What will I learn in HypnoBirthing classes?

As much as I adore HypnoBirthing and it’s principles, teaching the Mongan Method classes, and empowering new parents with so much knowledge and confidence in birthing, I feel the name ‘HypnoBirthing’ itself can put some people off coming along to my classes purely because of what ‘hypno’ implies.
Yes, HypnoBirthing does include an element of hypnosis, but not the finger-clicking-sleep-inducing-trance that the term can conjure images of.  When it comes to birth, hypnosis provides birthing women the tools to deeply relax into their labour, allowing their body to work in its most efficient way, therefore reducing discomfort and the potential duration of labour.

BUT, HypnoBirthing is SO much more than that!  I’ve previously shared with you the benefits of HypnoBirthing in a previous blog post, so now I want to share with you exactly what HypnoBirthing encompasses.  What exactly it is that you will learn when you come to my classes?

Let me show you the course outline of my Perth HypnoBirthing (Mongan Method) 5 week course…

Week 1

In your first week we spend some time focusing on what a positive experience of birth means, how that differs from parent to parent, why women in our society are finding that so difficult to achieve, and we get you thinking about what a positive birth experience means to YOU.  We take a good look at what HypnoBirthing is and the role that it will play in helping you to achieve that experience from your birth.  We begin to form a clear understanding of what birth is, the physiology of birth that will underpin everything that you will learn in the coming weeks.  And we learn how that physiology is more than only bodily birthing, but how heavily it relies on the mind.  In this class we do some amazing experiments to show you exactly what your mind is capable of!  I also introduce you to the first of your breathing and relaxation techniques which you will use in your labour.  This is the class that gets any sceptics listening with wide open ears.

Week 2

In your second class we begin to form a greater understanding of how important it is to prepare our mind for birthing, not only our body. We take a look at how our thoughts and environment impact pregnancy and the baby you’re growing.  In this we look at fear, and the role it places in pregnancy, labour and birth, and the part HypnoBirthing plays in overcoming it.  It’s in this session that we also look at your careproviders and birth team, ensuring that the model of care you’ve chosen fits with what is needed for you to achieve your positive experience of birth. We continue to add to your toolbox of techniques that you may use in labour and birth to work with your body’s way of birthing.

Week 3

In your third class we spend much of it taking a look at standard medical procedures and protocols in order to gain an understanding of your birthing options in preparation for compiling your birth preferences or birth plan. We continue building on your kit of Hypnobirthing techniques while looking at how to use these to support your body throughout pregnancy and labour.  We finish this session by using a beautiful hypnosis script to release any fears that may work against you in labour or birth.

Week 4

Week 4 sees us put the pieces of what we’ve learned so far all together.  We begin the first half of s summary of birth from prelabour through to the moments before baby emerges. In this we look at the active role of your birth companions, ensuring that they are clear and confident with the important part they play in labour and birth.  Throughout this class we go over the techniques we’ve learned and how they fit into your birthing day.

Week 5

In our final class we pick up from week 4, completing our summary of birth by looking at baby’s optimal position in the womb and repositioning if needed, positions for labour and birthing, breathing through crowning, baby’s descent and emergence, the first golden hour after birth, and the delivery of the placenta.  We then move into learning about breastfeeding, attachment, and initial bonding.  It’s in this session that we look at what is needed for a positive postpartum period, tools and strategies, and we work toward creating a postpartum plan.  I place a strong focus on mental well-being of both parents, and we take a good look at what mental health looks like, red flags to keep an eye on, and pathways to seeking the right support.

Throughout each and every class we practice our techniques, discuss questions and concerns, watch amazing videos of HypnoBirthing in practice during birth, and fill our bellies with TimTams and tea 🙂

In addition to all of the amazing techniques and the wealth of knowledge you will learn about labour and birth, you will also learn so much about your innate strength.  You will find the power to birth your baby in confidence. You will discover how capable your body is.  You will deeply trust your ability to parent your baby exactly as you need to.  You will trust your ability to make the best decisions for yourself and your baby.  Your relationship with your birth companion will grow and deepen.  You will find like-minded positive friends in the parents whom you attend my course with.  You will fearlessly embrace your labour and birth and all that it brings.

If you’d like more information about my upcoming HypnoBirthing courses, details and registration can be found here.  

Fiona x

My name is Fiona Rogerson and I am an ACA accredited perinatal and Perth women’s counsellor, and Hypnobirthing (Mongan Method) Practitioner. I work with women and men to overcome emotional and psychological hurdles surrounding conception, pregnancy, postpartum, parenting and identity.  I am also available to provide professional development training and workshops to various organisations.  I am based south of the river in Perth and can be contacted by email at fiona@fionarogerson.com.au or phone 0402 017 425 or via my contact page.