A healthy mom and baby isn’t all that matters.

It matters that you birth with choice and freedom

that you know your rights

and that you feel safe, respected and heard.

Every moment and detail around your birth should bring you

absolute peace the rest of your life.

It’s your baby and your body.

Prepare, relax and give birth on your terms.

Upcoming Classes

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HypnoBirthing Classes:
The Complete 14-Hour Course

$600

January Class: Enrollment is open. Classes begin at 1pm EST Sunday, January 7, 2024. 
All classes are live. Any missed classes can be watched on demand.

The complete 14-hour HypnoBirthing course, live online and interactive, taught by Cynthia Overgard. Package of materials included. This class is for those who plan to birth in a hospital, home or birth center. The recommendation is to take the class sooner rather than later, but the majority enroll after 5 months. (Click image for details.):

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Free Information Session​

$0

Contact to receive video of most recent info session 

Discover how HypnoBirthing prepares women and their partners for safer, easier, informed birthing. If you cannot attend this event, email us and we will send you a recording to the January info session.

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Weekly Postpartum Support Group

$100/month

Every Tuesday Morning
10:00–11:45 a.m. EST

All postpartum women welcome. Contact us with any questions or sign up and you’ll received the weekly Zoom link.

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Breastfeeding Class

$90

You can purchase the full recording to the last workshop if you need the workshop sooner. We have ongoing workshops at Patreon.com/downtobirthshow and a library of past workshops.

Join us for an empowering educational experience that will prepare you for a successful breastfeeding relationship right from birth. Ideal for third trimester. Women only. (Click image for details.)

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Fourth Trimester Workshop

$65

Next Workshop: Message us for a recording to our last Fourth Trimester class. We have ongoing workshops at Patreon.com/downtobirthshow and a library of past workshops.
For couples in late pregnancy. Midwife Trisha Ludwig covers everything related to the physical recovery of birth; Cynthia Overgard shares her knowledge and experience related postpartum depression, OCD and anxiety. (Click image for details.)

“It is the right – in fact, the responsibility – of each woman
to plan her own baby’s birth with information, honor and freedom to which she is entitled.”

Cynthia Overgard

Learn about theBenefits of HypnoBirthing

✓ The average HypnoBirthing® birth is >50% shorter than other births on average;

✓ Reduces the incidence of preterm labor by 67%.

✓ Results in fewer breech presentations by 45%.

✓ Lower incidence of induction and usage of Pitocin for speeding up labor.

✓ Fewer episiotomies.

✓ A lower incidence of cesarean section by approximately 60%.

