What does hypnosis feel like?

During hypnosis you'll feel deeply and comfortably relaxed. You remain completely conscious and in control. You are aware of everything that is happening and hear everything that is said - it isn't like being asleep. This relaxed and focused state makes it easier for you to make beneficial changes to the way you think and behave. Your logical, 'conscious' mind relaxes, allowing your instinctive, creative, 'unconscious' mind to change and learn. You cannot be forced during a hypnosis session to do anything against your will.

On the course, you will learn how and why comfortable childbirth is possible, and how to create this relaxed and focused state for yourself during labour and birth.

Course Content

The course is split into five units and I teach it over three hours a week for four weeks - total tutor time twelve hours.

There's a mixture of theory, practical sessions of hypnosis, birth positions and breathing, and general discussions. It's very informal and flexible, so we can cover specific questions in deeper detail or add extra practice depending on the individual group. There's no need to 'perform' in front of the group if you're concerned about that either. It's easier to learn when you're relaxed and enjoying the process and you're more likely to remember it too.

Unit 1 Positive Labour and Birth
Learn about how the story of birth pain developed and grew over the centuries and how fear affects labour.
Discover how your body and your baby are naturally developed to ease labour and birth - and how you can help that process.
The alternative story - watch stories from Hypnobirthing mums who have had relaxed and comfortable births.
First breathing practice.

Unit 2 Preparing Mind and Body for Labour and Birth
Experience hypnosis and visualisations for labour.
Learn your own methods for instant relaxation.
Two more breathing practices.
Learn hypnosis techniques to relieve pain.
Bonding now and after baby is born.

Unit 3 Getting Ready for Your Baby
Practicality of birthing in hospital - know your options, state your preferences.
Special circumstances.
How to avoid artificial induction.
Releasing emotions, fears and limiting thoughts.

Unit 4 Childbirth 1
Birth companion's guide.
How to deal with labour slowing.
A rehearsal for your labour and labour relaxations.
Massage in labour.

Unit 5 Childbirth 2
Practice positions for birthing for mum
Positioning baby for birth.
Releasing residual fear.

When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to take a step off into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen; there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly. 

Patrick Overter