When should you start your hypnobirthing journey?

The first part, which is also usually the most stressful, about labour and pregnancy is time. Expecting parents and birth givers put tight deadlines on when things should or shouldn’t happen. Similar anxieties are around when it is the right time to start comprehensive hypnobirthing classes. Many certified hypnobirthing Australia practitioners will tell you that they believe any time is the right time for you to start. Your inner instinct will tell you when you’re ready to commit to the techniques and principles you’ll come to learn. With that in mind, keep reading for a detailed breakdown of planning for the start of your guided hypnobirthing journey.

When is the best time to start hypnobirthing classes?

If you take the advice of a certified birth and post-partum doula, the best time to start hypnobirthing classes is anywhere between 20-32/34 weeks gestation. This gives you a healthy time allowance to properly practice and take in all the knowledge, tools, and techniques that you and your birth partner learn in class. This doesn’t mean that you can’t start earlier or later either. Whether you are 15 weeks pregnant or closer to 40 weeks pregnant, all birth givers and their partners can benefit from the Positive Birth course immensely in their way.

Why should you start hypnobirthing classes between 20-30 weeks?

The main benefit of this particular stage in your pregnancy is the advantage of time. This gives you ample breathing room to practise the techniques like deep relaxation and surrendering to the sensations of your labouring body until you can do them automatically. To allow our body to labour with ease, we need to be able to drop into our parasympathetic nervous system; our calm nervous system which takes time and practice just like any new skill. You can also use this time to fully explore and decide on your options for the day that you give birth. Make well-informed and well-researched decisions about where and how you plan to give birth to create an environment that is right for you. 

What kind of Hypnobirthing class is best for me?

Hypnobirthing classes usually run over a couple of weeks depending on the course outline. The real amount of time will be dedicated to all the practice you put into it afterwards. Some hypnobirthing practitioners are happy to accommodate you in online classes for those that prefer it. Mums and partners really appreciate the option of staying in the comfort of their own homes when taking part and it helps if online/webinar options are available. 

Some hypnobirthing classes, like those offered with Little Bird Flies, also provide the option of completing the hypnobubs online class which allows you to learn the tools and techniques of Hypnobirthing at your own pace. Whilst this is a much shorter course it is still jam-packed with all the benefits of the in-person and live webinar Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Course.  This is a self-paced learning option that mums and dads across Australia have come to love and can be paired with special guided sessions upon request when needed. The point is to find a hypnobirthing class guide that is happy to teach you based on a style that is tailored to your needs and desires. 

What is a hypnobirthing class?

Hypnobirthing is highly regarded as a well-rounded pregnancy and childbirth education program in Australia. From doctors to doulas, they will tell you of the naturally-enhanced mental, physical, and emotional strength its techniques can give you. It offers a holistic learning experience for expecting mums and dads and empowers them in a unique way. The principles and techniques become tools for expecting parents to continually refer back to and use throughout their journey. They include the practice of meditation, affirmation, massage, and fear/anxiety management. You will also learn breathwork to help you move through the sensations of labour. Your birthing partner will gain their own set of supportive skills and principles to support you throughout your labour and birth. Hypnobirthing classes are assisted by the use of various learning materials and resources like handouts, music, videos and articles.