WHAT IS HYPNO BIRTHING AND HOW WILL IT HELP ME?

Hypnobirthing is a method of childbirth that focuses on preparation, relaxation, visualisation and self hypnosis. 

It focuses on empowering the birthing person (mother) and their birth partner, and provides them with a toolkit of techniques to allow their body to work in harmony with their baby and, in turn, decrease the need for unnecessary interventions. Hypnobirthing Australia™ programs don’t claim to offer a “pain free” birth, but rather assist in training and re-wiring your brain to work with your body and your baby for a calm and empowering experience.

The word ‘Hypno’ can be off putting but it refers to the self-hypnosis that you will learn during the Positive Birth Program™. Self Hypnosis will help you to prepare for, and achieve, a calm, positive and supported birth. Self hypnosis involves being deeply relaxed and using prompts such as touch and guided meditations assist you to reach that state of relaxation at any time. Hypnobirthing is about believing in your power and your bodies ability to birth your baby – your way! The Positive Birth Program™ course teaches you and your support partner self hypnosis techniques to relax, open up and breath your baby out calmly. You are provided with all the necessary audio tracks, written information and techniques required to achieve a positive birth.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO COMPLETE THE COURSE?

Hypnobirthing Australia™ recommends beginning the course between 20-30 weeks so you can continue to practise the techniques leading up to your birth and take your time learning and reading about the course. Should you be out of these weeks, don’t stress, just send me a message and we can chat about the best options for you.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE CLASSES WITH ME?

Your birth partner. This could be your husband, wife, partner, mum or doula, just to name a few. This support person will learn techniques to help you birth your baby calmly and support you in self hypnosis. They will also learn ways to advocate for you and communicate with your caregivers on your behalf. If you are wanting to bring a second support person to your birth, please email me first to discuss this.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?

Approximately 12 hours of face to face childbirth education. A comprehensive workbook, online portal and MP3 tracks, including guided meditation and positive birth affirmations by Melissa Spilsted, founder of Hypnobirthing Australia™. Please see here, for a more comprehensive understanding of what is included in the course.

WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE COURSE? WHAT IF I NEED MORE ASSISTANCE?

I offer a private 90 minute class if you feel you need extra assistance after the course has finished. This may be in the area of fear release or extra support of any matter. I am also here to encourage and support you right up until you give birth – even of that means you need to check in with me during labour!

CAN I USE PAIN RELIEF WHILST HYPNOBIRTHING?

Of course. Your body, your choice. Many Hypnobirthing mama’s choose not to use pharmaceutical analgesia whilst birthing due to the deep state of relaxation they obtain, whilst others use these relaxation techniques in combination with pharmaceutical analgesia.. The breathing, relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques can prepare you to have a calm, beautiful birth, no matter how you want this to look.

I AM HAVING A PLANNED CAESAREAN, IS THIS COURSE FOR ME?

Yes! I am a Certified Positive Caesarean Birth Course educator. I offer face to face Positive Caesarean Birth Courses. You are still birthing your baby. Whatever your reasons for a caesarean, either medical or by choice, I can assist you to have a calm birth for you and your baby and can help you to educate your OBGYN on your wishes prior to and during your caesarean. 

There is also the option for an Online Positive Caesarean Course (here) or an Online Positive Caesarean Course + 90 minute face to face upgrade (here).

I WANT TO HAVE A VBAC, IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR ME?

Most definitely, VBAC’s are becoming more and more common as women and their birthing partners voice their wishes and engage hospitals, midwives and OBGYN’s who are respectful of their choices. Not all caesareans require subsequent pregnancies to result in another caesarean, please discuss this option with your caregiver. We have some wonderful resources on VBAC’s.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPNOBIRTHING AUSTRALIA™, POSITIVE BIRTH PROGRAM™ AND THE HYPNOBUBS™ ONLINE COURSE?

Essentially they are the same content. The Hypnobirthing Australia™ Positive Birth Program and Positive Caesarean Birth Course are taught face to face, either in person or online. These courses are taught by me, for clients birthing in Australia.

The Hypnobubs™ Online Courses options are pre-recorded courses, developed by Melissa Spilsted, Hypnobirthing Australia™ Founder. These courses are branded with the Hypnobubs™ title as they are offered online, world wide.