FAQ

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Absolutely. I strongly encourage you attend The Positive Birth Program with someone, as this course is designed to also teach your support person about how they can care for you in labour. To keep classes intimate please bring one support person only with you to classes - ideally the person who will be with you in labour. 

Don't have a partner? You are not alone! Consider bringing a friend or family member along. Please phone or email me if you are unsure who to bring to classes with you. Rest assured that meeting other mums-to-be in classes will be a great networking opportunity too.

 Students: Please let me know if you have a student midwife following your pregnancy, as I am happy for them to attend in addition to your support person, for educational purpose

You can begin hypnobirthing any time, however I recommend beginning classes any time from 22 - 34 weeks gestation. 

Over 34 weeks? Don't stress, please contact me to arrange a priority booking!

Group classes will be limited to 14 people (7 couples) to ensure a comfortable and intimate environment. 

Hypnobirthing does not promise painless birthing, though many hypnobirthing mothers do report having labours they were able to manage more easily, and felt in control of. When the cause of pain ‘fear’ that constricts the birthing muscles—is eliminated, birthing can be accomplished in a shorter period and much more comfortably. A relaxed mother’s body will produce more endorphins, nature’s own relaxants. Hypnobirthing mothers still experience sensations of tightening or pressure; but most describe their birth experience as working with their body through the sensations, and thus avoiding the excruciating pain that is frequently spoken of by women who have prepared for their birth differently. 

I am passionate about providing birthing people with honest and evidence based education, so you not only feel prepared to give birth, but have realistic expectations. Naturally you may feel skeptical about hypnobirthing if you have heard people say things like it 'didn't work' for them. Keep in mind that, like anything, what you put into this course is what you will get out of it - practical preparation and mindfulness training takes time and effort, hence why this course is delivered over multiple sessions and recommended to commence well before your 'due month'. This gives you time to practice techniques you will learn, and physically and emotionally prepare your body and mind. 

The 'Positive Birth Program' does not focus solely on having drug-free physiological birth - it is designed to empower you to have a calm and positive birth, no matter what happens on the day.

There are 4 units covered in Hypnobirthing Australia™ 'Positive Birth Program' classes

Unit 1: Creating & maintaining a positive mindset - How fear effects us, understanding the mind/body connection and how to use self hypnosis 

Unit 2: Our toolkit for birth - how we can use our senses to release endorphins

Unit 3: Preparation & choices for empowered birthing - choices in maternity care, birth preferences and preparing your body for birth

Unit 4: Birth – bringing it all together - What to expect through labour, birth and beyond

Despite the popularity of social media and online learning, I do believe face to face classes have an important role to play when it comes to antenatal education. Although COVID-19 has meant that many aspects of maternity care have changed, I still plan to provide safe face-to-face learning, in addition to close monitoring of the current COVID-19 situation. Should lock down restrictions be in place at the time of your booking, I will offer some alternative options to accommodate your learning. 

Please be assured that Government guidelines will always be followed and should classes need to be cancelled or rescheduled due to restrictions, a full refund will be given and/or alternative arrangements made ie. live zoom classes offered. Please note, contact tracing will take place for all face to face classes.

Online learning your preference? I highly recommend Certified Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner Chloe Thornton , who specialises in teaching the Positive Birth Program exclusively live online  https://www.chloethornton.com/

Yes. As I am a Registered Midwife and hold a provider number you may be able to claim a rebate. However every insurance provider and level of cover is quite different, so I cannot guarantee your claim will be approved or be sure on the amount you will be rebated. Simply arrange a tax invoice with me once you have made payment for your class and I will provide you with necessary details to submit your claim. 

I will not request or require that you disclose this information to me. If this makes you uncomfortable I am always open to discussing your concerns. There are currently other Victorian Hypnobirthing practitioners holding face to face classes where vaccination is a requirement to attend - I am happy to refer you on if this space is more preferable to you.  

My philosophy will always be that anyone is welcome to participate in my classes regardless of medical choices, and your privacy is of utmost important to me. Safety is and always will be taken seriously in classes with social distancing encouraged, air ventilation available and common touch points regularly cleaned. 

Group classes for the Positive Birth Program are structured over 2 day sessions. It is important for both yourself and your support person to attend both of these days. Both days are equally as important as the other in terms of content covered. Please do not book a group class if only one of the dates suit you, as full or partial refunds will not be available in these circumstances.  Should you encounter unexpected circumstances and are unable to attend either session once you have already booked in, please contact me as soon as possible. You will have the option to join via zoom at the scheduled time, or to book a private catch up class with myself, at an extra cost. 

If you are having private sessions with me, please give me a minimum 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a session, and we can reschedule it.