What Our Clients Are Saying

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Cynthia, I can't thank you enough. You provided me with the techniques, personal attention and emotional support I was hoping for in preparing for as natural a birth as possible. And, I did it! HypnoBirthing educated my husband and me fully about today’s conventional medical practices, especially valuable for those of us choosing to birth in naturally a conventional hospital. I was empowered to recognize my choices and felt in control, safe and confident to voice my desires.
Kathleen Freis
Connecticut
JKing
My son was born into a beautiful room on a beautiful day. My husband’s memory is of a quiet labor in the light of the rising sun. I was both deeply inside myself and beyond the edges of the universe. The memory of his birth still brings me to tears. He was born, and I was reborn as a mother. I know two truths: one is that I was the only person in the world who could birth my own baby. The second is that I had a village of people who helped me overcome my fears and recognize my ability to birth. You’ve heard the metaphor about standing on the shoulders of giants? I felt I stood on the shoulders of those who came before me, a village of people holding my hand. Thank you, Cynthia, for being an enormous part of my birth experience, and for the work that you do to empower and uplift. You are a giant who is making a world of difference.
Jessica King
Massachusetts
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Cynthia, I'm writing you to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful job you did teaching us HypnoBirthing. Over my career I've had the ability to have many of the world's foremost healthcare coaches in my profession. I can say I would sincerely rank you amongst the best, as you come from a place of such passion and knowledge. You have given both my wife and me the fortitude to have the birth that we dreamed of. Thank you again your warmth and knowledge. I believe that the process of bringing a baby into this world is the most important function that any of us can play and I believe, with your support, your clients get everything they can possibly need.
Damian Ortelli, D.C.
Connecticut
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Cynthia, your HypnoBirthing class was absolutely every bit of what allowed me to remain so calm and in control during my birth. Looking back, I have to admit, I didn’t think I would actually be able to really do this without it. Everyone in the room was completely calm and quiet, and I only spoke when I had to. When Wesley came out of my body, my midwife put him up on my chest and I heard myself say, “Ooh, my gosh, a baby!” During the process, I felt naturally-drugged, if that makes any sense. It was amazing! Cynthia, you should know, your clients don’t just look up to you, we all love you!
Rebecca Velasquez
California
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Peter and Ewan were born (just a few days after your breastfeeding workshop)! My membranes ruptured early on the 7th, and it was a long 53 hours until they were born Thursday! I am proud to say that they were born vaginally, Peter was head-down and Ewan was breech. Five OBs wanted to witness a vaginal breech delivery as they had never seen one before! I made it until Wed night using only the breathing techniques and switching up positions but, with no sleep and my energy sapped and I felt good electing to have an epidural. It allowed us all to sleep a bit and I could get some energy back for the double delivery the next morning. The births were amazing, and Thomas continues to tell everyone how amazing it was to watch a footling breech delivery. It was a festive atmosphere in the OR, as we had brought in our speakers to play my birth mix. We are so grateful to you and everyone who helped to make the entire labor and delivery a happy and memorable experience.
Megan K.
Connecticut
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Cynthia is an outstanding instructor; a true educator. I felt powerless before taking this course. The way she taught this course changed my perspective on giving birth and truly empowered me. This class has been one of the best experiences in my life. My husband and I enjoyed every moment of it, and I would recommend everyone I know to work with Cynthia. I could go on and on raving about her course.
Tanya Hazelhurst
South Carolina
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We had the most AMAZING birth, Cynthia! While I was in labor, I was so calm and relaxed, I actually fell asleep in between surges. I was that relaxed! When I started to feel the urge to push, I remember looking at the clock at that time and was shocked that 4 hours had already gone by. I had no concept of time during labor! Your class really opened our eyes to the kind of happy, calm birth that was possible. And thank you SO much for helping me realize it was worth considering switching practitioners. I had such a wonderful, supportive team. Akshay's birth was the most intensely happy moment of my life - one I will never forget! Thank you again - I couldn't have done it without you or your class. Feel free to share any part of this. I feel like telling everyone I know because it was such an amazing experience!
Archana Venkataraman
Connecticut
www.alex-christine.com
Hi Cynthia! I can’t thank you enough for preparing me for the all natural birth of our 2nd daughter. Since I had a long labor with our first and ended up opting for the epidural at the 18th hour, I really didn’t think I could have the birth story that I am about to share…but HypnoBirthing really worked for me and Eloise’s birth was the most amazing experience! Andrew was amazed at how calm I was. I focused and breathed through each surge. I had to tune everyone out, and just kept repeating the same affirmations in my head. My doctor was so respectful of my birth plan and knew that I had requested no cervical checks. Soon I was feeling a ton of pressure and had to push. I felt Eloise move down. My doctor said, "Whoa, you’re going to pass her head on the next push!” With the next surge I did! It was just 3 hours after arriving at the hospital, and 3 pushes! She was placed back on my chest and naturally rooted and breastfed for the first time. It was magical – the whole experience.
Alexandra Ralph
Connecticut
rebecca
Hello Cynthia! We want to introduce you to Jude Paul, born Tuesday night at the birthing center in Danbury. He came out in an awe-inspiring water birth just 20 minutes after walking/crawling through the birth center’s doors. Thank you, once again, for providing us with the tools to have the birth that fit our family!
Rebecca
Connecticut
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I wanted to let you know about my amazing birth with my son Connor! What an amazing experience it was! I know I couldn't have done it without the hypnobirthing techniques that I learned in your class! I can't thank you enough for all of the wonderful information I learned from you. When they told me I was 9cm, I couldn't believe it! I labored out of the tub for my last cm, and then they told me I was ready to get Connor out. I ended up pushing for only about 40 minutes, and out he came out weighing 8lbs 3 oz. It was sooooo amazing and unbelievable. I think that at some point I thought the laboring was going to get much worse, but it never did. It was very manageable. THANK YOU so much for everything, and I can't wait for you to meet little Connor!!
Lauren Ferris
Connecticut
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Cynthia, you helped remind me that birth is a natural experience not a medical one. The material you gave out to help practice the tools at home were also amazingly helpful in preparing for a successful natural birth experience. Your class is informative yet relaxing and makes the stress and worry about being a new mom melt away.
Melissa Joan Hart
Connecticut
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Just wanted to take a few minutes to write you and tell you about our wonderful VBAC!!! Mike and I had our little boy Owen, who was 9 lbs. 10 oz.! It was a long labor and I think that he hypnobirthing that we were doing all along was helping me to relax and let my body gradually and gently open up so that I could have the easiest, best birth possible. We delivered when I was 41 weeks, 2 days, my membranes released at midnight and the surges started right away. By the time we got to the hospital just after 1:00 am, I was at 9 cm, and at 10 cm about 20 minutes after that. All in all Owen was born at exactly 2 am for a total of 2 hours of birth from start to finish (all natural). I couldn't have imagined doing it any other way.
Lauren Pace Specht
New York
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Hello Cynthia! I wanted to share with you a wonderful news - I had my HBAC (home birth after Cesarean) and delivered naturally an 8 pound 1oz baby boy on Dec 17th. My journey was possible because of you. I am still in awe of the whole experience!
Richa Gautam Menon
Connecticut
Lydia with Caption
Cynthia, I had a beautiful home birth to our second baby boy. In short, an all natural birthing experience out of a hospital setting is just wonderful. It is empowering, and the challenge of birth becomes a joy and your work rather than having it taken away from you and risking unnecessary intervention. I sometimes compare it to the joy, positive challenge and sense of empowerment that a marathon might bring...though it is much better. It is just so empowering, natural and wonderful. I am so excited for other moms to experience the same. I loved your class. The time seemed to fly by every session. Cynthia, I'm sure you change many people's lives with your classes and for changing mine I am very grateful.
Lydia
Denmark
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Cynthia Overgard, Founder

