Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Classes in the North East & Online
Relaxed, informal, and engaging classes to help you feel confident for birth
This isn’t where you wanted to be, is it?
You joyfully announced your pregnancy, eagerly anticipating the congratulations and warm wishes that would follow.
But instead, what greeted you was not just congratulations, but a barrage of ominous warnings and birth horror stories. Every well-meaning friend or relative seemed to have a "just wait until..." tale to share, casting a shadow over your excitement.
Perhaps you attended your first antenatal appointment, hoping for clarity and reassurance, only to leave feeling even more confused and uncertain than before. I know I certainly did!
What should be a time of pure excitement and anticipation is now tinged with a creeping sense of overwhelm and anxiety. Which has left you with many doubts and fears.
I totally get it!
I've been right there with you, feeling the weight of those unsolicited stories and the uncertainty that comes with the journey of pregnancy. But you're not alone.
There is so much information to take in during pregnancy you probably feel like burying your head when it comes to birth. You might have even muttered the words ‘I’ll just see how it goes’ when asked what your birth plans are..
Why plan for birth, when it might not go to plan..right?
But let me tell you why this doesn’t work out..
Let’s imagine you have your ideal plan written out, you go into labour and things take a different direction. But wait.. what are your options now?
Trust me, as someone who has been in this exact situation, it’s scary.
So whilst you can’t necessarily predict what will happen during birth, you CAN prepare for the unexpected by empowering yourself with the information and skills you need to cope in whatever direction your birth takes.
My hypnobirthing and antenatal classes have been specially designed to help you feel completely prepared and confident as you approach birth and parenthood.
You won't just learn all of the essential antenatal info you need for birth prep, but you'll come away with a bunch of handy tools and skills to ensure you have a positive birthing experience, no matter how things unfold.
I teach my hypnobirthing classes in groups, privately, online or in person and my full list of services can be found below.
It all begins with your hormones
Oxytocin runs the show when it comes to labour and birth. Did you know it's the force behind contractions, driving the process to bring your baby into the world? That's why we want as much oxytocin flowing as possible!
However, when stress, anxiety, or overwhelm hit, a cocktail of other hormones floods our system, hindering the release of oxytocin and affecting labour.
Hypnobirthing teaches you exactly how the body works during labour and offers techniques to support this process, making it as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Why Am I The Best Person To Support You?
Hello I'm Holly, the Mum behind Birth Then Baby. And I get how crucial a solid antenatal education is - trust me, as someone who didn’t prepare for their first birth!
Unlike some hypnobirthing teachers, my first pregnancy wasn't all smooth sailing. In fact, quite the opposite, which is what sets me apart from other course providers you’ve looked at.
I've navigated the ups and downs, just like you might be now. But here's the thing: I've also experienced firsthand the incredible impact of the hypnobirthing and therapeutic techniques I teach, as I prepare for my second birth this summer.
The methods I teach aren't just about getting through childbirth; they're about transforming your entire journey—from pregnancy to birth to parenting.
So, if you're ready to turn your doubts into confidence, I'm here to guide you. Let's make your birth story one of strength, empowerment, and positivity.
Birth Then Baby Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Courses
Group Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Class
In person (NE25) or online hypnobirthing classes available.
Next available group course: Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May 9:30am-1:30/2pm
Next available online group course: Starting Monday 6th May, for four, weekly sessions between 6:30-8:30pm (UK time)
Whats included:
A space for you and your birth partner to attend the live hypnobirthing course
A welcome MUMosa drink and refreshments (in person course only)
Powerful hypnobirthing audios for pregnancy and birth (I’ll show you how/when to use these when we meet)
A hypnobirthing kit (worth £25) which includes a workbook that includes all of the course info
My ongoing support after the course has finished through texts, emails or zoom
Additional materials, such as a Newborn Care Guide and Postpartum Plan
Access to my members area and Facebook Group, where you will find extra downloadable resources and peer support
In Person Course: £245
Online Course: From £105 per ticket through my pay what you can scheme (more info on booking page)
Private 1:1 Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Class
Online or face to face in the North East
Next availablity: Dates and times to suit you. Classes will be carried out in the comfort of your own home, or online.
Whats included:
A call before sessions start, so I can get to know about you, your pregnancy so far and what you would like to get from the course
From this I will create a completely personalised hypnobirthing and antenatal course, tailored to you and your preferences
Sessions carried out at days and times that suit you (these are usually split into four x 2/2.5 hour sessions)
Powerful hypnobirthing audios for pregnancy and birth (I’ll show you how/when to use these when we meet)
A hypnobirthing kit (worth £25) which includes a workbook that includes all of the course info
My ongoing support after the course has finished through texts, emails or zoom
Additional materials, such as a Newborn Care Guide and Postpartum Plan
Access to my members area and Facebook Group, where you will find extra downloadable resources and peer support
Private Hypnobirthing: £395
Online Hypnobirthing Workshop
An online, pre-recorded hypnobirthing course to watching in your own time.
Coming Soon
My pre-recorded, hypnobirthing workshop will include everything I teach in my group/private courses. Instead of attending a set class, you will be able to watch the recordings in your own time and re-visit them as often as you wish.
I am hoping to have the course available from May. Sign up to the waiting list below, to be the first to hear about a release date and receive an exclusive discount!
FAQs
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During childbirth, fear can make labour more painful and longer because it causes tension in the body. Hypnobirthing helps by relaxing the body and calming fears by using different Hypnobirthing techniques.
