What is HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing®, created by the American hypnotherapist Marie Mongan, is a complete birth education programme that teaches simple but effective self hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques for a better birth.

With HypnoBirthing®, you'll discover that severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labour.

• You'll learn how to release the fears and anxieties you may currently have about giving birth, and how to overcome previous traumatic births

• HypnoBirthing® lets you discover and experience the joy and magic of birth - rather than the horrific ordeal everyone else seems hell-bent on telling you about.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to put yourself back in control of your birth.

You will not be in a trance or a sleep. You will be totally relaxed, but fully in control. You'll always be aware of what is happening to you, and around you but you will learn how to “go within” to your birthing body during labour.

HypnoBirthing® doesn't require any particular belief system, or prior experience. Some of our mums (and especially their partners!) have been very sceptical at first - until they experience it for themselves.

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Click on the video links on this page to see one of my clients, Nancy, experiencing an amazing journey from fear into serenity and a wonderful calm birthing.

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This video is taken from an episode of Home Grown Babies, the fabulous Living TV series devised by Bernadette Bos. The film is now being shown by HypnoBirthing practitioners all over the world as part of their course curriculum.

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The HypnoBirthing advantages:

• Breathing techniques that actually help the birth.

• Massive reduction of need for any medication at all.

• Reduce your risk of needing an episiotomy during birth with a stunningly simple massage technique.

• How to be confident and informed when dealing with the medical staff - when to question, what to ask...and when it's time to let them take charge.

• How to release any fears you might have about childbirth...regardless of where they come from.

• Most importantly, you'll know how to relax and stay calm and in control - regardless of what's happening around you.

HypnoBirthing® is designed as a structured but informal class format that teaches about the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of birth. You'll learn why your body does what it does, as well as how.

The standard HypnoBirthing course includes a 196-page text book "HypnoBirthing®: A Celebration Of Life", an affirmations and relaxation CD and all the handouts and scripts you will need.

When you learn HypnoBirthing® with me, you will be learning with a teacher who has supported dozens of women during their labour and birth.

More benefits

Additional benefits that have been reported by mums include:

• Considerably shorter labour and birthing on average
• Significantly fewere surgical births and fewer instrumental deliveries
• Highly energised mums in good spirits following births that are calm and gentle
• You will learn the techniques once for this birth - but you will be able to use them over and over again however many children you have!
• HypnoBirthing techniques work in all kinds of birthing situations - home births, water births, hospital or birthing centre. It's your choice - and HypnoBirthing helps them all.

No reputable practitioner promises you a "perfect birth". But if you take the time and trouble to absorb the HypnoBirthing course, practice and techniques, I can confidently promise you that your birth will be more comfortable and calmer than you might have expected.

What about the baby?

Yes, HypnoBirthing helps the baby, too! Studies have shown that HypnoBirthing babies are calmer, have on average higher APGAR scores and make a better start with breastfeeding.

At last: something useful for Dad to do....

One of the joys of HypnoBirthing is the package of techniques which it provides your Birth Companion, whether Dad, partner, doula or relative. By joining you on your HypnoBirthing course your Birth Companion will feel empowered to help you deepen your relaxation, learn simple massage techniques and learn how to use gentle prompts and support strategies.

There are plenty of HypnoBirthing practitioners. Why choose me?

• I am one of the more experienced practitioners in the London area.
• I combine my Hypnotherapy training with years of hands-on experience supporting women in childbirth as a Doula UK Recognised Doula.
• As well as the standard HypnoBirthing course I cover a broad range of issues such as the use of movement in labour, getting your baby in a good position for an easier birth, feeding, sleeping and caring for your baby.
• My classes are small and friendly and a good place to meet other local parents-to-be.
• If you can't manage my Thursday night classes then you can discuss having a private course in your own home. It's a bit more expensive but well worth it if it's the only way you can be sure of completing the whole course!