This is the question that I am most frequently asked. So here goes ………

HypnoBirthing is an educational programme that was developed by a midwife in the USA and has been brought to the UK as a registered trademark. Classes are rather like ante natal classes and aim to educate couples about the process of birth as well as teaching them how to use self hypnosis.

Hypnosis for Childbirth is something that all qualified hypnotherapists can use their skills to assist with, but they will normally work on a one to one basis rather than in groups and will not provide an educational package about childbirth. You will be taught self hypnosis which you will need to practice between sessions and you should be given CD’s to support you with this.

If you are considering hypnosis for birth you have three options.

Option 1 You can purchase a CD online and listen to it in the privacy of your own home. Just type CD’s for Hypnobirthing into your search engine to find out what is available. A popular British version of hypnobirthing is available from Natal Hypnotherapy.co.uk which will have an English accent on rather than an American accent.

On the plus side the CD’s are not very expensive and can be used for any subsequent pregnancies.

On the down side, the CD’s will be generalised and therefore will not address any particular concerns that you may have and some people may have doubts as to whether or not they are ‘doing it properly’.

Option 2 Visit a qualified hypnotherapist. Personal recommendation is always a good way to find a reputable hypnotherapist but if that is not possible it is advisable to look for a hypnotherapist that specialises in pregnancy and childbirth, as they will have attended further training courses to cover these areas in more detail.

On the plus side, the treatment is tailor made to you and you should not need to attend more than three to four sessions.

On the down side, your partner may not feel so involved and you will not be meeting other couples with whom to make friends/ receive support.

Option 3 Attend a HypnoBirthing class. Again, ensure that you attend a class run by a qualified practitioner. HypnoBirthing practitioners do not have to be fully trained hypnotherapists and, as many are midwives who have taken a short course to learn hypnotic techniques, they may not be able to address specific issues such as needle phobia.

On the plus side, you can attend as a couple and gain a deeper knowledge of what happens during birth, as well as making friends/a support group.

On the down side, classes are longer in duration and there are more of them, which can be difficult for some couple to commit to. They may also work out to be the more expensive option of the three and classes will not be tailor made to your individual requirements (although extra one to one sessions may be available if requested).

So now that you know what the options are, the decision is yours.

Now a study is being carried out by the University of Central Lancashire into the benefits of hypnosis for birth and I am very much looking forward to their findings. Hopefully my dream, of classes via the NHS being available to all who want them, will eventually come true!