HOLISTIC BIRTH PREPARATION
(HYPNOBIRTHING)
(HYPNOBIRTHING)
Teaching you effective, practical techniques for a calm and positive birth experience.
"The single best decision I made throughout my pregnancy was to sign up for a hypnobirthing course. I could have never imagined I’d end up giving birth during a global pandemic. Emily is an incredible person who taught me how I had the strength within myself to calmly and confidently birth our baby. I felt informed and calm the whole way through the birth of our son and can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences of my life." - Naomi
I have called it holistic, because that is what I believe Hypnobirthing is - an approach that considers all aspects. This is paramount to effective birth preparation. It is a way to understand the incredible connection we have between our mind and our body and to utilise this in the context of birth. Hypnobirthing has become a brand name, but here's a simple summary of where this word comes from:
"Hypno"- the use of hypnotherapy techniques (nothing like stage hypnosis) to help address and let go of fears and create positive associations with birth, so that when the day arrives, both our mind and body are in a state of calm enabling us to harness the hormones that birth requires.
"Birthing" - learning everything you need to know about giving birth (and I am talking about all types of birth here), what to expect at different stages and come away with so many useful tools to equip you (and your partner) to prepare for your birth experience.
Why Hypnobirthing? Well to put it simply, although we are just like other mammals, it's unlikely (or at least, with challenges along the way) that we are going to give birth in a quiet, darkened space, free from interference and observation. It may come as a surprise (since there is such a misrepresentation of birth in the media), that our bodies are born with the function to want and need to give birth in this way. Unlike other mammals, we have a third part of the brain, the bit that makes us intelligent, but also doubt ourself and hold on to negative images we have seen or heard about birth. Hypnobirthing enables us to utilise the 'mammalistic' part of our birthing knowledge, signal to the body that we are in a safe environment and prepares us in all aspects - the physical, practical and emotional.
I hope this has helped you unravel what hypnobirthing is, and de-bunked any myths you may have heard!
"Hypno"- the use of hypnotherapy techniques (nothing like stage hypnosis) to help address and let go of fears and create positive associations with birth, so that when the day arrives, both our mind and body are in a state of calm enabling us to harness the hormones that birth requires.
"Birthing" - learning everything you need to know about giving birth (and I am talking about all types of birth here), what to expect at different stages and come away with so many useful tools to equip you (and your partner) to prepare for your birth experience.
Why Hypnobirthing? Well to put it simply, although we are just like other mammals, it's unlikely (or at least, with challenges along the way) that we are going to give birth in a quiet, darkened space, free from interference and observation. It may come as a surprise (since there is such a misrepresentation of birth in the media), that our bodies are born with the function to want and need to give birth in this way. Unlike other mammals, we have a third part of the brain, the bit that makes us intelligent, but also doubt ourself and hold on to negative images we have seen or heard about birth. Hypnobirthing enables us to utilise the 'mammalistic' part of our birthing knowledge, signal to the body that we are in a safe environment and prepares us in all aspects - the physical, practical and emotional.
I hope this has helped you unravel what hypnobirthing is, and de-bunked any myths you may have heard!
HOW IT WORKS
Hypnobirthing works on the principle that the more calm and safe the birthing person feels in labour, the more their essential birth hormones are able to work effectively.The aim of the course is for you (and your birthing partner) to feel informed and prepared for the birth of your baby, teaching you effective, practical techniques no matter what type of birth you are planning.
Clinical research shows that using hypnobirthing techniques in childbirth results in:
Hypnobirthing works on the principle that the more calm and safe the birthing person feels in labour, the more their essential birth hormones are able to work effectively.The aim of the course is for you (and your birthing partner) to feel informed and prepared for the birth of your baby, teaching you effective, practical techniques no matter what type of birth you are planning.
