Hypnobirthing - what professional background is best?

[JoHo8]

Hi folks

Does anyone have any views on whether it is more helpful to participate in hypnobirthing classes with someone who's professional background/experience is:

A) hynotherapist
B) midwife
C) doula
D) passionate mum who has trained in HB following her own positive experience

I suppose this really is a question of whether it is more helpful to see someone who has stronger expertise in the 'mind-body' connection vs. practical/physiological application of relaxation techniques.

What do people think??

X J

I am a practitioner of a type of hypnobirthing and I don't fit into any of those categories. My background is that I am a trained and licensed Antenatal Teacher. I know others who also do not fit, such as from a yoga background.

In my opinion it is most important to look into the type of hypnosis for birth classes you are most interested in. There are a few types and they are not all the same. So Hypnobirthing classes are usually the Graves method and then there are Natal Hypnotherapy Practitioners and also Wise Hippo and others. I would start by investigating which suits you more.

I don't think that you need to be a clinical hypnotherapist to run classes for pregnant women at all but if I had severe anxiety or Tocophobia I would probably opt to see a clinical hypnotherapist on a one to one basis rather than go to group classes.

In my experience as a practitioner, my clients very much appreciate my background knowledge in the physiology of birth, my experience of how this has worked for others practically and my facilitation skills which I have gained through my antenatal teaching. It is most important to find the person who appeals to you in their approach.

Personally I wouldn't go for c or d. I don't think they'd have enough knowledge of the physiology of labour. I'm sure they could teach the actual hypnosis techniques but could they relate it to labour effectively enough??

Thanks for your thoughts both. Mabel, you are right i should have added a fifth category - antenatal teachers - sorry for that!!

M - So how does one go about investigating which approach suits them more? Is it a case of trying to immerse yourself in as many different resources that are available on line as possible?

W - would you not say doulas have enough knowledge of labour physiology? I thought thats what theyre there for, but in an advocacy capacity.

Food for thought! Thanks both!! J

I would go a or c....onky cos that is exactly what ive done!

First time round my hypnobirthing practictioner was a hypnotherapist specilsing in womens health, trauma and a few other bits, she then trained to do hypnobirthing.

This time round, we used a local doula to refresh us, she has done hypnobirthing for years, along with being a hca on a maternity unit for 10 years.

For me the most important thing is to feel safe with the person and feel that i am acheiving the relaxation i want

Hi topsy, so did you find that the hypnotherapist had enough understanding of physiology and birth to be able to make the class practically relevant and useful?? Was the emphasis more on relaxation techniques rather than birthing techniques or was the balance about right?? Thanks!

Also how does one figure out if they have the right rapport with the practitioner? Takes a while to know, wouldn't you say?? :)

She was amazing, i looked at 3 hypnobirthing practioners in my area and spoke to 2 of them, i just clicked with one of them.

Her voice, her whole demeanour, when i explained my anxieties, she just got me. I dont know how else to describe it. The other 2 i ruled out as they were a bit, this is what i offere, this is the course, but the one i went with just relaxed me instantly

In the classes, we explored various things including the role of intervention and obstetrics within hypnobirthing. She answered all the questions we, and the other couple had about the birthing process.

Thanks so much Tops - its so helpful hearing about your experience - i am still on the look out for my 'one' :) X