Prior to founding HypnoBirthing of Connecticut in 2007, Cynthia Overgard was a corporate executive and Professor of Finance at UConn. She first experienced HypnoBirthing in 2005 when she water-birthed her 8 lb. 14 oz. son, and again in 2009 with her 9 lb. 7 oz. daughter. Both births were natural and lasted only 3 and 5 hours, respectively. The simplicity and beauty of her babies’ births gave her the passion to dedicate herself to educating and supporting others through safer, evidence-based, informed birthing.

Today Cynthia is among the most featured childbirth advocates and experts in global media, with her articles published in print-media in more than 70 countries. Her podcast, Down To Birth, has achieved nearly one million downloads, placing it among the top 1% of all podcasts in the world. Cynthia has taught HypnoBirthing classes to more than two thousand couples from around the US via her live, interactive online classes.

AS FEATURED IN

Common Questions

The official response is “as early in pregnancy as possible”. However, we personally think you should start the class when you feel ready and excited to dive in. Usually your clue is that you start thinking about birth around the clock, or ramping up your research in your free time. Most begin around 24 – 32 weeks, but we’ve taught couples in every week of pregnancy from 8 to 38 weeks, and you will be well-prepared, as long as you complete the course before you give birth.

The prefix “hypno-“ is the same found in the word “hypnosis”, which is a state described as being both relaxed and focused – much like you when engrossed in a good book, watching television, or focused on an activity like driving. Humans are in this state many times per day, every day. In HypnoBirthing, you’ll learn the physiologic tools to keep your mind and body relaxed, which has health and comfort benefits, driving up the likelihood of a faster, easier birth.

HypnoBirthing is a mother-led class and many women have taken it without partners. However, the class is often most enjoyed with your support person, and the class provides excellent preparation for your birth companion to support you through birth. So we hope they can make it or view a recording of the class if they cannot be there live.

