The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme classes can be attended by Mum and Birthing Partner (normally the Dad but doesn’t have to be) ideally between 20 – 34 weeks of pregnancy allowing plenty of time for practice…  although I have taught the techniques to couples at 38 weeks, and they have still gone on to use them with great success.  When to attend is a very personal choice.  Attending early on in your pregnancy allows for plenty of practice and you can use the techniques to also support you through your pregnancy and with the changes that are taking place in your body.  However, some women prefer to learn the techniques later on when they are more focused on the actual birth.

Birthing companions are a very important part of HypnoBirthing success. However, if your partner/husband cannot attend all the classes and/or help you practice or attend the birth, your mother, sister or friend can also be your birthing companion or if not, you can come on your own. Whoever you choose they should try to  attend all the classes and the birth.

It’s finally something useful for the dad to do! Instead of your husband or partner being a helpless onlooker, they become a central part of the birthing process, helping you to stay calm and focused on the techniques you’ve been taught. As a result, the fathers / birthing partners feel proud to have been able to help, and to be an active part of the birth. Imagine how close that makes them feel to you and the baby!

We find that babies born using HypnoBirthing tend to be calmer, feed better, sleep better and experience less trauma, because they are gently and calmly breathed into the world at their own pace. Scientific research has also shown that the babies usually have higher Agpar scores as well (a measure of how well your baby is doing immediately after the birth, and then five minutes later).

With hypnobirthing, you’ll still be able to chat, and be and in good spirits – totally relaxed, but fully in control. You’ll always be aware of what is happening to you, and around you.  You can not be made to do something that you do not want to do.

HypnoBirthing doesn’t require any particular belief system, or prior experience. Some mums (and especially their husbands!) have been very skeptical at first – until they experience it for themselves.

In fact, the more skeptical about hypnosis they are to start with, the more evangelical they are when they discover the power of HypnoBirthing.  It truly can enable you to have the best possible birthing experience for you and your baby.

Please see my FAQ’s page on hypnosis for more information