HypnoBirthing FAQs
My name is Lisa Jackson and I'm a Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner accredited by the HypnoBirthing® Institute in America. This means that I adhere to its code of ethics (including teaching the full 12.5 hour syllabus at weekly intervals rather than in single day sessions so that you have time to practise and get feedback on what you've learned) and am required to recertify as a teacher each year, giving evidence that I am continually updating my professional skills and knowledge.
How does HypnoBirthing work?
During birth the muscles of your uterus contract rhythmically to dilate your cervix and nudge your baby down the birth canal. However, should you become anxious or fearful adrenaline is released, which diverts blood away from these muscles and directs it to your arms and legs. This means that your birthing muscles are deprived of oxygen-rich blood, so they work less effectively, prolonging the birth process. If you're able to remain calm during birth through the use of hypnosis (which is simply a state of deep relaxation) the blood continues to flow to your uterus and so your birthing muscles are able to function really well, which can mean birth is speeded up by an average of three hours and is a lot more comfortable.
Who can use HypnoBirthing?
HypnoBirthing can be used by first-time mums as well as mums who've had kids before. It's ideal for women who're feeling scared of birth, who're anxious because of a bad experience last time or who just want a calmer, easier and more natural birth experience.
Does my baby's dad have to attend classes, too?
Wherever possible, yes, as during classes the baby's dad (or your chosen birth companion) is trained to become your personal hypnotherapist, masseur, coach and spokesperson, so he/she can help you have the natural birth you're planning. However, if your partner cannot attend all the classes or be with you during birth, then your mother, sister or friend can be your birthing companion instead.
When should I start attending the classes?
Between 25 to 30 weeks is ideal, as the success of the course is strongly linked to how much you practice. But, provided you can finish the course before you give birth, it's still going to help you have a better birth.
Can you guarantee a pain-free birth?
Unfortunately not, because there are many factors that can affect a birth, some of which are outside our control. However, research has shown that up to 70% of HypnoBirthing mums don't need any form of pain relief.
COURSE FEES
I offer a group discount, so if you and a friend book together (on the same or a different course), the fee is reduced by £50 per couple.
CALM BIRTH PACKAGE: £275
Includes 12.5 hours of group tuition per couple in my home, a free HypnoBirthing textbook and hypnosis CD, course handouts and hypnosis scripts, email and phone support if you need it, and refreshments.
CALM BIRTH PLUS PACKAGE: £310
Includes all of the above plus a 90-minute private session (a discount of just under 50% on my standard hypnotherapy fee) to address any remaining concerns you may have.
CALM BIRTH PRIVATE PACKAGE: £450
This is the Calm Birth Package but all tuition is private. Classes are still held in my home but you'll be the only couple attending so you'll get maximum flexibility regarding class dates and times.
I believe everyone should have access to HypnoBirthing so I offer a discount to anyone unable to afford my full fee - please read my concession policy (below) and contact me to discuss this.
My classes are held in groups of up to three couples in my home in Addiscombe, Croydon (pictured left). To ensure maximum flexibility I don't have a set class timetable and schedule in classes as couples book them. Weekday evening classes take place from 7.30pm until 10.40pm and weekend classes (when available) take place on Saturdays from 9am until 12.15pm.
How to book your HypnoBirthing course
Please contact me (preferably by email as my phone is often switched off when I'm working with hypnotherapy clients) to discuss which dates are available. Once the dates are confirmed, I'll ask you to post a cheque for £150, made payable to Lisa Jackson, to 43 Capri Road, Addiscombe, Croydon CR0 6LG. This fee is non-refundable. The balance is payable at the end of the first class. However, in the unlikely event that you decide that HypnoBirthing is not for you at the end of the first session, you're not obliged to attend the rest of the course and will not have to pay the balance (you are welcome, of course, to keep the handouts, textbook and CD).
HypnoBirthing concession policy
I believe HypnoBirthing should be available to all parents who'd like a more natural birth and am aware that many couples are experiencing financial difficulties in the current economic climate. That's why I'm happy to offer a payment plan or concessions to those who need them, so please ask me for details. I support myself with the fees I earn from teaching HypnoBirthing so trust that you will not ask for a concession unless absolutely necessary as that would limit the financial assistance I can offer other couples.
HypnoBirthing refunds/missed classes
Regrettably, fees paid cannot be refunded even if you have to miss classes through illness or the early arrival of your baby, as I'm unable to fill such a large time slot with other parents at short notice.
If you'd like to make up a missed class we can arrange a private class at a time that's convenient to you for the special rate of £80 (a significant discount on my private HypnoBirthing class rate).
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