HypnoBirthing courses are run over five separate sessions of 2 2.5 hours in length. The course is broken down in this way to allow couples time to consolidate the material covered and practice techniques taught before moving on to new information.

At the first class parents are provided with their own copy of the HypnoBirthing book - 'HypnoBirthing: The Breakthrough Approach to Safer, Easier, Comfortable Birthing' by Marie Mongan, and also an audio CD for use in practice.

Classes are normally offered as private sessions in a family's own home, as this is where they feel most comfortable and is therefore an ideal environment for learning self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques. Group classes are also available subject to demand (maximum 4 couples per class).

It is encouraged that the birth companion is present for the classes as they have an important role to play in calm, relaxed birth. Most times the birth companion is dad-to-be, but it can be anyone that mum wants present during the birth a friend, family member, or doula.

Subjects Covered in HypnoBirthing® Classes

Unit 1: Building A Positive Expectancy

• Introduction to the remarkable HypnoBirthing® philosophy
• The history of women and birthing
• Why and how you can have an easier, more comfortable, and safer birthing  
• How Nature perfectly designed women’s bodies to birth
• How to assist, rather than resist, your natural birthing instincts
• The vocabulary for calm and gentle birthing.  
• Visualizing gentle births by viewing beautiful birthing videos (in classes 1 -4)

Unit 2: Falling in Love with Your Baby/Preparing Mind & Body

• The remarkable mind of your newborn baby-prenatal bonding techniques
• Rapid and instant self-relaxation techniques and deepening techniques
• Breathing techniques for birthing
• Hypnotic relaxation and visualisation
• The Birth companion’s role in birthing
• Preparing your body for birthing with massage and toning

Unit 3: Getting Ready to Welcome your Baby

• Preparing Birth Preference Sheets  
• Preparing the Body for Birthing
• Light Touch Massage
• Your body working for and with you
• Avoiding artificial induction and achieving a natural start to birth
• Releasing negative emotions, fears and limiting thoughts

Unit 4: An overview of Birthing

• Onset of birthing Thinning and Opening Phase
• Birth explained simply 
• Settling in at the hospital or birth centre
• Hallmarks of birthing
• If birthing rests or slows Companion’s  prompts and activities
• As birthing advances birthing with your baby
• Protecting the natural birthing experience
• Birth rehearsal imagery

Unit 5: Birth Breathing Love - Bringing Life

• Moving into birthing
• Positions for descent and birthing
• Breathing baby down to birth
• Baby moves to the breast
• Family bonding with your baby