Clinical research shows that using hypnobirthing techniques in childbirth results in:
- Reduced sensation of pain
- Shorter labour and less intervention.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
- Birth physiology, the science behind birth hormones and how to make them work effectively
- The physical changes that occur during labour and what this means for you and your baby
- The role of your nervous system, reducing adrenaline, managing pain and how to create an optimal birth environment
- Understanding of the mechanics of birth... what are contractions and why we need a cocktail of hormones to give birth
- How to use deep relaxation and hypnotherapy techniques in your pregnancy to prepare for labour
- Addressing and letting go of fears and practical tips for easing anxieties
- What to expect and how to manage the different stages of labour, including breathing techniques and massage
- Practical tools (also helpful for anyone supporting you) to feel confident and prepared, especially during Covid-19
- Ways to involve your birth partner and empowering them to be your best birth team
- The options available and decision making tools for when labour takes a different course
- Personalised preparation for induction of labour and caesarean birth
- How hypnobirthing techniques can support you in the postnatal period and beyond
- Comprehensive birth preparation pack
- A special delivery - a gift pack just for you
- Hypnosis tracks to download - recorded by me so you keep hearing my voice (this continuity is important)
- My hypnosis music to listen to as part of the self relaxations you will learn on the course and to add to your birth playlist
- Full telephone and email support until the birth of your baby. You can contact me if you have any concerns or questions
- Follow up after the birth of your baby to hear your story
- Invitation to a reunion meet up
BOOK A COURSE
COVID-19 UPDATE
Perhaps more than ever, getting prepared for birth and feeling calm and supported is so important. Thankfully, pregnant people can still access antenatal support and my hypnobirthing course as I am teaching this course online using Zoom. The course is taught through a combination of discussion, presentations and practical demonstrations and I make it as interactive and as close to the in-person experience as possible. You get exactly the same information, but from the comfort of your own home! I also offer a private in-person option.
Perhaps more than ever, getting prepared for birth and feeling calm and supported is so important. Thankfully, pregnant people can still access antenatal support and my hypnobirthing course as I am teaching this course online using Zoom. The course is taught through a combination of discussion, presentations and practical demonstrations and I make it as interactive and as close to the in-person experience as possible. You get exactly the same information, but from the comfort of your own home! I also offer a private in-person option.
GROUP ONLINE COURSE DATES
OCTOBER 2020
Sunday 11th & 25th 3pm - 6pm
Plus a private session booked at your convenience
£140 - BOOK
October 2020 is the last group course I am offering at this rate.
DECEMBER 2020
Sunday 13th: 3pm - 6pm, Wednesday 16th: 7-9pm & Sunday 20th: 3pm - 6pm
£160 - BOOK
Price increase reflects some new additions to this slightly longer course format, and a special added gift (I will reveal this soon!)
FEBRUARY 2021
Saturday 6th & 13th: 10am - 1pm & Wednesday 24th: 7-9pm
£160 - BOOK
PRIVATE COURSE
A private course (7 hours) may suit you if you have special circumstances surrounding your birth.
£190 - Taught on Zoom over three sessions
£220 - In person course at your house taught over two half days
BOOK a private course.
REFRESHER COURSE
Perfect for anyone who has done my hypnobirthing course before or is doing one of my other birth preparation courses and would like to do the additional hypnobirthing module.
£105 - Taught on Zoom over two sessions or half day (4 hours) BOOK
For future course dates not yet released, or if you have a question, please register your interest and get in touch via the form below.
OCTOBER 2020
Sunday 11th & 25th 3pm - 6pm
Plus a private session booked at your convenience
£140 - BOOK
October 2020 is the last group course I am offering at this rate.
DECEMBER 2020
Sunday 13th: 3pm - 6pm, Wednesday 16th: 7-9pm & Sunday 20th: 3pm - 6pm
£160 - BOOK
Price increase reflects some new additions to this slightly longer course format, and a special added gift (I will reveal this soon!)
FEBRUARY 2021
Saturday 6th & 13th: 10am - 1pm & Wednesday 24th: 7-9pm
£160 - BOOK
PRIVATE COURSE
A private course (7 hours) may suit you if you have special circumstances surrounding your birth.
£190 - Taught on Zoom over three sessions
£220 - In person course at your house taught over two half days
BOOK a private course.
REFRESHER COURSE
Perfect for anyone who has done my hypnobirthing course before or is doing one of my other birth preparation courses and would like to do the additional hypnobirthing module.
£105 - Taught on Zoom over two sessions or half day (4 hours) BOOK
For future course dates not yet released, or if you have a question, please register your interest and get in touch via the form below.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID
"Hypnobirthing turned my fear of birth in to excitement and total respect for birth and that is what allowed us to have such a positive experience" - Sarah
"The Hypnobirthing course helped me gain a much deeper understanding of what to expect and how to be of service to my partner and feel empowered and confident about the somewhat daunting transition from not only Partners but to Parents as well. Emily teaches in a very clear and concise way, with much depth to her knowledge". Dad Sam
"As a second time mum, I only wish I knew of Emily in preparation for my first birth. I feel so much better prepared and educated. Mums NEED to know about Hypnobirthing. It’s not all fairies and make belief, it’s actually learning how your body works and working with it as nature intended" - Katie
Read how Hypnobirthing helped others, here on my BIRTH STORIES page.
