What will I learn?

HypnoBirthing® Classes at Bru Columbanus Centre Wilton 

HypnoBirthing® classes are antenatal classes, which prepare couples for a calm, comfortable, joyous birthing experience. The classes involve a small number of couples (mother & father or another birth companion) in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Totally different from normal antenatal classes- the focus is on understanding birth and empowering couples/mothers to choose the birth they really want.

Firstly, you are educated on how birth works. You will learn in detail how the birthing body functions and is designed to work in neuro-muscular harmony throughout labour. Once you understand how relaxation is key to a comfortable, often pain-free birth, it becomes clear how the fear and helplessness women often feel can be the very cause of pain, leading to intervention. Fear affects the way the uterus performs during birth and the levels of stress hormones (catecholamine) in the body. 

Secondly the classes include using hypnosis to overcome any fears of birth or parenting which need to be dealt with at a subconscious level. No privacy is invaded here- couples are not expected to divulge personal information in class-merely to have their concerns in mind so they can release them as a group exercise during one of the classes. 

Finally couples will learn self- hypnosis (a skill for life) and the birth companion will learn how to help mum stay in a deeply relaxed state during birth.

The course will also teach you 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.

Many people are surprised to find that much of the course is given over to practical, logistical and physiological information, as well as the expected hypnotherapy.