This relaxation helps the uterus muscles job a lot easier, making labour more comfortable and for some, quicker.
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Probably my most asked question!
My Hypnobirthing and Antenatal classes use a mix of Hypnobirthing methods, with therapeutic techniques I use within my work as a mental health therapist.
You can expect to learn:
Breathing Techniques: Designed to help you feel calm, comfortable and birth your baby
Visualisations: Designed to help you ‘escape’ stress, by helping your mind focus and creating a sense of relaxation during labour. Visualisations can also help make the pushing stage of labour more straightforward.
Positive Birth Affirmations: Their main job is to hype you up during pregnancy and birth, to help you feel confident, in control and focused during childbirth.
Creating Anchors: These are sensory cues that trigger feelings of relaxation
Birth Partner and Self-Hypnosis Scripts: Designed to be used throughout pregnancy and birth, these scripts can help ground your mind and feel calm and collected throughout your labour
Massage Techniques: To help you feel as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, labour and birth
Hypnobirthing Audios: Designed to help you release fears, physical tension and create a positive mindset around childbirth
Understanding and Managing Worries: I will use therapeutic techniques used within my therapy work to help you understand any worries you have about pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period and how you can learn to manage these worries.
These are just the ‘main’ Hypnobirthing techniques used, but you will learn so many different ways to help you feel more confident as you approach labour.
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There are no rules as to when you should start a hypnobirthing course. It is totally down to personal preference.
I’ve had some clients who felt more anxious about pregnancy/birth, therefore started soon after their 12 week scan. And I’ve also had clients start within their last month of pregnancy.
There are are some things to practice in the run up to birth, so starting hypnobirthing earlier can give you more time to do this.
Generally speaking, most clients attend a class between 20-35 weeks pregnant. But I welcome clients at all stages of pregnancy!
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NCT (National Childbirth Trust) antenatal classes tend to focus more on teaching information on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. This might include topics such as the stages of labour, feeding options, safe sleep recommendations etc. Whilst is is important to understand all of this information, it does not necessarily prepare you to deal with the emotional and physical challenges of labour and birth. Simply ‘knowing’ about birth, does not prepare you for a positive experience. You can understand more about what I mean by this here.
My Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Classes cover not only the ‘stuff you need to know’ about birth and the postpartum period (such as stages of labour, how the body works during birth, pain relief options etc). But I also teach the techniques and skills you need to help you prepare for a more positive birth and postpartum experience. As far as I’m aware, this isn’t included in an NCT/Other antenatal classes.
Some of my clients have also participated in other antenatal classes and it doesn't necessarily have to be seen as a 'hypnobirthing vs NCT' situation! They have shared that while the antenatal information I offer covers similar content to other courses, overall, I provide a deeper understanding, leading to increased confidence in decision-making and managing unexpected situations during childbirth.
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Yes, you can absolutely use hypnobirthing techniques even if you're being induced or having a planned c-section!
In fact, my hypnobirthing classes cover what to expect during an induction, assisted or caesarean birth, so you can feel prepared and empowered no matter how your birth goes.
Hypnobirthing isn't limited to natural, unmedicated births—it can be beneficial for all types of childbirth experiences.
The hypnobirthing and therapeutic techniques taught in my classes can help you stay calm, manage discomfort, and maintain a positive mindset during induction, c-section, or however birth plays out.
My previous clients found that hypnobirthing helped them feel more empowered, confident, and in control, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.
My courses teach you how to adapt the techniques to suit your unique birthing journey and preferences.
Feeling unsure whether Hypnobirthing is for you?
I totally understand - I was exactly the same when I first heard about it. In fact I think I scrunched up my nose when it was recommended to me through a family member. I thought ‘hmm I’m not sure I’m quite into all that’. Little did I know ‘all that’ is basically a lot of what I teach as a mental health therapist within the NHS!
Does Hypnobirthing actually work?
You might be wondering whether you really need a hypnobirthing and antenatal course? As an expectant Mum, I definitely had my doubts about whether the techniques could truly alleviate the intensity of childbirth.. It might help to watch one of these videos of Hypnobirthing methods being used:
Positive Natural Birth Vlog | Raw & Real Hypnobirth by Fit with Britt
Birth of Luxe by Brittany Pride
Is Hypnobirthing just made up nonsense?
As much as my partner might argue that I talk a load of gobbledygook at times, Hypnobirthing is very much a real practice. In fact, it has been recognised within the NHS and by the Royal College of Midwives.
Let’s see what the science says:
Statistics from the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust showed that hypnobirthing women (vs. non- hypnobirthing women) had:
higher rates of ‘vaginal birth’ (84% vs 64%)
lower rates of cesarean (8% vs 25%)
lower rates of assisted delivery (8% vs 11%)
REF: Angela Lycett, Parent Education Midwife, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, as shared at Turning the Tide, Choosing to Offer Hypnobirthing as a Service at The Royal College of Medicine, 2012.
The Royal College of Midwives have also recognised the importance of using Hypnobirthing and published guidance for midwives to support parents using Hypnobirthing methods. They reported that “hypnobirthing can diminish or completely eliminate the ‘fear-tension-pain’ syndrome”.
REF: Royal College of Midwives – How to Support Hypnobirthing, 2014.
And not only can Hypnobirthing help with the physical aspects of birth, but it can improve your confidence for birth too - just like my clients below..
If you are unsure about which class would be best for you, or if you have any questions about hypnobirthing, please get in touch via the form below.
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