Yes. The goal of HypnoBirthing isn’t a natural birth; the goal is to give birth feeling calm, in control and informed. That said, the tools and education can be so effective that a majority of women end up birthing completely naturally. For women who request epidurals or even end up with a c-section, the class is just as valuable. This is because the class prepares you with the information to make informed decisions no matter what circumstances arise, and also teaches you to use your mind, breath and body to increase your comfort and keep your birth as physiologically safe and effective, so your body is in its optimal state for a safer, easier and more comfortable birth.

We’ve served approximately 150 couples per year since 2007. This includes women from every age between 18 and 48; women carrying twins and triplets; those who’ve conceived using IFV; more than 150 women who had VBACs (even after up to four c-sections prior to vaginal birth); women who’ve had uterine surgeries; those with past experiences of birth, sexual or medical trauma; etc. A beautiful birth experience is just as likely for these women as any low-risk mother. As for the conditions like preeclampsia, Group B Strep, early release of membranes, breech positioning, etc., the course includes thorough education on each of those topics in our session dedicated to special circumstances.

If a class much be missed, the class can be recorded for your private viewing later.

Yes! HypnoBirthing of CT was established in 2007, long before it was possible to teach interactive online classes. But in part due to the global reach of our podcast, Down To Birth, we’ve served couples from dozens of states from coast to coast, as well as Canada, the U.K. and India. Your location won’t impact your ability to attend our classes, but your time zone might. The weekly recorded classes might be better in that instance.

Yes, your materials are shipped Priority Mali and include the official 300-page HypnoBirthing text, a bound, 50-page exclusive packet of materials we’ve put together for you, the official HypnoBirthing “Rainbow Relaxation” self-hypnosis audio; the official HypnoBirthing Birth Affirmations audio, plus a custom set of birth affirmation cards.

Yes, we are an accredited program and the class is covered by Healthcare Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. You can pay using your HSA card or we can provide you with a receipt for you to submit for a full reimbursement.

That is your decision but HypnoBirthing is a complete childbirth course and there is no need to take any other class. Hospital classes can potentially instill feelings of fear or powerlessness by teaching “compliance”. We know HypnoBirthing has succeeded in replacing that experience with a more informed and empowered approach. Whatever you do, we encourage you to obtain your childbirth education from (a) an evidence-based program, like HypnoBirthing, and (b) from a party who’s fully unaffiliated with your medical team and has no interest beyond your safest and most beautiful birth outcome.

Breastfeeding is never included in the syllabus of any HypnoBirthing class, and that’s because it’s best taught by an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), which is the highest global certification in the field of breastfeeding. At HypnoBirthing of CT, we offer a wonderful, in-depth Prenatal Breastfeeding class (also live, interactive and online) taught by an IBCLC, our own Trisha Ludwig from the Down To Birth podcast.

Our work is always live and personal. Cynthia Overgard is trained in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International, the global authority in perinatal mood disorders, and she has run support groups since 2015. To date she has supported hundreds of  prenatal and postpartum women, many of whom were struggling with mild and even severe depression or anxiety.

Our site is set up with PayPal, and you may use a credit card even if you don’t have a PayPal account. We also accept Venmo @cynthiaovergard, or you can contact us to pay with your HSA by texting 203-952-7299.

Down To Birth Show

Amid all the information – and misinformation – around pregnancy and childbirth, how can you know you’re making the safest, smartest decisions for yourself and your family? You may even feel you don’t have a voice with your OB or midwife, or you’re not sure what to ask. Tune in each Wednesday with HypnoBirthing expert Cynthia Overgard, who has educated thousands of expecting couples since 2007, and Yale-educated Certified Nurse Midwife, Trisha Ludwig.

The Down To Birth Show was created by Cynthia Overgard and is co-hosted by Trisha Ludwig. Their podcast has achieved hundreds of thousands of downloads and as of 2022, is ranked in the top 1% of all podcasts globally. You can follow their Instagram page @DownToBirthShow.

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Postpartum Soothe Kits

$59.50

Postpartum Sooth is a blend of 100% certified organic herbs.

These herbs provide:

  • Anti-inflammatory properties to support the constriction of blood vessels and a reduction in bleeding/hemorrhage, as well as relieving itchiness as your skin tissue repairs itself.
  • Soothing, cooling comfort during the healing process.
  • Anti-microbial properties to shield against infection.
  • Healthy skin recovery, restoring elasticity and improving tone.