Any time you like! There is no hard and fast rule with this one. Some families are super organised and want to start their course as early as possible. Others would rather wait, do their research and see if Hypnobirthing is for them. We usually advise you wait until after 12 weeks, but again, this is personal preference. We have also worked with full term clients on Essentials Courses who have, at last minute, decided they would benefit from our support. Ideally starting your course before you are 30 weeks gives you a good amount of time to absorb the content, practise the techniques and get yourself as informed about the UK maternity system as possible but you can still get a lot out of a course no matter when you start - some preparation is still better than none. 

Hypnobirthing Antenatal classes are perfect for both first and subsequent parents. The Uk maternity system is forever changing as is the evidence around birth and parenting.  We work with lots of parents who weren't happy with their overall birthing experience the first time round and are hoping to build a more positive one this time. Subsequent parents bring such value to our group sessions - being able to share their experiences of the maternity system with first parents can be very eye opening. 

This is a very common misconception and absolutely not the case.  There are of course elements of Hypnobirthing that help you to achieve a "natural" birth, if that is what you are hoping for. But the most important part of Hypnobirthing courses are learning how to make your birth experience (whether that is physiological, induction, c-section or instrumental) a positive one. Much of our fear and trauma  around birth comes from a feeling that you didn't have much choice or control over what was happening. ALL of our courses have a huge focus on birth rights, advocacy and navigating the maternity system, enabling you to learn how to make evidence based, informed choices around your care and be able to advocate for these choices within the UK maternity system and beyond. 

Another very common misconception. Yes, it is true that in the relaxation and positive mindset elements of Hypnobirthing we use some gentle Hypnotherapy techniques such as guided visualisation and relaxation, but this certainly isn't at a level where you wouldn't have full control of your surroundings and your actions. Think about when you are on autopilot on the way to work and you suddenly realise you have done the entire journey without really thinking about it or you are reading a good book and all of a sudden, a couple of hours have passed. This is the level of hypnotisation we are talking about. You will immediately be aware of your surroundings if needed.