"Demand the original... Expect the best"
HypnoBirthing™ North London
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Quick Links
- What is HypnoBirthing?
- HypnoBirthing Course – Key Benefits
- What parents are saying / birth stories
- Watch a hypnobirth in action
- Course Dates, Location and Booking
HypnoBirthing - Preparing the Mind-Body for Birth.
Read Christine's article published in Positive Health Magazine
and discover why HypnoBirthing works. After reading this article, one HypnoBirthing family wrote to say
' ... what a compelling read ... a power piece of writing. We are looking forward even more than before to the possibility of a relaxed and positive birth experience.'
Christine is a featured birth professional interviewed by www.naturalchildbirth.co.uk . Read her interview here.
HypnoBirthing combines the powerful use of self-hypnosis with childbirth education, and special breathing techniques.
HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. The HypnoBirthing concept is not new, but rather a development of the philosophy of birthing as it existed thousands of years ago and as it still exists in many parts of the world today. Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, an English obstetrician, first forwarded the concept of natural birthing in the 1920s. The HypnoBirthing method, a modern progression of his work, teaches you that:
in the absence of fear and tension,
severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labour
The HypnoBirthing method was developed by Marie Mongan, a hypnotherapist who first used the techniques to birth her own children and in 1990 started the HypnoBirthing method in America. It has gained such popularity among women in the U.S. that she now runs the Institute, which teaches the method, not only to pregnant women but also to hypnotherapists and midwives who run their own classes all over the world.
The HypnoBirthing Course
The HypnoBirthing course in North London will give you an understanding of how the body works during pregnancy and labour so that when you are sufficiently relaxed, the birthing muscles can work in perfect harmony as they were designed to. You will learn how to achieve this kind of relaxation, free of the resistance that fear creates, and you will learn to use your natural birthing instincts for a calm, serene and more comfortable birthing.
When you have your baby with HypnoBirthing, you will not be in a trance or asleep but you will experience deep relaxation similar to yoga or meditation. You will be aware, fully in control, but profoundly relaxed. You will learn to relax into your body’s surges (contractions) using specific breathing techniques and focused visualisations. In this calm state your body’s natural anaesthesia, endorphins, replaces the stress hormones that cause pelvic muscles to constrict and cause pain.
With HypnoBirthing your partner or companion is also fully involved and is taught how to help you practice your relaxation techniques between classes and to help you maintain relaxation during labour. We encourage all pregnant women to bring their birthing companion to the classes, although this does not necessarily have to be the father it would usually be the person who will be present with the mother during labour.
The technique is designed to work equally well in a medical or home environment. It is complementary and is not meant to be an alternative to medical intervention when necessary. However the technique should allow women to avoid unnecessary drugs and interventions which tend to be used routinely in many hospitals.
When is a good time to start the classes?
Any time you feel ready. You can never start to learn relaxation techniques too early, as mother, baby and birthing companion all begin to benefit from the word go, making for a more enjoyable pregnancy. If you are very late in your pregnancy, HypnoBirthing® can still help you.
HypnoBirthing Course – Key Benefits
- Partners are given a vital role - both involved and supportive - making it more of a team effort
- A relaxed, peaceful birth experience rather than a tense, stressful ordeal.
- A more relaxed and enjoyable pregnancy
- Eliminates or greatly reduces the need for chemical painkillers
- Shortens the first stage of labour by several hours
- Eliminates fatigue during labour, leaving mother fresh, awake and with energy for birth
- Reduces risk of hyperventilation from shallow breathing methods
- Promotes special bonding between mother, baby and birthing partner
- Fewer breech presentations and other complications
- Mothers with high blood pressure have found that techniques can help BP return to normal
- More rapid post natal recovery (reduced incidence of post natal discomfort and 'baby blues')
- Better natured babies that eat and sleep well
- Returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful experience nature intended
Some of the practical skills you will learn
- A range of simple but specialised relaxation techniques to practise both with your birth partner and on your own (Skills for Life)
- Special breathing techniques for relaxation and childbirth
- How it is possible to have a quick and easy birth
- Many ways of bonding with your unborn baby – both before and after birth
- Visualisations to enable you to work confidently with your body
- Easy positive affirmation techniques to empower you
- Creation and control of endorphins - your body's own natural anaesthesia
- Special massage techniques for a more comfortable labour
- Specific techniques to overcome fears or anxieties about birthing or parenting – crucial to achieving a comfortable stress-free birth
- Skills to remain calm and in control, no matter what is happening around you
- Many women using HypnoBirthing are re-discovering their innate ability to birth their babies in a relaxed, peaceful and even pain-free manner.
‘This was our second child and we have now used HypnoBirthing with great success for both births. The breathing and relaxation enabled me to get through labour calmly and without the need for any pain relief.When I was told to 'push', my partner reminded me to 'breathe our baby out'. I stayed relaxed and the baby was out in 2 minutes; no damage to mum. The midwife was delighted and took away our HypnoBirthing book to read. We left hospital within hours with a beautiful, content baby girl. I think the HypnoBirthing philosophy is great - especially that birth is normal and natural, and 'I relax so my baby can relax'. And the techniques - especially the slow breathing - really work’.