TO ANSWER SOME OF YOUR QUESTIONS...
WHEN TO DO THE COURSE
I welcome you to come to my classes at any point in your pregnancy, but the earlier you start the course, the more time you have to practice the tools learnt and listen to the hypnosis recordings. Taking the course anytime between week 25 and 32 of your pregnancy would be a good recommendation. That said, some people have found benefit from doing a Hypnobirthing course earlier, particularly if they have anxieties, and have also found great benefit from starting a course in their final weeks of pregnancy.
BIRTH PARTNERS
Having someone support you during labour who understands birth physiology along with your personal care preferences is pivotal in helping to create an environment conducive to birth. Each place on the course is for the pregnancy person and one birth partner. You are of course very welcome to come on your own, but if you are planning on having someone else present to support you during labour, it would be hugely beneficial for them to attend. If you are planning on having more than one birth partner, it would be best to bring the same person to all classes, as the skills learnt build on from the previous session. On occasion, I can welcome a second partner into the sessions, but this depends on available spaces and may incur an additional charge - please do ask if you would like two partners to attend with you.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUITY
Through my work as a doula I recognise the importance of continuity during pregnancy. When you come on my course you will be welcomed into a supportive, inclusive environment where there will be laughter and home made cakes! I want you to feel at ease, a space to be yourself, where your voice is heard. This is important because firstly, I want you to have a positive experience and secondly, because if you are in a place of calm, where your mind and body are open to suggestions, then the preparation we do for labour is more likely to have impact. Hypnobirthing works by setting positive anchors which are embedded in the subconscious through practice and repetition.
ACCREDITED BY MAMASERENE
You may have realised through searching for a Hypnobirthing course, that teachers have been accredited by many different organisations. I trained as an Independent practitioner accredited by MamaSerene (Dani Diosi) because this training is unique in that it has enabled me to write my course content and record my own scripts meaning that you will hear my voice on the course and continue to do so at home when listening to the recordings. This continuity supports the very essence of how Hypnobirthing works; embedding anchors that ground you to feel safe and secure.
WHEN TO DO THE COURSE
I welcome you to come to my classes at any point in your pregnancy, but the earlier you start the course, the more time you have to practice the tools learnt and listen to the hypnosis recordings. Taking the course anytime between week 25 and 32 of your pregnancy would be a good recommendation. That said, some people have found benefit from doing a Hypnobirthing course earlier, particularly if they have anxieties, and have also found great benefit from starting a course in their final weeks of pregnancy.
BIRTH PARTNERS
Having someone support you during labour who understands birth physiology along with your personal care preferences is pivotal in helping to create an environment conducive to birth. Each place on the course is for the pregnancy person and one birth partner. You are of course very welcome to come on your own, but if you are planning on having someone else present to support you during labour, it would be hugely beneficial for them to attend. If you are planning on having more than one birth partner, it would be best to bring the same person to all classes, as the skills learnt build on from the previous session. On occasion, I can welcome a second partner into the sessions, but this depends on available spaces and may incur an additional charge - please do ask if you would like two partners to attend with you.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUITY
Through my work as a doula I recognise the importance of continuity during pregnancy. When you come on my course you will be welcomed into a supportive, inclusive environment where there will be laughter and home made cakes! I want you to feel at ease, a space to be yourself, where your voice is heard. This is important because firstly, I want you to have a positive experience and secondly, because if you are in a place of calm, where your mind and body are open to suggestions, then the preparation we do for labour is more likely to have impact. Hypnobirthing works by setting positive anchors which are embedded in the subconscious through practice and repetition.
ACCREDITED BY MAMASERENE
You may have realised through searching for a Hypnobirthing course, that teachers have been accredited by many different organisations. I trained as an Independent practitioner accredited by MamaSerene (Dani Diosi) because this training is unique in that it has enabled me to write my course content and record my own scripts meaning that you will hear my voice on the course and continue to do so at home when listening to the recordings. This continuity supports the very essence of how Hypnobirthing works; embedding anchors that ground you to feel safe and secure.