When is the best time in pregnancy to take the HypnoBirthing course?

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.

Does HypnoBirthing mean I will be in an altered state?

The prefix “hypno-“ is the same found in the word “hypnosis”, which is a state described as being both relaxed and focused – much like when you’re 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.

Should I also take the class offered by my hospital?

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.

Does it make sense to attend if I don’t plan on having a natural birth?

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.

Does my partner have to be there?

HypnoBirthing is a mother-led class and many women have taken it without partners. When you sign up, your registration is for you, whether you attend with your spouse/partner or not. However, the class is often most enjoyed with your partner, and the class provides excellent preparation for them, too. If they cannot attend, their spot is not transferrable to anyone outside your household.

Do materials come with the class?

Yes, your materials are shipped Priority Mail 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.

Does HypnoBirthing of CT serve people everywhere?

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.

Is this class only for low-risk women?

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.

What happens if I miss a class?

If a class must be missed, the class can be recorded and made temporarily available for your private viewing later.

Is it covered by an HSA or FSA?

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.

Who runs your support groups?

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.