Zoe.‘During the whole birth I can honestly say I felt no pain - just uncomfortable and constipated. I did use a TENS machine but only up to the third setting of ten and more to relieve the feeling of constipation. My Mum cannot believe how calm and in control I was throughout the process - the midwife said I was hardcore when I declined gas and air ... but I just didn't feel the need. The Midwife Consultant at Chase Farm said that I was an advocate for HypnoBirthing, and nobody believes me when I say I felt no pain but I know that it is true; not only that but although my birth did not go to plan (baby chose to birth at home) I felt completely calm, relaxed and in control throughout - thanks to HypnoBirthing. Christine - Thank you for teaching Sam and myself the skills of HypnoBirthing, we really do appreciate it.
Carrie and Sam
John and I feel the HypnoBirthing education we received was a great success and met our expectations fully. I laboured and got to full dilation ... with no need for pain relief, staying in control and working with my body. No-one believed that I was in labour until I was monitored, one mid-wife even asked me why I was pushing. When she examined me she found out why: I was 10cm dilated! I had conversations on the phone with family who were in awe of my calm and controlled manner. So thank you from the three of us! I am so glad we came across HypnoBirthing. We are living proof that labour is a natural and exciting experience to be enjoyed and celebrated. Many thanks,
Helen, John and Fraser DaughertyThe HypnoBirthing didn't exactly go to plan as we had no music or notes due to the circumstances but we followed the breathing techniques with me gently whispering calming words to Eileen and stroking her and she breathed the baby down and out without any screaming or yelling! She had absolutely no pain relief except the tens machine... Not even gas and air! We enjoyed your classes and will spread the word about HypnoBirthing to our friends. For us it was definitely the right choice.
Guy and Eileen‘The midwives were absolutely brilliant and very aware and respectful of HypnoBirthing requirements. One was even helping prompt Megan's relaxation and breathing techniques so rest assured that in Hackney, HypnoBirthing methods are being used by midwives and it's nothing unusual or 'out there'. So thank you very much for your training, it absolutely helped Megan to remain calm and definitely helped to make the birth as good as can be. Many thanks.’
Rob, Megan and Bart.We wanted to inform you that Maire had an amazing birth... The whole process went extremely well and really under control by Maire (Natural birth in a Pool at the Whittington hospital)
She broke the water in our car and managed to remain absolutely calm until we got home and packed our bags; once arrived at the hospital the midwife was really impressed by her calm and thought we should check out and come back at a later stage. An hour later the midwife realised that Maire was 6cm open and needed to go to labour. Finally after 2 hours in the water, Maximillian was born. We are extremely grateful for the training and the preparation to this event - while comparing our birth with some of our friends, we feel we are either extremely lucky or well trained. Maire has recovered very well already and the baby is in great health. Thanks for everything.
Maire and Olivier‘The surges were getting stronger and ...the birth centre advised me to come in. On the journey there my waters broke in the car and everything felt like it was moving very quickly. I struggled to feel relaxed until I was in the birth centre suite and in the birthing pool. Luckily I arrived just in time as I was 9cm dilated. I decided that the most comfortable way to be was on all fours. Then I felt the urge to push and Alex was born within a minute or so. Even though I didn't feel that I got to completely relax and go into myself I feel the HypnoBirthing helped considerably. I didn't need any stitches even though Alex was 8lb 5 oz...the perineal massage definitely worked. Will definitely be looking to use the HypnoBirthing techniques next time. Thanks for your help.’
Katie‘The safe arrival of baby Max ...He was a little late... In the end, it wasn't quite the birth we had planned and prepped for - but we were able to adapt and haven't been left traumatised by it! I was induced at UCH at just over 41 weeks....I decided to go with their advice. I was able to use the HypnoBirthing breathing techniques well and Bill and I had brought electric candles and specially-chosen music to set the tone. At the end of the 2nd night, the doctors said I should have a caesarean. Max's heart rate was never elevated, and my blood pressure stayed low throughout. It was just as if he'd decided that he was too big to come out using the usual route. There was no other explanation. The staff also couldn't believe I did over 12 hours on the hormone drip without any painkillers or gas and air. Apparently, that's very unusual - so I can assume that that too is at least partly down to the hypno breathing (and my TENS machine). .. Anyway, Max eventually arrived (!), weighing in at 9lb 1oz and measuring 44 cm in length. Quite a big baby! Best wishes to you and thanks for your help and support.’
Clare & Bill & Max‘Waters broke at 5.30am that morning and contractions were immediate and close together... We arrived at the hospital two hours later and I was only 1cm dilated. They wanted to keep an eye on me and within 3 hours (and after using the ‘hypnobirthing dial' and 'blue ribbon' visualisations) I was already 9cm! ... and the breathing was really effective. The midwives were totally respectful of our birth plan and Pete was incredibly supportive, calm and in control...couldn't have done it without him there. The midwives were so impressed that I was officially only in labour 3.5 hours and that I was so in control throughout, I didn't even use gas and air, it was really manageable. Isabelle is now feeding and sleeping really well ... a totally relaxed and content little lady. Pete and I have found ourselves to be calm parents and think that the classes were absolutely key to us being so confident and working as a team. So, just wanted to say a BIG thank you Christine for your guidance.’
