About

What is the cost of a HypnoBirthing® class? What is included?

A class series is 5 – 2 1/2 hour sessions, usually taught over 5 weeks. The cost is $350, which includes you and your birth partner. You will receive the HypnoBirthing® book, the Rainbow Relaxation and Birth Affirmations, and all related course materials. In addition, you will have email and phone support beyond the classroom time, through six weeks postpartum.

The HypnoBirthing® class is a comprehensive and complete childbirth education course, designed to remind mothers of the simplicity of birth itself. The classes teach techniques for relaxation and visualization, and how to assist, rather than resist your natural birthing instincts. It is about empowered parents, welcoming their babies into the world in a ‘Celebration of Life.’ The class will cover:

• How women’s bodies are designed for birth

• How to assist, rather than resist your natural birthing instincts

• Prenatal bonding techniques

• Rapid and instant self-relaxation techniques and deepening techniques

• Breathing techniques for labor and birthing

• Hypnotic relaxation and visualization

• The Birth Companion’s role in birthing

• Preparing your body for birthing with massage and toning

• Avoiding artificial induction and achieving a natural start to labor

• Releasing negative emotions, fears and limiting thoughts.

• Preparing for labor – birthing with your baby

• Positions for descent and birthing

• Introduction to breastfeeding

• Family bonding with your baby

Is HypnoBirthing® science-based or more of a philosophy?

Yes, it’s both! The roots of HypnoBirthing® come from neuroscience and how the brain can physically, chemically, and emotionally affect your body. This science leads into the philosophy that HypnoBirthing® is Instinctive Birth: the proven premise that women have the innate ability to call upon a neurological, physiological, emotional, and spiritual response to birth stimuli without the necessity of external device, manipulation, thought, or deliberation.

What is hypnosis? How will it affect my labor?

Hypnosis is a natural function of the mind that allows you to focus on your subconscious awareness. It can feel like falling asleep, but you are still aware of your surroundings. This can help laboring mothers visualize their birth in a positive way as their body remains comfortably relaxed.

I have the book. And I see that there are some faster on-line options. Why should I take a 5-week class?

Self-hypnosis and deep relaxation are wonderful skills for birthing. As with any skill, these techniques take time to learn, practice, and to allow the body and mind to condition itself to use them effectively. We also have a limited learning capacity and memory retention (especially during pregnancy!) which is why the information is taught over 5 classes. Throughout the course, you will have a chance to practice what you’ve learned, ask questions, and work through fears or anxieties surrounding birth or parenting. You will receive personal attention to help you feel relaxed and confident about the birth of your baby.

There is the added benefit of community when participating in a group class. Parents can share stories and learn from each other. It’s also a lovely time for you and your partner to step away from hectic schedules and take time to focus on preparing for baby. If you would prefer a more intimate setting, private classes are available.

There are many options for ‘hypno’ birth classes. Many of them include similar techniques and information to prepare for birth. With more than 25 years of experience, HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method is a tried and proven method with thousands of couples experiencing the benefits of safer, calmer, more comfortable birthing.

Look for the Gold HypnoBirthing Emblem: it is a sign of both credibility and professionalism for practitioners internationally. Trained HypnoBirthing® educators are successfully teaching women and their birthing companions to trust birth and release all fear and limiting thoughts. HypnoBirthing® practitioners can be found in 45 countries throughout the world.

Visit https://us.hypnobirthing.com/ for more information.

Dakota Dawson is a HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator, HypnoBirthing® Certified Birth Doula (DONA) and Certified Lactation Educator. Her work focuses on helping families feel safe, supported and excited as they navigate their pregnancy and births. She encourages families through non fear based education and advocacy to make informed choices that empower mothers to have a positive birthing experience. She believes each baby has a unique birth story, and through birth, we become the parents our babies need us to be.

Dakota is passionate about teaching and empowering expecting families. In addition to helping expectant parents prepare for a fulfilling and gentle birth experience, she also supports mothers as an experienced, dynamic, hands-on birth doula and lactation educator.

Born and raised in a small town in Washington State, Dakota now calls Bend, Oregon ‘home,’ along with her husband and two HypnoBirthed daughters.