Frequently asked questions 

What will I learn in the HypnoBirthing course?

HypnoBirthing is a well-thought-out program of five lessons. a total of 12.5 hours of childbirth education that covers not only what to expect in labour and birth, but also how to facilitate the natural process of birthing. In these classes we cover deep relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis techniques, breathing techniques, visualisations, affirmations and physiological knowledge and preparation.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Is birth with HypnoBirthing painless?

It can be, although HypnoBirthing does not promise painless birth. You will still feel your body working for you. You will be given techniques to facilitate your bodies’ natural process, which can result in a painless birth. Some woman (like me) experience partial or even painless birth, others experience some inconveniences that are generally tolerable.

However there is no guarantee that you will experience painless birth. It requires your commitment to practising the exercises taught in class and your ability to master the hypnosis techniques (which is doable for everyone with some practise).

Also bear in mind that how you evaluate your birth depends on many factors and not just on the feeling of pain.A birth experience can also be positive and empowering with (some amount of) pain.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

I am planning a hospital birth, is HypnoBirthing for me?

HypnoBirthing is a very complete prenatal course that will benefit all parents. It doesn´t matter if you are planning a hospital birth, a home birth, a water birth, a land birth, a birth with or without medical intervention or even a ceasarean birth. HypnoBirthing will benefit all. The course provides evidence-based birth information that will assist you to make a healthy informed decision that best fits your family.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

What will HypnoBirthing bring me, if not a painless birth?

Typically HypnoBirthing families often approach their birth fully prepared and feel satisfied with their birth experience, although not every HypnoBirthing mother experiences a pain-free birth or the birth they planned for.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

I am skeptical about the hypnosis component of the course. Will it still work?

Yes, about 90% of people can be hypnotized. Some can go deeper than others. The idea that you cannot go into hypnosis is often based on the idea that the hypnotist is taking control. That is not so. All types of hypnosis are self-hypnosis. You are always in control. No one can take control of your thoughts. If you ever get a suggestion you don't want, you can simply reject it.

Hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation where you will be putting helping messages and images into your mind and getting rid of beliefs, messages, images and myths that don´t help.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Why is it called HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing is a philosophy of natural childbirth education enhanced by hypnosis techniques. Though the name might suggest so, this well-thought-out program of childbirth education is not limited to a hypnosis technique, but consists of six components; deep relaxation, self-hypnosis, breathing techniques, visualisations, affirmations and physiological knowledge and natural childbirth education.

It is about training your mind and body to relax and work together in harmony facilitating natural birth process. This will contribute to a healthier, drug-free and stress-free birth experience for the mother, baby and father.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Is the hypnotist in control of me when I am in hypnosis?

No, you are always in control. No one can take control of your thoughts. If you ever receive a suggestion that you do not want, you can simply reject it.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Can I say or do anything I don't want to when I am under hypnosis?

No, it is up to you whether you accept the suggestions from the hypnosis scripts. If something goes against your principles, do not accept it. If something comes to mind that you don't want to share, you don't have to and you don't do it. If you don´t like the exact wording of the script or a suggestion that is made about how or where to birth your baby, you simply change it to what does fit for you.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Will I loose control when I birth my baby with HypnoBirthing?

No, you will be fully in control and deeply relaxed. You will be brought into a deep state of relaxation to allow positive feedback to enter your subconscious mind. You can choose to enter in or come out of the hypnotic state as and when you wish.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

I have a strong will and a strong mind... I don't think I will go into hypnosis.

The stronger your will is and the more intelligent you are, the easier it is to enter hypnosis. The idea that you cannot go into hypnosis is often based on the idea that the hypnotist is taking control. This is not so. It is your willingness to accept suggestions that makes hypnosis possible. If you reject suggestions, they will not work, because you are in control of your inner world.

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.

Does hypnosis work?

Yes, hypnosis works! Though you must be willing to allow yourself to experience a relaxing hypnosis session. Also you must put in some effort to learn the techniques and skills, but everyone can do it.

You choose if you wish to enter into a hypnotic state or not, it is a natural state of mind. In a hypnotic state, we find ourselves even daily. When daydreaming, when you are immersed in a book or stare into a fire, the time just before you fall asleep, when driving from a-b on the automatic pilot, the time when you are absorbed in something you do and don’t notice anything else. There is really nothing mysterious about it. 

Please refer to What is HypnoBirthing for more information on the course or here for more practical information.