LEARN TO BIRTH WITHOUT FEAR
The HypnoBirthing series is for you and your partner and can be taken at any point during your pregnancy. In addition to the HypnoBirthing philosophy and techniques, in this comprehensive childbirth education program, you will learn what questions you should be asking your provider at your prenatal visits, what to expect from the different stages of labor, how to best prepare for a hospital birth, best practices and positions for optimal fetal positioning, a variety of labor positions, how to best navigate any special circumstances should your labor venture off-course, and evidence-based practices for early newborn care and breastfeeding.
Classes are taught live via Zoom by Ellie Lindenmayer, who brings a uniquely personal element to the class. Having used the method herself for her three births and drawing on her experiences as a mother, birth doula, and lactation counselor, Ellie will prepare you and your partner for birth with honesty, humor, and a wealth of experience in the birthing world. You will leave this class with a renewed sense of calm, confidence, and excitement as you anticipate the birth of your baby.
THE HYPNOBIRTHING PHILOSOPHY
HypnoBirthing® focuses on harnessing the mind-body connection to facilitate easy, gentle birthing. The premise of HypnoBirthing® is that women’s bodies are perfectly designed to give birth and that fear and tension (not nature’s design) cause pain in childbirth and often unnecessary intervention and complication. Childbirth is a normal, healthy biological event that all mammals experience (most with very little fuss); however, we have inherited a legacy of fear and are part of a culture that perpetuates the myth that childbirth is an agonizing, painful event that we must endure and survive. As a result, many women anticipate childbirth with a tremendous amount of fear, resistance, and misinformation. But there is a much better way! HypnoBirthing seeks to re-educate women to understand nature’s design, to trust their bodies and their babies, and to silence the culture of fear, understanding that their bodies are perfectly designed for birth. If we can learn to eliminate the fear and instead approach birth with confidence and calm, then our birthing experience will be easier, safer, and more comfortable.
THE HYPNOSIS: DEEP RELAXATION
Many couples may turn away from HypnoBirthing believing that hypnosis is just too “out there” or simply not for them. Hypnosis is merely a state of deep relaxation and focused concentration in which the rest of the world seems to fade away– a wonderful state to be in during childbirth, so as to be able to turn inward, quieting the mind and allowing the body to do what it is designed to do. Most of us experience a state of hypnosis on a daily basis, as we read a book, drive the car or practice yoga. During class, in addition to a variety of other techniques, we use guided relaxation scripts to help you reach a very pleasant and peaceful state of relaxation, which you can then easily call upon when you are in labor. We use hypnosis in birthing to remain relaxed and calm so that our bodies are able to birth as nature intended (without our minds getting in the way). With relaxation, our body releases endorphins, a natural anesthesia, which allows us to birth more comfortably, sometimes without any pain at all.
THE BENEFITS: EVIDENCE FOR HYPNOBIRTHING
*The average HypnoBirthing® birth is >50% shorter than other births
*Reduces and often eliminates fatigue during labor
*Reduces the incidence of preterm labor by 67%
*Results in fewer breach presentations by 45%
*Reduces and may eliminate the need for chemical painkillers and drugs
*Lower incidence of induction and usage of Pitocin for speeding up labor
*Fewer episiotomies
*A lower incidence of cesarean section by approximately 60%
*Teaches breathing techniques that allow a woman to gently breathe her baby into the world without the hard, physical pushing, which often results in tearing and the need for sutures.
CLASS OPTIONS & RATES
Group Classes:
Group rate: $550 (full course content taught over 4 sessions, 3 hours each)
The next group offering (12-hour series) will be via Zoom in March 2024 on Saturdays from 9:30 AM-12:30 PM ET on 3/9, 3/16, 3/23, and 3/30. If these dates don’t work for you, please reach out directly to Ellie, as changes to the schedule are sometimes possible.
Group classes are scheduled and hosted based on demand. A minimum of three couples are needed in order to run a group class. Classes are taught online and can be recorded if you cannot attend all dates.
Private classes & refreshers are always available.
Private rate (option 1): $1500 (full course content: 4 sessions, 2.5 hours each)
Private rate (option 2): $500 (abbreviated course; 2 sessions, 90 minutes each)
Private 1-hour refresher class (for people who have completed the HypnoBirthing series): $150
The fee includes the 300-page book, HypnoBirthing®: The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan, and the accompanying audio files, as well as a complete course packet, which includes helpful tips, practice relaxation scripts, important reminders, and a variety of evidence-based information.
Most insurance companies will provide at least partial reimbursement for this class, so be sure to check and we will provide you with the necessary paperwork.
BOOK YOUR CLASS TODAY!
Cancellation policy: Classes can be canceled for a credit for any Joyful Birthing & Beyond class if notice is received with at least a 24-hour notice. Classes canceled with less than 24-hour notice will not be credited, refunded, or rescheduled.