control or ‘programming’ the brain with anything other than what you already want. Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation. During meditation, worship or prayer many people enter the deeper brain wave states associated with hypnosis. From this relaxed yet empowered place you will simply find it easier to release negative thoughts about birth and replace them with healthy, supportive ideas.
Do you teach HypnoBirthing in Golden Bay and Blenheim?
HypnoBirthing courses in Golden Bay and Blenheim can be arranged with sufficient couples (four couples minimum). In this case, rather than being run over 5 weeks, the course would consist of two consecutive full-day Saturdays. Travel costs will be added in the standard course price.
Several couples have valued the training to the extent that they have traveled over to Nelson each week for the class.
What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a focused state of deep relaxation, in which you are conscious and aware. During hypnosis your mind will be more open to taking on positive new ideas, for example that giving birth is normal and you can have a positive empowering and gentle birth experience.
In hypnosis your mind or 'free will' is never controlled by someone else. You will only take on ‘suggestions’ that are aligned with what you truly want. Hypnosis teaches you to master your own states of awareness so you are more in control of your body and mind.
Will HypnoBirthing give me a pain-free birth?
HypnoBirthing does not promise painless birthing. It does offer a calmer, and more comfortable birth. Mothers who use HypnoBirthing techniques for second or third births report significantly less ‘pain’ than during previous births. Some HypnoBirthing mothers do have a pain-free birth and say they felt only pressure or tightening. Whatever the sensations, with HypnoBirthing skills mothers usually feel more in-control and are able to stay more relaxed and manage things well.
When is the best time to start the course?
You can begin HypnoBirthing anytime, but anywhere between 18-30 weeks pregnant is ideal. Earlier is certainly ideal as HypnoBirthing relies on you integrating the relaxations and techniques into your life, so that when you go into labour, a calm response will be second nature.
That said, it is never too late and many couples have found tremendous benefits starting the course as late as 35 weeks.
Essentially, if you are committed to having a positive birth experience and putting in some time, you will get the resources and skills you need in time for your birth.
Who can I bring along?
Definitely your husband or partner. They are a vital part of your HypnoBirth.
It is important that birth companions learn the philosophy and techniques too, so that they can support the mother to stay relaxed. If your partner can not come, we recommend you choose a second support person who can be there at your birth.
As part of the standard fee, you may also bring an extra birth support person or doula. Your care provider, (midwife or obstetrician), is also very welcome to attend.
What should I bring to class?
Yourself and your partner, your HypnoBirthing book, paper for notetaking.
Dress comfortably. Bring extra cushions, pillows or a blanket if you desire (some are available).
How does HypnoBirthing differ from other childbirth preparation methods?
HypnoBirthing is a complete prenatal education. However rather than focussing on pain management, HypnoBirthing is based on the premise that birthing will be more comfortable, and even pain free, when the mother is deeply relaxed. Therefore a major focus of the course is the reduction or elimination of an anxious or fear-based response to birth.
Unlike in standard antenatal classes, there is also very little focus on complications, (or ‘special circumstances’ as we call them in HB), as spotlighting methods of intervention does not tend to help a mother feel calm and relaxed.
The course does include a huge range of relaxation techniques, birthing breathing, information on the birth companions role, bonding, nutrition, posture, preparing the body for birth, positions for birthing and much, much more.
Some couples choose to attend other antenatal classes to connect with other parents and to gather more information in order to make informed choices.
Is HypnoBirthing useful if I have a c-section or medical intervention?
Definitely. Many couples who have a birth involving special circumstances, say that the relaxation techniques they learnt in class helped them to remain calm and in control, even when things didn’t go to plan.
Several mothers have needed c-sections for medical reasons, and they have been able to feel peaceful and joyful during their birth.
Can HypnoBirthing help for a VBAC?
If you want a vaginal birth after a previous c-section, HypnoBirthing will help you to release any fear or trauma, and give you a ‘clean slate’, so you can can embrace your next birth with a confident mental attitude. This will enable your mind and body to be more relaxed during labour.
Can Christians Use HypnoBirthing?
Yes! There is no mind control or ‘programming’ the brain with anything other than what you already want. Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation. During meditation, worship or prayer many people enter the deeper brain wave states associated with hypnosis. From this relaxed yet empowered place you will simply find it easier to release negative thoughts about birth and replace them with healthy, supportive ideas.
Do you teach HypnoBirthing in Golden Bay and Blenheim?
HypnoBirthing courses in Golden Bay and Blenheim can be arranged with sufficient couples (four couples minimum). In this case, rather than being run over 5 weeks, the course would consist of two consecutive full-day Saturdays. Travel costs will be added in the standard course price.
Several couples have valued the training to the extent that they have traveled over to Nelson each week for the class.
"Bodhi came completely unaided and thankfully skilfully guided into the world by Jonathan. We can attribute our calmness and willingness to handle the interesting circumstances of Bodhi's birth to our hypnobirthing sessions. (We didn't quite make it to the hospital delivery room). It was the constant mention of birth being a natural and normal experience not a medical event that meant Jonathan and I were able to go with the intentions of Bodhi that day.
It was wonderful to have a birth that was relatively gentle, definitely quick and wonderfully natural.
I was able to use a couple of the relaxation breathings for a couple of tightenings which was really helpful earlier in the day,
but overall I think the rainbow relaxation as well as our classes had set us up mentally and emotionally to be totally prepared for a birth.
Thank you Anna for your wonderful sessions that has made Bodhi's birth indeed a special one." Louisa
It was wonderful to have a birth that was relatively gentle, definitely quick and wonderfully natural.
I was able to use a couple of the relaxation breathings for a couple of tightenings which was really helpful earlier in the day,
but overall I think the rainbow relaxation as well as our classes had set us up mentally and emotionally to be totally prepared for a birth.
Thank you Anna for your wonderful sessions that has made Bodhi's birth indeed a special one." Louisa