Natali & Pete‘I woke early to what felt like a small release of fluid…about an egg cup full. ... When I got to the hospital they sent me through to be monitored. All was normal but they wanted to examine me to see if my waters had in fact gone. As I undressed for this my waters really did break and there was no need for an examination. I was sent home with a leaflet on what to do when I got home and an appointment for further monitoring the following day. I went home and carried on with my day; I went shopping and tried on and bought some new boots. I thought that might help get things going.
We had dinner as usual and went to bed early expecting that maybe things might happen in the coming days and it was best to sleep whilst we could. I slept well and woke early... I couldn’t get back to sleep as I was too excited of what might follow that day. I remember just focusing on my breathing and listening to the birthing affirmations in our dark bedroom. Still I didn’t feel in pain just more pressure. Adam called the hospital as things seemed to be moving very quickly, as he was noting down the frequency of my surges. The midwife suggested, as it was our first baby, It would be a while yet and I could get in the bath. Adam called the hospital again as I was in the bath… I just felt like I wanted to push. Adam called 999 and we made it to the hospital and into a consulting room. My next contraction came, the midwife told me to push... I pushed just once and out came Lucy’s head. I didn’t have time to think about my birth breathing .. it was all such a whirlwind. She said with the next contraction I should push again …. I did as I was asked and Lucy was born. I feel very blessed to have had such an amazing birthing experience. Lucy is now 5 months old and everyone I meet hears about our fantastic birth experience , thanks in my opinion, to HypnoBirthing, They all say it’s so refreshing to hear a positive birth story and are amazed at what a contented and chilled out baby she is. So thank you. I feel that it really helped me.’
Annie and Adam‘Even after a year time I´m so grateful that I decided to do the course. To me it has changed completely my view of birth itself and life as well. I think my HypnoBirth was really the beginning of something new in terms of looking at life and its challenges. Regarding baby Michaela she is the great baby; smiling, happy and very clever. I still use relaxation and breathing when I breastfeed her and also when the two of them become harder to deal with :) which sometimes happens especially once Michaela started to be interested in everything sister Anna is doing. And I think Vlado is also using it when he is tired from work and has to deal with kids so he calms himself. Good luck with your work and thank you thousand times.’
Kristina
Still not convinced HypnoBirthing works?
Watch this hypnobirth in action and see for yourself.
Read more birth stories.
Check out the scientific research.
HYPNOBIRTHING NORTH LONDON
COURSE DATES LOCATION AND BOOKING
DATES
The HypnoBirthing Course requires your commitment to approximately 12.5 hours of class time, plus your own self-hypnosis and relaxation practice time. The course is presented over 5 weekly classes of 2.5 hours each.
Private courses can be arranged for individual couples scheduled to suit your needs.
Group Course Dates and Times – Evening or Morning Courses are available.
5 consecutive Weekday Evening Classes: 7.30 p.m. – 10.00 p.m. (North London)
5 consecutive Weekend Morning Classes: 10.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. (North London)
Group Courses are taught to a maximum of 6 couples to ensure that individual needs are fully satisfied and techniques are mastered. At the end of the course you will have discovered a new confidence and trust in your ability to have a positive birth experience.
CONTACT US FOR AVAILABLE GROUP COURSE DATES
If you are near your due date and other arrangements need to be made to complete your course in time, please contact Christine to discuss your requirements.
You are welcome to call Christine, your HypnoBirthing Practitioner, on 020 8360 2518 and get all your questions answered before making a booking.
LOCATION
Courses are held in North London within easy reach of Southgate, Cockfosters, Oakwood, Winchmore Hill, Enfield, Barnet, Palmers Green, Edmonton, Finchley, Potters Bar, Cuffley, Cheshunt and Goffs Oak.
Group Courses are always held in comfortable, relaxed venues in Winchmore Hill, Enfield, or the delightful West Lodge Park in Cockfosters, depending on numbers.
COURSE BOOKING
When you contact us for available course dates, you will be sent a list of dates and a registration form. Please return your registration form quickly to secure your place, as numbers are limited to a maximum of 6 couples.
Course Fees
The Fee is all-inclusive, for both you and your birthing partner.
- GROUP COURSE £325 EARLY BIRD BOOKING NOW £280
- PRIVATE COURSE from £500 ( at times and location to suit you )
If there are special circumstances and you have been advised by a healthcare professional to attend the course, you may be eligible for special rates.
The Course Fee includes:
- The official HypnoBirthing Text Book
- Relaxation and Birthing Affirmation CD
- Attendance for Mother and Birthing Companion(s)
- Course Manual and all course materials
- Refreshments
- Birth Plan
Please Contact Us for further details on HypnoBirthing North London.
Want to know more about our Hypnotherapy courses in North London