Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Classes

Embracing Hypnobirthing: A Gentle Approach to Childbirth

Written by: Laura Ward

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Time to read 14 min

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Introduction: What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is both a combination of philosophy and techniques. It is a birthing method that uses various relaxation techniques and self hypnosis to help women feel physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for labour and birth. When a mother and her birth partner are able to approach their birth without fear and instead approach it with knowledge, good support and tools for the birth, their birthing can be reframed and become a positive and empowering experience. Hypnobirthing teaches you that, in the absence of fear and anxiety, pain will not be as severe and can be managed quite successfully with the power of mind body connection.

"A positive birth doesn’t just come down to ‘luck’... it is very much to do with preparation"

What is the ‘hypno’ part of Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is both a combination of philosophy and techniques. It is a birthing method that uses various relaxation techniques and self hypnosis to help women feel physically, mentally and spiritually prepared for labour and birth. When a mother and her birth partner are able to approach their birth without fear and instead approach it with knowledge, good support and tools for the birth, their birthing can be reframed and become a positive and empowering experience. Hypnobirthing teaches you that, in the absence of fear and anxiety, pain will not be as severe and can be managed quite successfully with the power of mind body connection.

"Birth is not only about making babies. birth is about making mothers...strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."

Barbara Katz Rothman

Hypnobirthing throughout history – how does it work?

You may be surprised to hear that hypnosis for birth, or better known as Hypnobirthing, isn’t a modern invention. Way before the introduction of fear mongering news reports or social media, and way before the invention of modern day epidurals and other pain relieving medications, our ancient mothers and sisters birthed naturally without the use of anaesthesia or many of the interventions that are commonly used today.


Dr. Grantly Dick Read, an English obstetrician, was one of the first doctors to forward the concept of natural birthing in the 1920’s. He said “when fear is not present, neither is pain.” His reasoning being that fear cause the uterus and its surrounding tissues and arteries to constrict and become tense and rigid, which often leads to the creation of pain. In the absence of fear, and under the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system, the muscles relax and become more pliable, and the cervix can naturally thin and open as the body softens and rhythmically births the baby with ease. Through deep relaxation and innate breathing practices, you can rid your body of the debilitating fear that creates tension and labour pain.


Hypnobirthing reminds us that birth is normal and natural and like the bodies of other mammals in nature, a health pregnant woman instinctively knows how to birth, just as their bodies know how to conceive and nurture the development of their babies.

Top Benefits of Hypnobirthing for a Calm Birth Experience

Hypnobirthing provides numerous benefits for expectant mothers, their babies, and partners. For mothers, it enhances relaxation, sleep, physical comfort, and body awareness, while alleviating issues like insomnia and heartburn through positive affirmations and stress relief. This helps create a safer, more connected environment, promoting a smoother birth. For babies, a calm maternal state fosters healthier development and reduces stress, making them more relaxed post-birth. Partners also gain by engaging in hypnobirthing, deepening their emotional connection and understanding their supportive role, thus contributing to a serene and instinctive birth experience.

During your hypnobirthing classes, you will gain an understanding of how the muscles used for birthing work in perfect harmony under optimal conditions, as they were designed to do. The techniques taught throughout the classes with help you to achieve a deep state of relaxation, enabling your body to open up without resistance. In this calm and relaxed state, your body will produce a large amount of endorphins (natural pain relieving hormones), which will then replace the stress hormones (which can cause your uterus to constrict and create tension and pain). You will also learn the tools to bring yourself back into a calm state, if your birthing takes a different turn to expected or if you have difficulties with the intensity experienced. These techniques aren’t just helpful during your labour and birth, but also in day to day life aswell. Your birth partner will also learn ways to help you throughout pregnancy and during labour. This is very useful for the mother and very empowering for the birth partner. At the beginning of the hypnobirthing course the birth partners often mention that they are unsure of their role during the labour and birth, and when they leave they are motivated, empowered and know exactly how to be the best support. Many hypnobirthing mums comment after birth that they and their birth partner ‘did it together.'

