Oxford Hypnobirthing

Local Hypnobirthing Classes in Oxford

Wahoo! You’re pregnant!

Welcome to the rollercoaster of excitement, joy and glorious day dreams….but maybe you’ve also noticed it’s the green light for someone sharing really unhelpful birth stories, perhaps a few a niggling worries (or whoppers?) and all those ‘safety dates’. 

And now you’re here. Which is a good thing!

Because it means you are starting to plan for your birth, thinking about antennal classes & hypnobirthing…and how you really DO want to feel on the day you birth your baby (instead of how you don’t!)

And wherever you are at, however many weeks you are? You’re in the right place. Years of experience, unstoppable passion, and the REAL science of hypnosis for birth in your Hypnobirthing classes.

 Hey I’m Steph! I love birth and I love supporting you!

Pregnant with my first, all I was worried about were epidurals and the head coming out, but thankfully someone suggested Hypnobirthing. So when I went into labour I knew how to switch off, rest up and give all my energy to birth. And WOW it was good!

So I want to help you dial down pain, find your inner space, that quietness of mind and navigate your birth choices with confidence.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing  is an antenatal course with a focus on how EVERYTHING works. While your usual antenatal classes focus almost entirely on the practicalities of birth (with just a nod to the mindset) hypnobirthing focuses on the role your mind and body play in how you feel when you give birth and how you can use that knowledge to your advantage!

Sociable, practical classes

“I’m doing nct to make friends and hypnobirthing to learn about birth!” said one of my clients…until she met her class mates! Because these antenatal classes are as reassuring as they are sociable. So make friends, and learn a bunch of evidence based techniques to create calm, release muscle tension and find your flow. You’re welcome to come alone or bring a birth partner. And YES, you can do nct as well. All birth education is worth it!

Support

Birth rarely goes to plan so when you sign up to my hypnobirthing course, my support is included if your plans change. So if baby’s breech and you’re refered to the mode of birth team, you decide to choose an induction, or some other curve ball has meant your plans have changed? You can phone, email or book a free zoom chat to talk through your new birth plan and how to keeo your birth positive.

What makes Oxford Hypnobirthing different?

I know we all feel differently about birth. But whether you’re brimming with confidence or brimming with concerns?

Hypnobirthing is the perfect way to nurture yourself emotionally and physically. And it’s time for you to focus on making birth better for you!

I’m a hypnosis geek, a biology graduate. And I have a background in trauma and pain (in a good way!). I know the science of Hypnobirthing, the evidence, how to put a relaxation or pain relief technique together for BEST EFFECT. And I have completed 5 separate Hypnobirthing methods, so I know what works – and what doesn’t.

So my birth preperation classes are full of nifty mind-body tools and techniques for birth. Giving you the luxury of autonomy and choice so you can relax and focus, as you make your way through labour and birth.

And because I’m all in on hypnotherapy & medical hypnosis?

Included in this good solid Hypnobirthing course?

Are ingenious extras so you know how to:

• Locate to space for quick calm on arrival to hospital or maternity unit
• Deeply relax in spite of distractions
• Turn down worry, pain or muscular tension in 3,2,1
• Learn the ultimate technique for reducing pain
• Sooth the fight/flight/freeze mechanism in a few simple steps
• Connect deeply with your hypnobirthing relaxations
• Choose the best birth affirmations, knowing how they work
• Ask your midwife questions with confidence and calm
• Express freely yourself without sounding like birthzilla (unless you want to!)
• Positively prepare body & mind from your very first class

So whilst the modern hypnobirthing machines describe hypnosis as ‘weird’ or ‘woo woo’? When you get right down to it, the techniques of real hypnobirthing are so deliciously good, you’d be mad to leave it out.

You need it in your birth bag!

Does hypnobirthing help with pain?

Ever heard Hypnobirthing described as a pain relief method?  

ITS NOT!

Because unlike analgesics that damped down pain, or anaesthetics that block pain…

Hypnobirthing works to help you:

1. Reduce the chance of you needing pain relief
2. Reduce the amount you want (if you do want it)
3. Stay more comfortable for longer so if you do reach for pain relief later, it’s later in labour

And most of what you know about pain is probably wrong. There is no such thing as a pain signal, pain doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong and in some cases your pain levels are determined even before labour starts:

Pain is a multi-sensory experience and it is unique to you. It is affected by your past, your present, your expectations, your environment, your mood and even the people around you. 

So by fully understanding your pain mechanisms, you will be in a better position to stop pain or discomfort before it even starts, be in a better position to cope, and make decisions about pain relief that you feel comfortable with.

So you will learn the science of what pain is, why we experience it and why pain doesn’t always mean something is wrong. And Hypnobirthing helps you take birth back to what it should be, a normal (amazing!) event that you can look fondly back to in the years to come.

When you’re expecting a baby, it’s normal normal to feel a bit apprehensive or under prepared. And it’s perfectly normal to be worried about pain.

You have a right to agency.  Autonomy. To find your voice.  Create the kind of birth you want and know where you will find your inner quiet on the day. 

You need Hypnobirthing!

Birth plans, preparation and knowledge lead to better births

Your baby will be born! So let’s stack the good birth odds in your favour and get informed about birth, your options and your instincts. Learn how birth works. And if you have a partner who’s coming to class, let’s help them feel more confident & better equipped to help.

Hypnobirthing is more than just a pain relief method. It’s your mind-body birthing know how. It’s everything you want to know about birth plus:

Support

Birth is rarely perfect and plans can often change. So when you sign up to one of my courses, you can phone or email any time.

If your Birth plans change, I offer a free follow up service, so we can have a chat, a zoom meet or play ’email ping pong’ for as long as you like. So if baby’s breech, you’ve chosen an induction, or some other curve ball has come your way? I’m here to talk through your new birth plan.

My Promise to you

Or you just need to talk to someone who can see the bigger picture and reframe things…It’s really helpful!

And your Hypnobirthing should be easy. So if you want a group course, but can’t make a class? If your course is full?

Hopping between group Hypnobirthing courses is possible. Booking a mix of private & group classes is easy.

Is Hypnobirthing worth it?

If you’re researching safe sleep options, measuring prams to see which will fit your car or trying out Oxford sling library in advance – Hypnobirthing can help you. Because being prepared. Knowing your options. Understanding your body & mind. Knowing how to stay calm & confident. And enjoying your birth. Really helps.