More and more parents are choosing hypnobirthing self paced online classes instead of attending classes in person. There are of course benefits to an in person class (practicing hands on comfort measures) is a big one - and being around likeminded parents, but the last 18 months have made in person classes almost impossible and for some parents in person classes can be difficult to afford.

As most parents will only take 1 childbirth class - finding one that is affordable, empowering and enjoyable is important so let’s take a look at some of the differences between the two most popular online hypnobirthing classes available today.

The Positive Birth Company class is a self paced video class focused on preparing for a positive birth with using hypnosis. This six hour program prepares you to prepare for an unmedicated hypnobirth and costs $55.95.

In comparison, the GentleBirth Masterclass spans over 8 hours. You’ll learn hypnobirthing, meditation, sport psychology, CBT, brain science and mindset hacks - just as part of your mental preparation. We also include unmedicated and medicated labor options and physical comfort measures in hospital, a birth center, or home setting and it is only $9.95 with the GentleBirth Hypnobirthing app ($14.95). For just a little less than your favorite latte and croissant you get access to our full Masterclass (even if you only subscribed for 1 month!). Once you get started with the app it’s likely to be a companion through the rest of your pregnancy and the first year of your baby’s life.

We’ve also included a ‘mini masterclass’ class for birth partners who need to learn the basics in a short amount of time. You also experience the only class of it’s kind ‘Pain and the Brain’ where you’ll learn about how the brain processes pain and simple hacks to engage different pain modulation mechanisms to reduce pain perception in labor (it’s a fascinating 1 hr class).

The Positive Birth Company primarily focuses on preparing you for an unmedicated birth helping you understand how to relax into the sensations of birth and use your breath for a straightforward. Additionally, it prepares you in the following ways:
Hypnobirthing is an evidence-based approach to birth that empowers women and birthing people with knowledge, practical tools, and support for a positive birth experience.

• It is inclusive for everyone and every birth and does not require subscribing to any specific school of thought or planning any particular type of birth.

• It teaches about birth physiology, how to achieve relaxation, and what can be done to make birth easier, quicker, and more comfortable.

• It also covers induction, caesarean, and other interventions that may be offered during pregnancy and birth.

• It helps build confidence to make informed decisions that are right for the mother and baby and leaves them feeling empowered and prepared for every step of the birth process.

• Hypnobirthing helps overcome anxiety, enjoy pregnancy, and prepares for the challenges of parenthood.

• It helps have a positive and empowering birth experience and leaves the mother feeling informed, confident, and excited about giving birth.

• Ultimately, hypnobirthing aims to provide a positive birth experience, regardless of the mechanics of how the baby is born, and to leave the mother feeling relaxed, confident, and happy for a new chapter together.

Mental Preparation for Birth & Postpartum

The Positive Birth Digital pack includes 8 audio practice sessions. In contrast, the GentleBirth App includes over 140 unique audio sessions to support you in your pregnancy, birth and parenting journey. Each of our specially curated collections focuses on a specific need (Reduce Anxiety, Improve Sleep, Labor Playlist, Cesarean Birth, Positive Induction, Change of Circumstances in Labor etc).

We offer similarly a full toolkit of resources to choose from during your unique pregnancy journey. We have also specially curated content for birth partners (male or female). Your hypnobirthing and meditation sessions are specific to your due date as you’ll see in your daily recommended practice sessions.

In labor you can use our free GentleBirth Contraction timer and play your favorite labor sessions as you time your surges. Our advanced timer guides you through every surge based on the length of your labor and how intense the sensations are.

Our technology is a bit different as we have The GentleBirth App includes 3 Postpartum Journeys;

• Immediate postpartum for physical recovery, infant feeding and emotional wellness (there’s partner content too)

• Body Positive - a unique 12 week program to learn to love your postpartum body, manage cravings with mindfulness techniques and enjoy exercise and healthy eating through hypnosis.

• Wellness - hypnosis and meditations for ongoing

Founders

Siobhan Miller is the Founder of the Positive Birth Company and began offering classes in 2012. Siobhan has a Masters in Psychology and is author of Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better.

Tracy Donegan has a B.Sc in Midwifery and is a Registered Midwife, Birth Doula trainer and International speaker on Positive Birth (Brazil, UK, Ireland, USA). Tracy trained as a Hypnobirthing educator in 2005 and has been teaching parents since 2006. Tracy is the author of GentleBirth: Your Positive Birth Begins Here, Mindful Pregnancy and the Irish Better Birth Book. Now living in the USA Tracy has a comprehensive knowledge of labor and birth practices in Europe and USA. Tracy trained in Mindful Motherhood and is halfway through her Masters in Mindfulness Studies. In 2017 Tracy was awarded Maternity Innovator of the Year at the MaMa Conference in the UK for her GentleBirth Hypnobirthing App. Tracy’s GentleBirth approach combining Mindfulness training and hypnobirthing is currently part of several international studies with Universities in Canada, Brazil and Portugal. Tracy’s new app FertileMind - a mindful approach to fertility challenges launches in Sept 2021 along with her new book FertileMind. Tracy provides ongoing support to parents as they prepare for their positive birth (and lots of postpartum support too).

GentleBirth and Positive Birth Company are both great examples of programs that promote positive and empowering birth experiences. GentleBirth uses a combination of mindfulness techniques, hypnobirthing, and neuroscience to help mothers and their partners prepare for birth and overcome anxiety and fear. The program emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment, and offers online classes, in-person workshops, and a supportive community to help mothers and their partners feel confident and prepared for birth.

Similarly, the Positive Birth Company offers online hypnobirthing courses, in-person classes, and a range of resources and tools to help mothers and their partners have a positive and empowering birth experience. The program emphasizes the importance of knowledge, support, and choice, and encourages mothers and their partners to approach birth with confidence and a positive mindset.

Both GentleBirth and Positive Birth Company offer a holistic approach to birth preparation, and prioritize the emotional well-being and empowerment of mothers and their partners. By providing education, practical tools, and a supportive community, these programs help to alleviate anxiety and fear around birth, and promote a positive and empowering birth experience for all involved.

We’re here to help you fill your labor toolkit and stack the odds in your favor of having the safest, most positive birth experience possible - as you define it.

No matter which class resonates the most with you trust that you can handle anything that comes your way on the big day - and long after!