"Because of what we learnt on the course I had my dream birth! We both felt relaxed and confident throughout - it was amazing!"  Jane and David, London

"Everyone should attend this course!" Tony, Hampshire

"This course should be on the NHS - all expectant parents would benefit" Tim, Brighton

"The course way exceeded our expectations - I can't wait to give birth!" Kelly, Warwickshire

"I had a great birth experience which I know was due to the hypnosis, my labour was short, drug free and I felt in control throughout" Alison, Hants

"I would recommend using these techniques to all mothers!" Penni, London

"I finally had the birth I always dreamed of - thank you" Becky, Hants

"I felt calm, in control and really knew how to support her through the birth" John, London

See more testimonials and stories by clicking here

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Imagine if….you knew how to feel really confident in your bodies ability to give birth?

Imagine if …you knew you how to reduce and manage pain?

Imagine if…you knew you could free yourself from fears or anxiety?

Imagine if….you knew how to relax and feel calm, no matter what is going on around you?

Imagine if….you felt in control of your reactions and emotions no matter where your birthing takes you?

Imagine if….you could learn how to do all of the above in one weekend?

In your normal awake state you use a part of your mind which evaluates all things around you and is rational, critical and analytical.  That is the conscious part of the mind.

However when you are in a day dream like state (hypnosis) another part of your mind becomes more active. That is the subconscious and is the part of you that is responsible for all the things we do automatically, such as the beating of your heart, hormone production, elimination system and giving birth. In addition it is the part which stores all your memories, emotions, fears and anxiety.

Using hypnosis, you can access the subconscious easily to deal with, and overcome fear and anxiety associated with pregnancy and labour, and to increase self confidence and trust in your body’s natural ability to give birth.

By practicing Hypnosis (being deeply relaxed and listening to positive suggestions and imagery) daily before the birth, you are effectively “rehearsing” or "experiencing" in your mind a calm, instinctive birth over and over again. As the mind does not know the difference between things you have imagined and reality, when the actual birth begins, your mind and body are familiar and comfortable with the rehearsed responses and so reacts accordingly. In addition, the hypnosis is conditioning your body to be relaxed and calm no matter what is going on around you.

Therefore, the hypnosis suggestions create a pre programmed response for the birth which is to be relaxed, involved and in control, being conversant when necessary and aware of the experience. Being so relaxed leaves no room for the fear and tension, which are the main cause of pain. This calm state increases your natural pain killers (endorphins), increases the flow of oxygen to your baby and to your muscles, so making contractions more effective, which in turn reduces the need for intervention.

Most antenatal courses focus on “what is available” - the theory of giving birth, hospital procedures, the kind of pain relief available and what to do when things that go wrong.

Other courses may talk about the importance of being relaxed, overcoming fears, importance of breathing etc, however as they are all taught at a conscious level, the information does not always filter through to the all important store house, or subconscious and so does not actually help the couples address their own concerns. Quite often all the information can simply enhance or even create new fears rather than help you over come them. 


The Natal Hypnotherapy™ course is focused more on how to have the birth experience that is right for you. The course covers all the key information you need regarding the physiology of birth, however it also focuses heavily on the emotions of birth. The course is tailored to each individual, allowing them to overcome their particular concerns and to prepare for the birth in the way that is appropriate to their circumstances.


In addition, as much of the course is done using hypnosis, the key elements are absorbed by the subconscious level and so bypass the critical, analytical conscious part of the mind. 

This is a complete ante natal course which will prepare you and your birth partner mentally, emotionally and physically for giving birth. The course is run over 2 days or 4 evenings.

You will learn all you need to know to have a positive birth experience.

·         Understanding the basics of birth as a natural & intuitive process
-         The simplicity of birth
-         recognising the main stages
-         The importance of hormones
-         The emotional behaviour during birth

Understanding the negative impact of adrenaline & fear on the birthing process

-         How to minimise and overcome fear
-         Dismantling the myths
-         Understanding the fear – tension – pain cycle and how to avoid it
-         Taking control of how you respond to the birth process
-         Recognising and letting go of fears
-         Preparing for your own birth
-         Practical tools for birth
-         Active birth exercises, breathing, massage
-         Writing your own birth script  

The role of and practical tools for the partner

-         Understanding what the mother needs to birth well
-         learn massage techniques to help her during the birth
-         learn to help her to stay calm and relaxed
-         understanding your choices
-         giving you confidence to work with the medical team in a positive way

The role of the medical profession and how to interact with them

-         Knowing the choices you have
-         Preparing the right questions
-         Working with your midwife in a positive way

Visualisation & hypnotherapy

-         learn the principles of hypnosis
-         Hypnotherapy practice
-         using hypnosis to help you stay calm and relaxed
-         How it can benefit you during pregnancy, birth & post natally
-         How to enter deep relaxation in seconds
-         How to write personalised visualisation scripts

It is recommended that you attend a course between 25—38 weeks of pregnancy

By attending the course as a mother you will leave with skills which will help you:-

• Overcome fear of birth
• Reduce pain during birth
• Enter deep relaxation in seconds
• Feel relaxed and calm at all times
• Increase your energy and well being
• Sleep well
• Increase bonding with your baby
• Increase your sense of being in control
• Reduced the need for intervention / drugs
• Give birth to a calm, alert baby
• Enjoy comfortable breastfeeding
• Decrease the chance of postnatal depression

Your birthing companion will leave with skills to help them:-

• Feel calmer, confident and more relaxed about the forthcoming birth
• Have a better understanding of the birthing process
• Overcome their fears, concerns and needs
• Support the mother effectively
• Deal effectively with the medical team
• Make informed choices and decisions

The recommended cost of the course is £280 per couple but may vary according to location.

This includes:-

• A pre course questionnaire
• 16 hours of tuition (on 2 day courses)
• A 65 page Natal Hypnotherapy™ study manual
• Pregnancy, birth and post birth scripts
• Data sheet / guidelines to give to your midwife and medical team
• Question card to bring with you to the birth
• Refreshments
• FREE post course technical support

The number of attendees is kept to minimum to ensure a high standard of personal attention through out.

Courses are run by qualified and licensed Natal Hypnotherapy™ Practitioners who are also midwives, Doulas, antenatal teachers and Hypnotherapists.

To book on a course near you click here or call 01428 712615

No, Natal Hypnotherapy™ is not part of the US HypnoBirthing® group.  Natal Hypnotherapy™ has been developed in the UK by its founder, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Maggie Howell.  The techniques have been developed organically through her own experiences of using them for four births, through her work as a hypnotherapist and Doula and her work with leading birth specialists including Michael Odent, Ina May Gaskin and Sheila Kitzinger.

Both HypnoBirthing and Natal Hypnotherapy use professional hypnosis techniques to help couples prepare for the birth and both teach how relaxation, hypnosis and overcoming fear can drastically reduce the level of pain and help the couple feel and be more confident and in control.


The key differences between HypnoBirthing and Natal Hypnotherapy

The results

Both approaches help mothers feel and be more confident and trusting in the body’s natural abilities.

One way of measuring the outcome is on the avoidance of a C section – see below for a comparison