What to Expect From a Hypnobirthing Class
Hypnobirthing is a natural, drug-free approach to childbirth to produce a calm, confident and determined mother. A hypnobirthing class teaches parents-to-be a series of breathing and relaxation techniques to practice while they’re pregnant and during the birthing process. Here is what to expect from a hypnobirthing class.
- A relaxed but attentive atmosphere in the classroom setting.
A Hypnobirthing class is designed to be an informal, comfortable environment where parents-to-be can be at ease and focused on learning the art of hypnobirthing. Generally, a couple or a small group of couples participate in a hypnobirthing class together. All information is shared equally between men and women, with special attention paid to the unique needs of fathers during the birthing process. The teacher will also be attentive to each couple’s needs individually.
- Class exercises and practices will help you relax physically, mentally, and emotionally.
A Hypnobirthing class is made up of several classroom sessions lasting about two hours. These sessions include group discussion, individual instruction, reading assignments, and exercises designed to teach the expectant parents techniques for controlling breathing and muscle tension, centering the mind, and reducing fear and anxiety in childbirth through positive visualization techniques.
- You will learn to control your body with your mind.
Hypnobirthing classes are designed to teach you tools for a smooth and natural birth without using drugs or other medical interventions. Hypnobirthing classes focus on self-sufficient childbirth from the first class and continue throughout the pregnancy. The teacher will guide you through breathing techniques to develop better control over your breathing, teaching you how to practice deep, rhythmic breathing to relax your entire body at all times. The teacher will also teach you how to release muscle tension from the body, letting your muscles relax and release throughout your entire body. You will learn that if you can control your breathing and reduce muscle tension, you can do the same in labor, controlling your breathing and releasing muscle tension.
- You will learn to use visualizations during childbirth.
You will learn to practice positive visualization techniques to focus on what is good in preparation for the birth process. The teacher will detail what the childbirth experience is meant to be from beginning to end. You will then begin to visualize how you want your birth experience to be and what you want it to look like. The teacher will guide you through different positive visualization exercises throughout your pregnancy, leading up to your child’s birth. With practice, these visualizations become a natural part of childbirth for many hypnobirthing couples and can produce a calm, peaceful and confident mother ready for labor and delivery.
- You will learn effective techniques for mind-body connection during and after childbirth.
The teacher will teach you how to communicate with your baby before the birth, especially for expectant fathers. The teacher will show you how to connect with your baby through non-verbal communication, touch and sound so that you can recognize their needs and they can recognize yours. Your brain is also trained to process these signals throughout your pregnancy, training it to be fully present when birth arrives or communicating with your baby.
Hypnobirthing classes can be a valuable resource for expectant parents, especially when guidance is needed through the planning stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. A hypnobirthing class will offer a fun environment for expectant couples to learn about the art of hypnobirthing and create a calm and peaceful environment leading up to the birth of their child.
