Is it Easy to Learn?
Yes! But it does take a commiment to doing the daily practice. All you have to do is lie down, press play and relax. For the biggest day of your life - it couldn't be easier !
Does it work in hospitals or only homebirths?
Most of my couples give birth in hospitals although these skills can be applied to any birth setting. Noises and sounds around you in the hospital will deepen your relaxation instead of distracting you (a huge benefit of learning these techniques).
Will I still be in control?
Yes! Lots of people worry that hypnosis for birth will be similar to stage hypnosis or that you'll go home barking like a dog everytime the phone rings. The fact of the matter is with GentleBirth you are in complete control, all hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is not something that is done to you. You can accept or reject the suggestions given to you for a calm gentle birth. Nobody can make you do anything you do not want to do whilst in hypnosis and you will remain totally awake throughout the whole of your birth experience, just much calmer, more in control and more relaxed.
I’m having a Caesarean Section – Will GentleBirth still benefit me?
Yes! Gentlebirth isn’t just about natural, drug-free, vaginal births; it can be used for any type of birth experience. It is a wonderful way to help prepare you for the arrival of your baby. Gentlebirth helps you experience a happier, more relaxed pregnancy, it helps with bonding with your baby, increases your confidence in breastfeeding (should you chose to breastfeed) and adjusting to life with your new baby as stress free as possible. (Your recovery is likely to be quicker too !) Call me about my Cesarean Preparation CDs and breech turn CD if your baby is breech.
I Already Have a Relaxation CD - is that enough ?
A relaxation CD can definitley help you to relax and will be of some benefit, but Gentlebirth is a complete antenatal education program in itself and helps you plan for a calm relaxed birth experience. Not only do you learn abou 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. Marie Mongan's HypnoBirthing book is a wonderful tool but was not designed to be a homestudy course.
When Should I Start?
As soon as possible. It’s never too early and it’s only too late after your baby has arrived. I teach couples as early as 9 weeks of pregnancy and most recently - 2 days past a mum's EDD...while in early labour. Don’t worry you won’t ‘forget’ what you’ve been taught as we’re working with the subconscious mind. We are creating an automatic conditioned response in the body so that when your surges start you automatically relax...instead of panicking. The longer you have to practice the more confident you’ll become. The sooner you start the sooner you’ll get to experience the benefits of self hypnosis during your pregnancy – especially if you are still working. You’ll find that once you start the practice your stress levels will drop dramatically and you can really enjoy your pregnancy with no fear of the upcoming birth.
Does My Partner Have to Come Too?
Ideally your partner will come with you but we understand that this is not always possible. You could bring along a friend. Doula Ireland also teaches single mums and it’s still perfectly possible to follow the program without a birth partner.
Am I Guaranteed a Pain Free Labour?
70% of Doula Ireland’s prior clients gave birth with no pain relief at all or just gas and air right at the end. We don't guarantee pain free birth and that is not the focus of the class....but we do guarantee that you will feel much more in control and calmer than if you didn't learn the technique.
Do you have Any Other Statistics?
Doula Ireland’s clients (of those taught from 2005 and given birth by August 2008) experienced:
6% emergency cesarean rate (Irish national average is approx 24%)
15% perineal injury (Irish average is 60%)
7.5hr average length of labour (Irish average is 12-16hrs for a first time mum)
How Much Are the Workshops?
For group workshops - €375
You will also be invited to join the online GentleBirth group where you can connect with other mums using the Gentlebirth program around Ireland (there are currently around 200 members)
A €100 non-refundable deposit is payable upon booking with the remainder payable either in full before your class or on the first day.
Do I Still Need to Take Hospital Antenatal Classes if I'm doing Gentlebirth?
No. With GentleBirth you are retraining your mind to expect labour to be a positive and non stressful experience. We have found that couples who attend hospital antenatal classes particularly the labour class have their fears reinforced by the instructors own belief that birth MUST be a painful experience. Most of the mums attending the hospital classes are planning on having epidurals so there is very little focus on natural birth. Distressed out of control Mum is rarely the experience of GentleBirth mothers but a familiar sight to many midwives with non GentleBirthing mums. GentleBirth is a complete antenatal class in itself. Almost all Irish hospitals follow the same obstetric practices which I will take you through step by step at the workshop.
GentleBirth reduces the fear of labour and replaces it with confidence that your baby's birth can be an event to be looked forward to - not dreaded. We do however recommend taking a tour of the place where you will be giving birth and also taking a separate breastfeeding class and baby care preparation class. (I also teach a 3 hour Easy Breastfeeding class).
Where are the Classes Held?
Classes are held at the new City North Hotel – right on the M1 for easy accessibility from the M50. http://www.citynorthhotel.com.
Classes are also held in Galway, Cork and Westport (Belfast coming soon !)
When should I Enroll?
Demand is high for the workshops as couples travel from all over Ireland to attend. Early booking is advisable. Click on the enroll button at the top of the page to enroll now.