  • Reduced Anxiety: Hypnobirthing techniques help alleviate anxiety and fear associated with childbirth
  • Natural Pain Management: Techniques like self-hypnosis and relaxation exercises can effectively manage pain during labour
  • Shorter Labour: Some studies suggest that practicing hypnobirthing may lead to shorter labour durations
  • Empowerment: Hypnobirthing empowers parents to actively participate in and make informed decisions during the birthing process
  • Positive Birth Experience: Promotes a more positive and calm birth experience for both mother and baby
  • Improved Birth Outcomes: Babies born under relaxed conditions may exhibit calmer post-birth behaviours
  • Enhanced Bonding: Facilitates bonding between parents and their baby during and after childbirth
  • Partner Involvement: Engages birth partners in the birthing process, fostering a deeper connection and understanding
  • Reduced Need for Medical Interventions: By promoting relaxation and reducing fear, hypnobirthing may decrease the need for medical interventions such as epidurals or inductions
  • Natural Hormone Release: Encourages the release of endorphins and oxytocin, which are beneficial for labour progression and pain relief

  • Improved Communication: Enhances communication between parents and healthcare providers, leading to a more collaborative birth experience
  • Promotes Relaxation: Teaches lifelong relaxation techniques that can be beneficial beyond childbirth.
  • Increases Confidence: Builds confidence in the body's ability to give birth naturally
  • Enhances Postpartum Recovery: A calm and positive birth experience may contribute to quicker postpartum recovery
  • Supports Breastfeeding: Babies born under calm conditions may have an easier time breastfeeding immediately after birth
  • Less Birth Trauma: Reduces the likelihood of experiencing birth trauma or postnatal depression
  • Creates Positive Memories: Hypnobirthing fosters positive memories of childbirth that can impact future pregnancies and parenting
  • Promotes Family-Centered Care: Supports a family-centered approach to childbirth, involving siblings and extended family members in a positive way
  • Personal Growth: Encourages personal growth and self-awareness through mindfulness practices
  • Empowers Choices: Hypnobirthing helps parents feel empowered to make informed choices about their birth preferences and options

"There is no other organ quite like the uterus. if men had such an organ they would brag about it."

Ina May Gaskin

Course types and financial considerations

Laura, the owner and founder of TENS Hire Perth, and a very passionate midwife with 10 years experience, has been teaching the Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Course for the same length of time that she has been a midwife! It is strongly recommended that the birthing mother and birth partner (of her choosing) attend the full 12-hour ‘Positive Birth Program’ whenever possible.


Laura runs both Private, Group and Refresher courses.

Hypnobirthing Australia group course

Private Course

The 12-hour private course is run as a one-on-one course with the Laura teaching the couple in the comfort of their own home, usually broken into 4x3 hour sessions. This is a wonderful option for those who are interested in a more intimate setting and prefer to learn in a one-to-one environment. The cost for this option is $750 which includes the parent resource pack valued at $200. Payment can be made upfront in a lump sum, over a period of time via instalments

Hypnobirthing Australia private course

Group Course

The 12-hour group course is run in Laura’s home in Mount Richon, WA, 6112,surrounded by natural running water and the calming sights and sounds of the natural bush setting. Classes are capped at 4 couples to allow plenty of time for intimate discussions, questions and brainstorming activities. The group course is run over 2x 6-hour sessions generally over two consecutive weekends. The cost of this option is $550 which includes the parent resource pack valued at $200.

Hypnobirthing Australia parent folios

Refresher Course

The refresher course is a great option if you have done the full 12-hour course before and wish to recap the techniques and deep relaxation practice before your next birth. The refresher course is usually run privately by the practitioner and is 3 hours in total. The course is 1x 3hour private session and includes the resource pack. The cost of this course is $350.

