Hypnobirthing

The course I offer is a full antenatal birth preparation course including Hypnobirthing to give you the best of both worlds. I don't believe you should have to compromise on missing out on something, which is why I've integrated as much as possible into one course. So whether you'd like to join me in a group setting, or for a private course in the comfort of your home, I can assist you in feeling more positive, informed and empowered about birth and beyond. Below I’ll talk through an overview of the course and its contents to give you a feel of what to expect.

 

Topics Covered:

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• Science of hypnobirthing 

• Breathing techniques 

• Birth hormones & physiology 

• Options of where to give birth & pain relief 

• Comfort measures

• Setting up the birth environment & protecting birth space 

• Birth partner support & how they can help

• Induction

• C-section

• Creating a birth plan

• Time to try out comfort measures such as active birth positions, massage, acupressure, counter pressure, aromatherapy 

• Time to practise hypnobirthing relaxation techniques, such as breathing, affirmations, meditation scripts 

• Feeding your baby

• Postpartum healing & planning

...& lots more 

 

Hypnobirthing - What is it all about? 

So what is Hypnobirthing? I understand this term may be a little off putting if you've never heard of it before. I totally get it, firstly I promise I'm not here to hypnotise you! So here’s a description of what it actually means and what to expect from my Hypnobirthing antenatal course.
 
Hypnobirthing refers to specific techniques used during pregnancy, labour and birth which can help reduce fear, worry and stress. These are techniques such as breathing, affirmations, relaxation scripts, visualisations, light touch massage, acupressure and so on. These offer up lots of practical tools to help create a positive mindset for birth and can help you feel more calm and in control during birth. For many people these techniques can be used as a form of pain management and feel very effective, as well as be used as a way to reduce fear and anxiety. It's also just as helpful for birth partners to be involved so they can be confident in supporting you during birth too.

These hypnobirthing techniques are delivered alongside a science based approach looking at birth physiology (what is happening during labour and birth). Understanding how the birth hormones work and how best to set-up an environment that works to increase these, and not hinder them, is a key part of the preparation. Knowing what's happening to your body and why can help you leave feeling more aware of what to expect, as well as exploring your options and choices. The sessions include discussions about decision making, birth partner support, setting up a positive birth environment and lots more. Therefore hypnobirthing ties together the science with the tools to help optimise your chances of having an informed and positive birth experience.

The course also offers information and support around feeding your baby, baby care, postnatal care and more. Therefore the course I offer is a full birth preparation education to cover as much as possible so that you leave feeling informed, empowered and positive about birth and beyond.Other practical elements are integrated as an option on the course where you are welcome to try out changing nappies, baby care, trying on baby slings and so on. This way you are able to explore both the information and the practical experience. 

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Some elements of the course are hands-on so that you have the opportunity together with your partner to try some comfort measures such as massage and counter pressure so you feel you have some additional techniques you can use during labour.

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Group Course or Private Classes? 

The course I offer can either be on an individual basis in the comfort of your home or as a group setting. 

 

Group Course

Delivered in a group setting and inclusive of a partner/birth partner to attend with you. Meet other couples during the course, relax and have fun. A maximum group size of 5 couples to keep the intimate feel with room for everyone to have any questions answered. These are currently offered in Larbert.

Next Group Course Dates

February 2024 - complete

June 2024 - complete

October 2024 
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October

1-6pm each day at the Tranquil Yoga Studio, The Suite, Larbert. 

Group Course Investment £195 per couple

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Extras & Post Course Support

I offer a goody bag at both my group and private courses, so you can have little prompts and materials to look back on. The contents include beautifully illustrated course materials, notebook and items to represent the 5 senses to help build an oxytocin boosting birth environment. It's also important to share the support doesn't just stop there, after the course I also share several mp3 Hypnobirthing recording so you can use these for relaxation during your pregnancy or during your birth if you would like. I also set up a group chat for access to:

- Connect with others from the course (or for 1-2-1 support from me for private clients)

- For me to share additional resources and links

- Option to ask me any additional questions up to your birth

 

Client Testimonials

Here's what some previous clients have said about attending my group course:

"This was a fantastic weekend and we both left feeling empowered and pretty excited. There was so much information and it was a great blend between facts and science based while also having a very holistic approach. Gilly made lots of space for people to bring their own thoughts, fears and questions without judgement on what could be perceived as the ‘correct’ way of doing things. It was well worth the money and thanks for all the support." Hayley & Julie.

"We found the hypnobirthing course an amazing help to us through our pregnancy journey. We left feeling empowered, informed and ready to put into practice everything Gilly had taught us. The techniques we learned and the resources we were provided with were amazing and we really couldn’t have asked for anything better. Gilly is an amazing support and we are very grateful for the time and thought that she puts into her classes. Would 100% recommend to anyone thinking about attending one of Gilly's courses as you will not regret it."

Lloyd & Abbie

Private Classes
This option allows the course to be completely bespoke to you and your birth partner. If you are local to Falkirk these can be done face-to-face in the comfort of your home. If located else where in Forth Valley or the surroundings an extra travel fee may apply. Online sessions can also be arranged if preferred.
 
Investment - £275 per couple

 

Private Course Testimonial

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"We have recently complete the private hypnobirthing sessions and cannot thank Gilly enough for the time spent with us. Both my husband and I really enjoyed the course and feel much more prepared and informed going forwards, compared to a very neutral mindset beforehand. Gilly was so lovely and immediately made us feel at ease - her knowledge really is invaluable! We were able to openly ask and discuss topics with Gilly answering any queries and/or worries we had resulting in a much more confident and positive mindset going forward. Thank you so much again."

Nicola & Craig

 

 

How to Book?
I'd be delighted to work with you, to book or chat more please contact me via email:

Gilly MacDonald
mamawellbeingco@gmail.com