What are the differences between a hypnobirthing course and an antenatal course?
Being pregnant means you are plunged into a world of choices and decision making that can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. From your choice of caregivers, to where you birth your baby, medical procedures, things to buy... You have EVERYBODY telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. And those choices extend to how you prepare for the birth.
As a hypnobirthing teacher I am often asked: ‘What are the differences between a hypnobirthing course and an antenatal course?’ ‘Should I do both?’ ‘Is there an overlap? ‘They both cover what happens in labour and when to call the midwife, is that not all I need?’
I have taught both antenatal courses and hypnobirthing courses over the last 10 years and many clients have done both courses. Why? Because, actually these two courses are very different.
So often, my clients had already booked an antenatal course earlier in pregnancy feeling that that was the “done thing” and then realised later that they needed something else. Often because they’d come to realise they were carrying a lot a fear around giving birth or because they were keen to have practical techniques to help them with the experience of birthing, however they intend to give birth.
Now, it is important to acknowledge that there can be vast differences in what is covered in one antenatal course compared to another. However, from my experience as both an Antenatal and Hypnobirthing Teacher, antenatal courses tend to talk about the stages of labour, drug options, places to birth, feeding and baby care. But, they do not directly address the underlying fears and apprehension most women feel in relation to the actual labour and birth of their baby.
A Hypnobirthing course tells you about birth just like an antenatal course does. But TELLING you is a small part of the puzzle Hypnobirthing Shifts Perspective.
A shift in perspective holds incredible power for having a more enjoyable pregnancy and a better birth. The opportunity to explore choice and decision making can be birth changing. This is what comes with a Hypnobirthing course.
On a Hypnobirthing course you can experience a mindset transformation. By that I mean that the way you view birth changes. Often women talk about feeling so much calmer and more confident about birth after taking a Hypnobirthing course.
How you view birth matters! It’s known that those that expect the worst are more likely to fear birth and actually that fear can interrupt the whole process of childbirth and certainly how you feel about it. A Hypnobirthing course places a strong emphasis on the mind-body connection, encouraging expectant parents to release fear and tension and promote a positive and calm mindset during labour.
Labour and birth are powered by hormones and how we feel emotionally has a direct effect on how our body and muscles function. Fear results in tension and tense muscles don’t work as effectively and easily as relaxed muscles.
This powerful mindset shift takes place with the use of enjoyable Hypnosis and renowned cognitive techniques.
In addition to this a Hypnobirthing course gives you valuable new skills. We go beyond telling you what comfort measures you could use and actually practice with you simple yet powerful tools that hugely impact your birth experience and can be used beyond that too. This includes breath work, anchoring and self-hypnosis.
“The moment you change your perception, is the moment you rewrite the chemistry of your body.”
What else is covered on a Hypnobirthing course?
A complete understanding of the process of childbirth, invaluable information about choice and rights in pregnancy, preparation for birth partners, birth planning, dealing with changes in plans and so much more.
Add to this that the time on the course and utilizing the tools beyond it provide a perfect opportunity to connect with your baby and make wonderful memories too.
So, there you have it. This is why antenatal courses and hypnobirthing courses are different and why the popularity of Hypnobirthing is rapidly growing. If you are expecting a baby, get in touch with me sooner rather than later so that you have lots of time to enjoy its benefits.
