Frequently Asked Questions
So what is Hypnobirthing?
Terrible name right? In a nutshell - it’s complete antenatal preparation that starts with what is going on in your brain OR if you prefer - it’s sports psychology for birth. “Hypno” comes from the Greek for sleep; it doesn’t mean I’m going to put you to sleep! It’s about getting into that limbic space of the brain when you’re not quite awake or asleep to help to reprogram your subconscious brain.
It’s about building confidence through information, knowledge and relaxation techniques to help you to develop your self trust and that you will know what is going to be the best birth for you and how to navigate through any changes of circumstances.
My course is as follows
Week 1
Psychology & Physiology - Mindset and how fear impacts our nervous system, how your physiology (the uterus) works in labour, practical relaxation tools and techniques
Week 2
Your body in pregnancy and optimal foetal positioning, the process of a caesarean birth, hormones of labour, how to tailor your birth environment, what’s available in the three main settings - home, birth centre and labour ward
Week 3
Decision making framework, bodily autonomy - your rights, choices, navigating the NHS maternity system, the stages of induction, your baby womb to world
Week 4
The stages of birth and what to expect, practical comfort techniques in labour, what to do if labour stalls, the third stage of labour (birthing your placenta, cord clamping, skin to skin, vitamin K), the 4th trimester.
Why do Hypnobirthing classes instead of reading a book?
It’s straightforward, practical and fun! My classes are entirely non-judgemental, impartial and inclusive - I want to support you to find the best birth that is right for you. You get to ask questions, meet other expectant parents and access my support until you tell me to go away basically!
I’m not averse to you reading a book (far from it - the more knowledge the better and I sign post to my favourites) but it’s not going to give you the opportunity to ask questions for your individual circumstances.
When should I start a Hypnobirthing course?
Provided you’ve had your 12 week scan, whenever you like! The more practise you can get in the better but equally in truth it’s never too late in your pregnancy to start, I’ve taught people at 13 weeks and 39 weeks, you will experience brilliant benefits whenever you begin. Most people come at some point between 20-34 weeks.
Hypnobirthing always makes a difference.
Does my birth partner have to come along too?
No pressure but they really should because they’ll love it! Gross generalisation here but birth partners often arrive at hypnobirthing classes not really knowing what it is, having been somewhat dragged along or viewing it as a nice “little thing” or perhaps a bit of breathing.
Almost without exception they leave the course super excited and IN TO IT.
In some ways seeing partners grow in confidence about their roles is my favourite part of the whole thing. It really enables them to understand that they have a hugely important part to play as the continuity of care and gives them the practical skills to do so.
What if I don’t have a birth partner?
All of the tools and techniques can be practised by you without assistance from anyone else and contribute to a very positive pregnancy and birth experience.
It is acknowledged pretty well without exception that there are huge benefits to the continuity of care of a knowledgeable birth partner in pregnancy and at your side in labour.
It’s also important to recognise that a birth partner really doesn’t have to be someone/the person you’re in a relationship with. They could also be a mate, parent, sibling, cousin - you name it. Another wonderful, incredibly supportive option might be to engage the services of a Doula or Birth Keeper. I have an extensive list of highly recommended doulas so feel free to arrange a chat and I can absolutely point you in the right direction for this too.
Are you medically trained?
No. Whilst my teacher training diploma is recognised by the Royal College of Midwifery it is not a medical qualification. I am entirely independent and not restricted by NHS policy and guidelines. My role is to help you to unlock your confidence and look forward to birthing your baby, sign-post you to quality sources of evidence-based information and from there you make the decisions that are right for you.
I will not offer medical advice - it would be very irresponsible of me to do so - although I have a lot of experience of different risk factors and what pathways will be offered as standard. Therefore I will sign post to the latest evidence and research on that particular topic.
It’s not my job to convince you to decline all medical intervention, far from it - but it is my job to ensure you know what your options are, what the potential risks and benefits are and then you can respond as feels appropriate to you as an individual and your individual circumstances.
Does hypnobirthing mean my birth will be entirely pain-free?
No. It would be very wrong for me to promise you that, Hypnobirthing isn’t just a pain relief technique and I absolutely hate the narrative that if you “do the work” then it shouldn’t be painful or that you’re doing anything wrong.
Many people come to Hypnobirthing because they’ve heard very positive stories from friends about how it helped them to manage the pain of labour, but the truth is pain is deeply subjective and there are so many variables that even when someone does “all the right stuff” in terms of environment even they may find their labour painful.
I definitely come from a perspective of trying hugs before drugs and hormones and environment can make a huge difference.
I discuss what pain relief options are available to you within each setting and how you might be able to mitigate some of the potential side effects that could come with them. As ever, no judgement. Ever.
Is Hypnobirthing just for drug-free home births?
No way! It is certainly true that lots of people who do hypnobirthing opt to have a home birth and for many this is a wonderful option, but not everyone wants to do that. Where you choose to birth your baby is a very personal decision and I have no agenda in terms of promoting any particular birth setting over another.
Not my body, not my birth, not my baby.
We do discuss in great detail the various birth place options and what is available to you in each; examining the evidence and from there you make the decisions that feel right for you.
As you can read in my birth story neither of my births took place at home, my Hypnobirthing techniques very successfully came with us to the labour ward at Homerton hospital.
Is Hypnobirthing compatible with my medical care?
Yes, absolutely. I have great respect for the NHS and we could not be luckier to have such a strong, caring and autonomous midwifery profession in the UK.
However we know that the NHS is under enormous pressure from years of underfunding - policy and time pressure can make individualised care almost impossible. Hypnobirthing gives you the tools to confidently examine the benefits and risks of any procedure offered to you - to know that policy is not law, you have the right to ask questions and help you to advocate for yourself.
Is it still worth doing Hackney Hypnobirthing if I’m having a Caesarean?
100%. Hypnobirthing really isn’t just about how your baby is going to arrive “Earth-side”. Labour and birth is a labyrinth, you go in and you come out. It has its own rhythms, flow and turns - hypnobirthing also teaches us how to calmly adapt and be flexible if things don’t go entirely to plan.
If you know you’re having or are planning to have a Caesarean birth from early in your pregnancy I have also created a specific course.
It still contains all of the lovely relaxation tools, techniques and tips but goes into very in-depth detail about this type of birth, the many choices that you still have, how you can really aid a swift and comfortable recovery and support yourself and your family through the 4th trimester.
I have written this course with the input of many women who have very generously shared their stories with me. One described it as a “cathartic experience” and all of them have unilaterally stated they wish they’d had this available to them before their own birth experiences.
Those who have taken the course say that they were blown away by the level of detail and it has really helped them to visualise and prepare.
I am passionate that all birth experiences, however and wherever they take place be treated with the same level of respect and awe, that you feel immense pride. In my view any suggestion that a Caesarean is some how a failure, second best or “the easy option” needs to go in the bin.
Anything I’ve not covered above please do get in touch for a chat, I’d love to hear from you.