When should I start?

Early pregnancy can be an exciting time and also a stressful one. 17 days after conception your baby's organs begin to form (including your baby's brain) so it makes sense that the sooner you reduce your stress levels the better - for you and your baby. The sooner you start the sooner you can relax into your pregnancy and enjoy this special time without any anxiety or any dread of labor. The earlier in your pregnancy you start the program the more time you have to practice the techniques and the longer you can experience the benefits of a more relaxed enjoyable pregnancy. Unlike traditional birth preparation classes the more time you have to practice the techniques the better.

If you have experienced a miscarriage in the past or have had trouble conceiving we recommend getting started with the program as soon as possible or if you are experiencing high anxiety levels in early pregnancy.

It's only too late after your baby arrives!

Is it easy to learn?

Yes! But it does take a commitment to doing the daily practice. All you have to do is get comfortable, press play and relax. For the biggest day of your life - it couldn't be easier! Consider all of the preparations you went through when planning any other large event in your life such as your wedding? 30 minutes a day is all you have to commit to for the most exciting day of your life.

Is it suitable for hospital and homebirth?

Most GentleBirth Moms give birth in hospitals although these skills can be applied to any birth setting. Noises, smells and sounds around you will deepen your relaxation instead of distracting you (a huge benefit of learning these techniques).

I already have a relaxation CD - isn't that enough?

That's a great start to a stress free pregnancy. GentleBirth is a complete antenatal education program in itself and helps you plan for a calm relaxed birth experience. Understanding your birth choices goes a long way to feeling more in control on the day. Research shows that a perceived sense of control is the biggest factor in having a positive birth experience. Each week you are learning the latest self hypnosis skills and actively engaged in making informed decisions about your care.

The CDs include specific hypnotic imagery, suggestions and anchors to build your confidence for labor and keep you relaxed during the birth of your baby.

Do I need a partner to learn GentleBirth?

No. We understand that not every birth partner is willing to participate in learning the techniques so GentleBirth can be used alone or with a partner. Involvement of partners definitely enhances the couples experience of the pregnancy. Dads become very involved as they begin to understand their role in facilitating a GentleBirth. Dads are very much encouraged to attend our workshops as their role is very important in facilitating a gentle birth experience. You can reassure your partner that the workshop is very practical and there is no chanting or group hugs.

I'm Planning on Having an Epidural - Will GentleBirth be any benefit to me?

Epidurals are a fantastic tool during a difficult labor and one of many that are available to you during the birth process. You'll still experience the benefits of GentleBirth during your pregnancy as your confidence increases and you enjoy longer periods of uninterrupted sleep at night. GentleBirth will also help you stay calm and connected while you're at home in the early stages of labor, keeping adrenaline levels low. Also in today's busy hospitals it may take some time to get your epidural and there is a small percentage of women for whom the epidural may not work completely. As part of the GentleBirth program you will learn a wide range of support techniques taught to doulas and student midwives so you have a labor 'toolkit' of support strategies available to you and your partner on the day. There may also be a rare occasion during a GentleBirth when having an epidural makes sense after using your repertoire of labor skills. Having a range of tools available to you as well as the epidural means the experience remains a positive one with no guilt as you and your partner were able to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.

Do I Need to Take a Hospital Antenatal Class too?

The GentleBirth workshop is a complete antenatal class and includes comprehensive information on your options and strategies for effective decision making. If you are planning on breastfeeding we recommend you attend a breastfeeding class and join a breastfeeding support group. Some Moms choose to attend hospital classes to find out more about the hospitals policies and to visit the labor ward. You will also receive continuous support which is just an email away. The GentleBirth homestudy course compliments your hospital antenatal classes and prepares you for a positive birth experience and more relaxed pregnancy.

Will I Be in a Trance or Disconnected from My Labor?

No. Self hypnosis helps you reach a deep level of relaxation during your labor, just like being deeply relaxed on the couch at home. You will hear everything going on around you and respond to conversations if you choose to. Noises in the hospital don't bother you. Some Moms will chat between surges like they are not even in labor. GentleBirth helps you feel much more connected to your body and your baby. You are in complete control - just deeply relaxed.

I'm Taking a Pregnancy Yoga Class - can I learn GentleBirth too?

Antenatal yoga is a great way to gently exercise and relax during your pregnancy. GentleBirth is very complimentary to Yoga. Antenatal Yoga has a wonderful focus on breathing which will definitely help during labor. The relaxation exercises often enjoyed at the end of a yoga class is a wonderful experience but it is not hypnosis. GentleBirth takes that focus to a much deeper level as we retrain and recondition your mind not to be afraid of the natural process of birth. Relaxation becomes an automatic response as the reconditioning of your beliefs takes hold- you never have to remember birth positions - you just follow your body's lead. You are completely tuned in to your body and your baby. Moms who have been practicing yoga for years say GentleBirth is like yoga x 10 and the most relaxed they've ever been (without being asleep).

Does it work?

If your goal is a fear free confident birth then the answer is absolutely! We can't guarantee a pain free birth as there are too many variables......but calm, manageable, GentleBirths are more than possible and happen to women every day. Well-controlled experiments have proven that clinical hypnotherapy for pain, called hypno-analgesia, decreases patients' sensitivity to pain. It works by enabling you to alter the psychological components of your experience of pain. You'll feel the program 'working' right from the first time you listen to your CDs. You notice you are sleeping better than ever before, you're feeling more confident and more excited about your baby's birth. Don't be surprised if friends and family notice the changes too ! Read some of our inspirational birth stories from other women here. Take some time to determine what you consider to be a 'successful' birth. If your goal is to feel confident, calm and in control every step of the way then GentleBirth is for you.

I have more questions!

You can contact us via email to answer any queries you may have. We commit to answering all queries within 24 hours.

 

Wishing you a wonderful birth!

Tracy Donegan

Founder of GentleBirth