All courses include:

  • 12-hours of face to face tuition for the birthing mother and her chosen birth partner
  • ‘Positive Birth Program’ Booklet for use during the classes
  • A set of Hypnobirthing Australia affirmation cards
  • Hypnobirthing Australia ballpoint pen
  • Access to comprehensive online resources (a collection of Hypnobirthing Australia mp3 tracks for pregnancy and birth, eBook, practice videos, birth videos, pdf downloads, extra reading, breathing exercises, visualisations, sample birth preferences, routine for practice,birth rehearsal and so much more!)
  • Ongoing support from your Practitioner

All the above is valued at $200

"the parallels between making love and giving birth are clear, not only in terms of passion and love, but also because we need essentially the same conditions for both experiences: privacy and safety."

Sarah Buckley

Laura teaches from the heart and is very laid back and down to earth. Classes are very interactive and may seem like a conversational style, with plenty of time for group activities, brainstorming and storytelling. With 10 years midwifery experience in both low-risk and high-risk settings, Laura teaches from both sides of the coin – both the physiological way and the medical way, so that all participants are prepared with knowledge about everything birth related and are prepared to calmly meet whatever turn the birth may take.


When we are prepared with knowledge about the birth process, tools to stay positive, calm, and more comfortable through labour, have good support, and prepare both our mind and body for this important event, birth can be a very positive and empowering experience.


Ensure that you are attending the most modern, up-to-date, evidence-based hypnobirthing course available. You deserve special care as you make this exciting and unique journey with joyous anticipation and confidence.

"Women's bodies have near-perfect knowledge of childbirth; it's when their brains get involved that things can go wrong."

Peggy Vincent

Hypnobirthing uses a combination of different techniques

The Hypnobirthing Australia™ program combines timeless wisdom from renowned birthing experts with contemporary techniques, giving you a comprehensive advantage in childbirth preparation. By merging ancient insights with modern methods, it offers a thorough and effective approach to preparing for birth. Unlike other hypnobirthing programs, Hypnobirthing Australia is the most modern, comprehensive, and widely favoured course in Australia.


  • Breathing techniques
  • Massage and Light touch
  • Acupressure
  • Vocalisation
  • Self-hypnosis
  • Movement
  • Deep Relaxation Techniques
  • Creating Birth preferences
  • Visualisations
  • Positive Affirmations

Class Structure and Curriculum

The Hypnobirthing Australia 12-hour course consists of 4 units:

  • Unit 1: Creating & maintaining a positive mindset
  • Unit 2: Choices, knowledge & tools
  • Unit 3: Preparing Mind and body for birth
  • Unit 4: Birth – Bringing it all together

Click here to read the expanded version of the course outline

Research and Evidence: What Science Says About Hypnobirthing

Research into Hypnobirthing reveals a growing body of evidence supporting its benefits for childbirth. Studies have shown that Hypnobirthing techniques can lead to reduced anxiety and stress during labour, as well as lower levels of pain perception. Evidence suggests that the use of self-hypnosis can enhance relaxation, which may contribute to shorter labour durations and decreased need for pain medication. Additionally, some research indicates that Hypnobirthing can improve overall birth satisfaction and support better bonding between parents and their newborns. While more comprehensive studies are needed, the existing evidence provides a promising look into how Hypnobirthing can positively impact the childbirth experience


So, what does the evidence say about our Positive Birth Program?

Want to know why we are the talk of the town? Check these statistics out! Comparing data from parents who attended the Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth Program vs parent who did not attend the results showed:

  • 52% decrease in non-elective caesareans
  • 40% decrease in morphine use
  • 32% decrease in epidurals
  • 15% decrease in inductions
  • 22% increase in spontaneous births
  • 22% decrease in gas used during birth
  • 95% increase in the use of water relief

But, it doesn’t stop there!

It’s not just about how we birth, it’s also about how we feel about our birth. There is so much birth trauma experienced in our modern world and we need to change that. The positive birth program Can play an instrumental part in this change. With the outcomes collected women were asked to choose words to describe birth before and then after attending our positive birth program. This course completely changed the way Women described birth – from negative to positive.


Before attending our Positive Birth Program results showed that:

  • 10% felt prepared
  • 32% felt empowered
  • 10% felt excited

After attending the course results showed that:

  • 80% felt prepared
  • 90% felt empowered
  • 90% felt excited

The evidence shows that hypnobirthing actually works!


