What to look for when choosing a Hypnobirthing Teacher ?

Looking for a hypnobirthing teacher? Let's talk about what really matters when making this important choice, starting with the most crucial qualification.

The most important thing is to ensure your teacher is KGH qualified. KGH is the only hypnobirthing teacher training course accredited by the Royal College of Midwives, setting the gold standard in the UK. KGH teachers undergo comprehensive training in evidence-based techniques and receive ongoing support from the organisation.

Beyond KGH certification, experience matters too. Don't hesitate to ask about their track record and read reviews from past parents.

Teaching style is personal. Schedule a phone call to see if their approach works for you and your birth partner. The right teacher should make you feel comfortable and confident about your journey.

When it comes to course content, KGH courses cover all essential topics: breathing techniques, relaxation methods, birth physiology, and partner involvement strategies. The KGH method is based on extensive research and has helped thousands of parents have positive birth experiences.

Consider practical aspects like scheduling flexibility and whether they offer private sessions. It's also worth asking about their availability for questions after the sessions - having support when you need it can make all the difference.

Don't forget to check what resources are included. KGH teachers provide comprehensive materials including audio tracks, workbooks, factsheets - all valuable tools for practice that you'll want continued access to after the course ends.

Remember, choosing a hypnobirthing teacher is a personal decision. Take your time, ask questions, and trust your instincts. A qualified KGH teacher will help you feel prepared and empowered for your birth experience.

What is Hypnobirthing ?

Hypnobirthing is a method of using self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to welcome a better birth story. It is an in-depth antenatal education course, which prepares you to approach your pregnancy, birth & beyond, with positivity and confidence. It is a process of learning to let go of fear and anxiety around childbirth replacing it will beneficial confidence and trust in your body.

Fear, anxiety or even slight worry is enough to create tension in a woman’s body during labour, which creates a cycle of fear, tension and pain. This tension in the birthing muscles is the opposite of the open, receptive, relaxed birthing state a woman needs be in during childbirth.

Being scared, fearful or anxious about giving birth can have a negative impact on your body during pregnancy and labour. Hypnobirthing uses natural methods to work with your body to make the process manageable with body and mind working in harmony.

The body and mind working in harmony

“When birth is undisturbed, our birthing hormones can take us into ecstasy – outside our usual state- so we enter motherhood awakened and transformed” Dr Sarah Buckley, Gentle birth, Gentle Mothering.

Hypnobirthing is not about controlling your birth nor will it guarantee a ‘perfect birth’ as nothing can, but you will effective natural methods to enable you to work with your body and not against it.

What are the benefits of Hypnobirthing?

• You are likely to experience a more comfortable, manageable birth.

• Reduce fear and anxiety around childbirth- which will have a direct effect on your experience

• Learn simple effective tools and techniques to remain calm and relaxed

• Feel prepared and confident to trust your body to give birth

• You will have knowledge about interventions that may be offered and how to make informed decisions about these. You will have knowledge about your birth rights and choices.

• Your birth partner will learn how to support you, maintain your positive birthing environment and have an active role in the birth.

The Cochrane Review 2006 found evidence to suggest that Hypnobirthing:

• Is associated with shortened labour length (Stage 1 shown to be shorter).

• Increased the rate of spontaneous vaginal birth and a lower cesarean rate (Mehl-Madrona LE : hypnosis to facilitate uncomplicated birth).

• Reduced the likelihood of acceleration and induction of labour.

• Is associated with overall improved maternal well-being and satisfaction.

• Decreased the need for pharmacological pain relief in labour including the use of epidurals.

(Further reading ‘Self Hypnosis for Labour & Birth’ 2011 by Amy Semple, freelance researcher, and Mary Newburn, NCT head of research and information)

Prepare for your birth with a private hypnobirthing workshop with My Hypnobirth