HypnoBirthingR is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. It is a rewarding, relaxing, stress-free method of birthing that is based on the belief that when a mother is properly prepared for birthing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, she can experience the joy of birthing her baby in an easier, more comfortable manner. HypnoBirthing returns to a woman the art of birthing in a way that allows her to summon her natural birthing instincts. HypnoBirthing is based on the belief that severe pain does not need to be a natural accompaniment to labor. HypnoBirthing is taught to expectant couples in 5 classes. (Scroll down to see schedule.)
How will HypnoBirthing Childbirth Preparation benefit you?
~ Teaches you to eliminate the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome before, during and after labor
~ Eliminates the need for chemical anesthesia in most cases
~ Shortens the first stage of labor by several hours
~ Eliminates fatigue during labor
~ Brings together the mother, baby, and birthing companion in a wonderful pre-natal bonding experience
~ Invites the birthing companion to be an integral part of the birthing, not an onlooker or coach
~ Postnatal recovery is rapid & easier
~ Birthing is returned to the beautiful & peaceful experience that nature intended
What will you learn?
~ Techniques for safe, shorter, and more comfortable birthing through guided imagery, visualization, and special breathing
~ Relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to eliminate the fear and tension that cause long labor and pain, replacing it with confidence, calm & comfort
~ An understanding of the body’s natural process during labor in order to be able to create your own natural anesthesia and work with your body instead of against it
When in my pregnancy should I take this class?
Like most things, the key to successful HypnoBirthing is practice, practice, practice! Most women find that having three to four months to learn and practice the self-hypnosis techniques is ideal. However, whether your baby is due to arrive soon after the class or whether you are early in your pregnancy, the skills learned in this class will be invaluable for your preparation on the journey to birthing your baby.
You Should Know... HypnoBirthing has been extremely effective for mothers who had a prolonged, painful, or otherwise negative birth experience the first time and are having a second baby, and for first-time mothers who have intense fear of giving birth.
LOCATION:
Burke Professional Center, 8990 Fern Park Drive, Burke, VA 22015.
COST:
HypnoBirthing classes cost $325; however, I know that many people face financial difficulties and I do not want that to deter you from taking this class. Therefore, I offer a sliding scale fee starting at $250 up to $325. If you feel that you honestly cannot pay the full $325, then you may chose to pay any amount from $250 up to $325. I do not ask that you provide me with any proof of what you can pay. I leave the decision to you. I collect checks (or cash) at the beginning of the first class. You may also pay via Paypal on this website (on the "Prices/Pay" page).
The cost of the class includes one book, 2 cds and many handouts.
~Weekday classes are available by request.
~Other class times are possible and can be arranged by contacting Stephanie.
~Classes are ongoing, throughout the year with a new class starting approximately every month.
~Tea, water and snacks are served at each class.
~ Videos shown in class include HypnoBirths, baby-calming techniques, and breastfeeding.
~ Private classes can be arranged and cost $475.
Please note: Stephanie offers private hypnosis sessions to her HypnoBirthing moms during the pregnancy for issues around birthing at a 50% reduced fee. A normal Hypnotherapy session is $150, so for HypnoBirthing moms, the fee for private sessions is $75. All sessions are 90 minutes.
REGISTER EARLY! LIMIT OF 4 COUPLES PER CLASS.
2008 Class Schedule:
Sunday, October 26th-December 7th (10:00-12:30 pm) (no class 11/16 and 11/30)
Saturday, November 1st-December 13th (10:00-12:30 pm) (no class 11/15 and 11/29)
Tuesday, November 11th- December 16th (7:00 - 9:30pm) (no class 11/25)
2009 Class Schedule
Tuesday, January 6th - February 3rd (7:00 - 9:30 pm)
Saturday, January 10th - February 7th (10:00 am - 12:30 pm)
Sunday, January 11th - February 8th (10:00-12:30 pm)
Tuesday, February 10th - March 10th (7:00 - 9:30 pm)
Saturday, February 21st - March 21st (10:00 am-12:30 pm)
Sunday, February 22nd - March 22nd (10:00 - 12:30pm)
To contact Stephanie about classes, email her at stephkraft@hotmail.com or call 202-250-1051.
Stephanie Kraft is affiliated with the HypnoBirthing Institute.
To learn more about HypnoBirthing in general, visit the Institute's website: www.hypnobirthing.com
The below video is not a "hypnobirth," but it is a good, natural birth. I will be adding more videos soon.