Hypnobirthing Frequently Asked Questions

Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that focuses on preparing parents for gentle birth. In hypnobirthing classes, you will learn proven techniques in a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, visualisation, and self-hypnosis. All of these are designed to help you achieve a more comfortable birth. Hypnobirthing encourages a calm, peaceful, and natural pregnancy, birth, and bonding experience for families.

You can begin hypnobirthing any time, but we recommend that the optimal time to start your course is between 20 and 30 weeks. This will give you time to practise the self-hypnosis, relaxation and other effective techniques for gentle, easy birthing but also ensures that the course is still fresh in your mind. If you are outside of that range please don’t worry, you can definitely still attend the classes and achieve a beautiful, calm birth.

Bring yourself and your birth partner/companion. Your birth partner can be your partner, doula, sister, friend, mother – whoever you feel will best support you throughout your pregnancy and birth. However, you are also welcome to come solo if you prefer. 

The Hypnobirthing Australia Course offers extensive natural childbirth education. While hospital antenatal classes focus on medical interventions, hypnobirthing covers the entire birth process, pregnancy expectations, labour preparation, fear release and techniques like relaxation, breathing, visualizations, and deepening exercises. We believe in the power of knowledge, so combining both antenatal and hypnobirthing classes empowers you to make informed choices. Ultimately, the decision to attend either or both courses is yours to make. There may be some overlap in content however please remember - knowledge is power!

Despite misconceptions and misinformation, you are definitely not unconscious during self-hypnosis. The Hypnobirthing mother is deeply relaxed, but she is also an active participant in the labour process. Though she is deeply relaxed, she is totally aware and may return to a conversant state or choose to become mobile whenever she desires. Hypnobirthing mothers often find that they experience time distortion and are not distracted by other people or their birthing environment, while they focus on their birthing and their baby

Great question!

The full 12 hour group course is $550 and the private course is $750. The refresher course (for those who have previously completed the full course) is $350. Both prices also include tuition and attendance for two people, a Hypnobirthing Australia pen, a set of affirmation cards, a parent folio of resources valued at $200 RRP and ongoing support from Laura.

Absolutely! Many parents who have attended the course later in pregnancy, have achieved excellent results. Determination is the deciding factor when it comes to hypnobirthing success

Studies indicate that hypnobirthing can alleviate fear and pain, enhance feelings of control during labour, and reduce anxiety. It may also decrease the necessity for medical interventions, contributing to a more positive birth experience. Follow this link to read more about the research.

The short answer here is YES! We offer a 3 hour private refresher course for parents who have previously attended the full 12 hour course. The coset for the refresher course is $350 which includes the parents resources valued at $200 RRP

The 12 hour Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Course made up of 4x 3hr units:

- Unit 1: Creating and Maintaining a Positive Mindset

- Unit 2: Choices, Knowledge and Tools for Empowered Birthing

- Unit 3: Preparing Mind and Body for Birth

- Unit 4: Birth - Bringing it all together  

Please click here to read the full course outline

The birth partner of the mother’s choice can be an integral part of the hypnobirthing experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation. During labour the partner guides the labouring mother through hypnosis prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualisations, provides comfort measures, and joins in welcoming the new baby

The Calmbirth Course, created by Australian midwife Peter Jackson in 2004, offers training in mindset techniques, knowledge, and tools for a calm and gentle birth. However, it does not focus on hypnotherapy. In contrast, the Hypnobirthing Australia course incorporates self-hypnosis techniques to alleviate fear, maintain a positive mindset throughout pregnancy, and support childbirth and beyond. We believe these hypnobirthing techniques are crucial for our preparation, providing an added boost in confidence and practical tools.

To be eligible for a private health fund rebate you will need to seek classes from a practitioner who is either a registered clinical hypnotherapist or registered privately practising midwife. You will need to request their provider number and receipt to enable claim with your health fund provider. Also, please note that some funds require ’specific’ wording for claims – such as Hypnotherapy for Childbirth or Childbirth Education Classes. Every fund is different so it would be worthwhile giving them a call. 😉 Here’s the link to the details on the website which will provide you with further information. You can click here to search the practitioner directory from a privately practising midwife or registered clinical hypnotherapist near you

The short answer here is no, just come along with your support person and come prepared to learn. The parent folio and a pen is included with the course fees. That said, if you are a note taker you might like to bring along a note pad and pen. We also encourage you to bring along a water bottle, some snacks and perhaps and blanket or pillow for comfort during the meditation sessions