When to Start Hypnobirthing?

When to Start a Hypnobirthing Course.

Let’s look into the ideal timing for beginning your hypnobirthing journey.

The most ideal time to start a hypnobirthing course is around 20-32 weeks, if you have the luxury of choice.

The reason for this are:

o   Comfort and energy.
Women often find this time period easier to cope with than the first trimester fatigue and nausea or third trimester discomfort. This may make it easier to attend and focus during the course itself. While there is plenty of ability to move around and change position throughout the course, it can be easier earlier than later in the pregnancy. It can also make it easier to plan, prepare, practice techniques etc, while feeling well.

o   Time for Practice.
By attending a course earlier in your pregnancy, you will have plenty of time to practice your techniques. You can incorporate techniques into your daily routines, such as listening to your affirmations on the drive to work, or listening to relaxation tracks in the evening, or spending 5 minutes practicing light touch massage every few evenings with your partner. Many of the techniques become more effective the more you practice, as practice will strengthen the neural pathways in your brain.

o   Time to Research and Plan.
Attending a course earlier, rather than later in your pregnancy will give you plenty of time to research, look at evidence and decide what you are ideally wanting for your birth and how you would like to respond to different circumstances.
You will also have time to form your birth preferences (birth plan), make sure your partner knows them well and also to have a discussion with your caregiver about your preferences prior to your labour. This can be very helpful to address anything that is not ‘routine’ or ‘policy’ for your hospital or caregiver.

While the above timeframes are generally recommended, it’s important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. If you are further along in your pregnancy, it is still very beneficial to attend a hypnobirthing course. The knowledge and information you will learn is invaluable, even if it is the day before you have a baby! If you are further along, and finding it difficult to find time for a course, please get in touch, there are options we can look at to work together and make sure you are prepared.