Testimonials and Real Positive Birth Experiences

Hearing from those who have experienced Hypnobirthing first-hand can be incredibly reassuring. Many parents share testimonials of their positive birth experiences, highlighting how the techniques provided them with a profound sense of calm and control. They often describe feeling more empowered and connected during labour, citing the deep relaxation and mental focus achieved through Hypnobirthing practices. These real-life stories frequently mention how the approach helped them manage pain effectively, reduce anxiety, and foster a supportive environment with their birth partners. Such accounts underscore the transformative impact Hypnobirthing can have, making it a valuable option for those seeking a serene and positive childbirth experience.

Conclusion

By embracing Hypnobirthing, you’re choosing a gentle and empowering path to childbirth. This approach not only equips you with effective relaxation techniques but also fosters a positive mindset, reducing fear and enhancing your overall birth experience. By blending ancient wisdom with modern practices, Hypnobirthing supports you in creating a calm, focused environment that aligns with your natural birthing instincts. Whether you're a first-time parent or have previous birthing experiences, Hypnobirthing offers valuable tools and insights that can make a significant difference. As you prepare for your journey, remember that the essence of Hypnobirthing lies in confidence, relaxation, and connection - elements that can transform your childbirth experience into a deeply fulfilling and serene moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is an approach to childbirth centered around preparing parents for a gentle delivery. Through hypnobirthing classes, participants acquire techniques such as deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis in a structured program. These methods are intended to enhance comfort during birth, promoting a serene, natural pregnancy and bonding experience for families.

When should I start Hypnobirthing classes?

You can begin hypnobirthing any time, but we recommend that the optimal time to start your course is between 20 and 30 weeks. This will give you time to practise the self-hypnosis, relaxation and other effective techniques for gentle, easy birthing but also ensures that the course is still fresh in your mind

What can I expect to learn during the Hypnobirthing course?

1. How fear affects women in labour

2. Breathing techniques for labour and birth

3. Preparation of customised birth preferences

4. Strategies to avoid a medical induction of labour

5. An explanation of what happens during labour

6. How to breath to minimise tearing during birth

7. How to use hypnosis and relaxation to create positive birth outcome

8. Self-hypnosis techniques for labour and birth

9. Relaxation and Visualisations for labour and birth

10. Identifying and eliminating cars and negative beliefs

11. How your birth partner can support you during labour and birth


After completing the Hypnobirthing Australia™ course, you will be fully prepared, educated and confident in how you achieve a positive birth. You will also be educated and empowered to use the techniques to reduce pain in labour an reduce the need for pain relief and medical intervention


Click here to read an expanded version of the course outline

Do I need any prior experience with hypnosis to do a hypnobirthing course?

No prior experience with hypnosis is required. Hypnobirthing techniques are taught during classes, and they are specifically designed for expectant mothers and their birthing partners to learn and apply easily.

Do you offer Hypnobirthing refresher courses?

Yes! You can attend a hypnobirthing Refresher with a Certified Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner if you have already attended the full course previously. The refresher course is usually run privately by the practitioner and is 3 hours in total and includes your tuition for yourself and partner.


Contact us to book in your refresher class!

Will I be unconscious or will I remember my birth experience and be awake?

Despite misconceptions and misinformation, you are definitely not unconscious during self-hypnosis. The Hypnobirthing mother is deeply relaxed, but she is also an active participant in the labour process. Though she is deeply relaxed, she is totally aware and may return to a conversant state or choose to become mobile whenever she desires. Hypnobirthing mothers often find that they experience time distortion and are not as distracted by other people or their birthing environment, while they focus on birthing their baby

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Meet Laura

The Author: Laura Ward

Laura is a dedicated midwife with one decade of experience guiding women on their journey to motherhood. Throughout her career, she has had the privilege of supporting numerous women through various birthing experiences. These experiences have deepened her appreciation for the importance of women feeling heard, in control, respected and informed throughout the childbirth process

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