You’ve read the birth stories and have decided to take the plunge and take a hypnobirthing class with your partner.  A quick google brings up a long list of educators so how do you find the best Instructor for you? 

Here’s My Top 6 Tips To Find the Best Hypnobirthing Instructor

1. Where Are My Local Hypnobirthing Classes?

   If you’re interested in live in person classes you probably don’t want to have to drive 2 hours to and from your class.  If you’re going to an intensive weekend course it’s not such a big deal - stay someplace nice and make it a Babymoon.  Do the dates work for your schedule and your partners?  Do you prefer a group dynamic or 1:1 tuition (groups are a great way to connect with likeminded parents and questions will always come up that you would never have thought to ask).

2. What Will You Learn?

   Not all classes are created equal. Traditional hypnobirthing (Mongan) can be limited in it’s scope (discussing pain is frowned upon) and physical comfort measures aren’t usually taught. Instructors are expected to teach from a strict set curriculum - many add their own content to keep their classes relevant to what’s happening in their community. If you plan to keep a flexible mindset but still want comprehensive education look further afield (and see point 4 & 5).
   
   

3. Does My Hypnobirthing Educator Need to Be a Midwife? 

   You definitely don’t need to be a midwife (most of our Instructors aren’t) but in some instances your insurance may only cover classes taught by a midwife so check with your health insurance.  But don’t confuse hospital hypnobirthing classes with Independent Instructors who are also midwives.  Classes taught on site in hospital by hospital staff are likely to be censored so you won’t get the same level of information and insight you’ll get from an Independent Hypnobirthing Instructor.

   
   
   

4. What’s Their Vibe?

   Are you interested in a more scientific approach or alternative?  Are they promising pain free births?  If you’re having a hospital birth and they just want to talk about the benefits of home water birth there’s likely to be a mismatch.  GentleBirth Instructors all receive the same training but we all bring a different flavor to our classes.  Do they have a good understanding of birth in the unit you’re attending?  Getting that positive birth ‘inside track’ can be really useful but it’s not a deal breaker.  If they haven’t been teaching long they may not have had a lot of clients who have given birth in your hospital but they’ll definitely have access to that information within their Instructor network. 

   
   
   

5. Hypnobirthing on Social Media

   Take some time to explore their social media - not just their website.  Are their posts, shares and online discussions aligned with your goals and values?  

   
   

6. Testimonials

   Don’t be shy about asking to speak to previous clients.  You’re about to drop around $300 for your birth prep so getting some feedback from clients who have had the kind of birth you’re hoping for is a great place to start. A reputable educator will happily pass along the details of past ‘students’ (with permission of course).

I hope you find an Instructor you really connect with and find your classes informative, inspiring and uplifting!

One of the most satisfying aspects of teaching GentleBirth hypnobirthing classes was the immediate mindset shift parents experienced by the end of the class. You and your partner should be bouncing out of that class feeling ready to rock your birth and excited to use all of the tools in your toolkit.

Chat to our Certified Instructors in our private GentleBirth Facebook groups.

P.S if getting to a live class isn’t possible take our self paced 10+ hr Hypnobirthing Masterclass.

Tracy