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When should I start?

17 days after conception your baby's organs begin to form so it makes sense that the sooner you reduce your stress levels the better - for you and your baby. The sooner you start the sooner you can relax into your pregnancy and enjoy this special time without any anxiety or any dread of labour. The earlier in your pregnancy you start the program the more time you have to practice the techniques and the longer you can experience the benefits of a more relaxed enjoyable pregnancy. Unlike traditional birth preparation classes the more time you have to practice the techniques the better.

If you have experienced a miscarriage in the past we  recommend getting started with the CDs as soon as possible or if you are experiencing high anxiety levels in early pregnancy.

Is it easy to learn?

Yes! But it does take a commiment to doing the daily practice. All you have to do is get comfortable, press play and relax. For the biggest day of your life - it couldn't be easier ! Most GentleBirth mums feel that they sleep through their 'practice' sessions but it's all going in.

Is it suitable for hospital and homebirth?

Most GentleBirth Mums give birth in hospitals although these skills can be applied to any birth setting. Smells and sounds around you in our busy hospitals will deepen your relaxation instead of distracting you (a huge benefit of learning these techniques).

I already have a relaxation CD - isn't that enough?

A relaxation CD can definitley help you to relax and will be of some benefit however GentleBirth is a complete birth preparation program in itself and helps you plan for a calm relaxed birth experience. Understanding your birth choices goes a long way to feeling more in control on the day. Research shows that a perceived sense of control is the biggest factor in having a positive birth experience.

Self hypnosis is only one part of the GentleBirth program. Not only do you learn self hypnosis you learn how to make informed decisions about your care. The CDs include specific imagery and suggestions to build your confidence for labour and keep you relaxed during the birth of your baby. If a 5 week program isn't for you our Hospital Birth Preparation CD is a great tool for use during your pregnancy.

 

Do I need a partner to learn GentleBirth?

Some birth hypnosis programs focus solely on the mothers experience and we understand that not every birth partner is willing to participate. GentleBirth can be used alone or with a partner. Having taught over 1300 couples in Ireland it has become evident that involvement of the birth partners enhances the couples experience of the pregnancy and birth.

Dads become very involved as they begin to understand their role in facilitating a gentle birth. Dads are very much encouraged to attend our workshops as their role is very important in facilitating a gentle birth experience. You can reassure your partner that the workshop is very practical and there is no chanting or group hugs.

I'm Planning on Having an Epidural - Will GentleBirth be any benefit to me?

Epidurals are a fantastic tool and one of many that are available to you during the birth process. You'll still experience the benefits of GentleBirth during your pregnancy as your confidence increases and you enjoy longer periods of uninterrupted sleep at night. GentleBirth will also help you stay calm and connected while you're at home in the early stages of labour, keeping adrenaline levels low. In today's busy hospitals it may take some time to get your epidural and there is a small percentage of women for whom the epidural may not work completely.  If you are coming to a workshop you and your partner will learn a wide range of support techniques taught to doulas and student midwives so you have a labour 'toolkit' of  support strategies available to you on the day - not just hypnotic tools. There may also be a rare occasion during a GentleBirth when having an epidural makes sense after moving through all of your labour support strategies.  Having a range of practical tools available to you as well as the epidural means the experience remains a positive one with no guilt as you and your partner were able to make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.

Do I Need to Take a Hospital Antenatal Class too?

The GentleBirth workshop is a complete antenatal class and includes comprehensive information on your options and strategies for effective decision making. If you are planning on breastfeeding we recommend you attend a breastfeeding class and join a breastfeeding support group. Most Homestudy Mums attend hospital classes to find out more about the hospitals policies and to visit the labour ward. The GentleBirth homestudy course compliments your hospital antenatal classes and prepares you for a positive birth experience and more relaxed pregnancy. All Mums also receive continuous support which is just a phone call away.

Will I Be in a Trance or Disconnected from My Labour?

No. Self hypnosis helps you reach a deep level of relaxation during your labour, just like being deeply relaxed on the couch at home. You will hear everything going on around you and respond to conversations if you choose to. Noises in the hospital don't bother you. Some mums will chat between surges like they are not even in labour. GentleBirth helps you feel much more connected to your body and your baby. You are in complete control - just deeply relaxed.

I'm Taking Antenatal Yoga - can I learn GentleBirth too?

Antenatal yoga is a great way to gently exercise and relax during your pregnancy. GentleBirth is very complimentary to Yoga. Antenatal Yoga has a wonderful focus on breathing which will definitely help you stay relaxed. GentleBirth takes that focus to a much deeper level as we retrain and recondition your mind not to be afraid of the natural process of birth. Relaxation becomes an automatic response as the reconditioing takes hold- you never have to remember birth positions - you just follow your body's lead. You are completely tuned in to your body and your baby. Mums who have been practicing yoga for years say GentleBirth is like yoga x 10 and the most relaxed they've ever been (without being asleep). At the workshop your partner gets to experience and practice self hypnosis too.

Does it work?

If your goal is a fear free confident birth then the answer is absolutely! We can't guarantee a pain free birth as there are too many variables ......but calm, managable, gentle births are more than possible and happen to Irish women every day. You'll feel the program 'working' right from the first time you listen to your CDs. You notice you are sleeping better than ever before, you're feeling more confident and more excited about your baby's birth.  Don't be surprised if friends and family notice the changes too ! Read some of our inspirational birth stories from Irish women all around the country. Take some time to determine what you consider to be a 'sucessful' birth. If your goal is to feel calm, confident and in control every step of the way then you've come to the right place.

How does GentleBirth differ from other hypnotic childbirth courses?

Some programs are focused completely on hypnosis as their only tool. We recognise that self hypnosis is a skill you learn and some will find it easier than others. At our workshops you don't just learn about hypnotic tools but a full range of practical hands on tools for you and your partner to explore to help you have the best birth possible - including labouring in water, acupressure techniques, use of essential oils and specific positions and techniques to avoid perineal injury. Group workshops run at least 12 hours to cover all of this additional information. As a breastfeeding educator, breastfeeding information is also part of the ongoing support provided as part of your GentleBirth program.

Our classes are based on the best available current research. Our training and experience is not limited to just hypotherapy but also includes training with the most reknowned experts in childbirth education including Dr. Michel Odent, Penny Simkin, Marie Mongan, Sheila Kitzinger Ethel Byrnes and Debra Betts.

Other hypnotic childbirth programs provide one practice CD. GentleBirth Mums receive 13 Hypnosis sessions including tracks specifically for Dads and a unique non hypno Mp3 specifically for use while driving.

I also hold professional development sessions for Midwives interested in using hypnosis in their maternity units.

Have I Left it Too Late?

t's only too late after your baby has arrived. I've worked with mums at 40+ weeks who have gone on to have very positive birth experiences. As hypnosis is only one element of our classes even one session right before your baby's birth has benefits. After 38 weeks I recommed using our Hospital Birth Preparation CD rather than the 5 week program so you can still enjoy the benefits of a calmer birth and it doesn't cost the earth!

 

Where are the Classes Held?

Tracy's classes are held at the new City North Hotel – right on the M1 for easy accessibility from the M50. http://www.citynorthhotel.com.

Private classes are also held in Galway, Cork, Dublin and Drogheda

When should I Enrol?

Demand is high for the workshops as couples travel from all over Ireland to attend. Early booking is advisable.

I have more questions!

You can contact us via email or phone to answer any queries you may have. We strive to answer all queries within 24 hours.