Private vs. Group Hypnobirthing Courses: Which Is Right for You?

When it comes to preparing for the birth of your baby, hypnobirthing is an incredible tool to help you feel calm, confident, and in control. But with private and group options available, you might be wondering: should I go for a private hypnobirthing course or join a group class? The answer is entirely personal, and it’s about finding what works best for you and your birthing partner.

Let’s break down the key differences between these two options, so you can make an informed decision that suits your unique needs.

Private Hypnobirthing Course

My private hypnobirthing course is a bespoke, one to one  experience designed specifically for you and your birth partner. It can be tailored to your individual preferences, challenges, and any specific concerns you might have around birth. 

Benefits of a Private Course:

- Personalised to You: In a private session, your hypnobirthing practitioner can focus on your unique needs. Whether you have specific anxieties about birth, health conditions, or personal goals, the course will be shaped around your circumstances.

- Flexible Schedule: Life is busy, and sometimes group course timings just don’t work with your commitments. A private course allows for much greater flexibility. You can work with your practitioner to book sessions at times that suit you.

- More In-Depth Support: The one-to-one environment means there’s more opportunity to ask questions, dive deeper into specific areas, and receive extra attention and guidance throughout your journey.

- Privacy: If you or your partner feel uncomfortable sharing personal details in a group setting, a private course offers a safe space where you can openly discuss your feelings and concerns.

- Home Comforts: If you are in Newquay or the surroundings areas then I can come to your home to deliver your Hypnobirthing course! You can eat when you want, where what you want (yes, even your PJs!) and be comfortable on your own sofa!

Cons of a Private Course:

- Cost: My Private courses are a little more expensive than my group courses due to the personalised nature and flexibility. You do get me all to yourselves after all! 

- Limited Social Interaction: One of the benefits of group courses is the opportunity to connect with other parents-to-be. In a private course, you don’t get to meet other pregnant peeps!

(Side note - I highly recommend a group pregnancy yoga class for meeting other pregnant mums - I met 2 of my bestest friends at my pregnancy yoga class, and our kids have all grown up together and are friends now!)

Group Hypnobirthing Course

My group hypnobirthing course is a structured class that follows a set outline (but don’t worry, there is plenty of time for questions!) It is delivered to a small group of parents-to-be. My normal group size is 5-6 couples. These sessions are packed with information, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and birthy knowledge, all shared in a supportive group setting. 

Benefits of a Group Course:

- Shared Experience: There’s something truly empowering about learning alongside other couples who are on the same journey as you. You’ll bond over shared experiences, support one another, and potentially make new friends for life.

- Lower Cost: Group courses tend to be more affordable than private courses, making them an excellent option if you’re looking to manage your budget.

- Diverse Perspectives: Hearing other people’s questions and insights can broaden your own understanding of birth and hypnobirthing techniques. Sometimes, someone will ask a question you hadn’t even thought of, and the answer will be invaluable.

- Community Feel: Being part of a group can create a sense of community. Many parents-to-be find it comforting to be surrounded by others who are going through similar emotions and challenges.

Cons of a Group Course:

- Less Individual Focus: While group courses provide plenty of knowledge, they can’t be tailored to your specific situation in the same way that a private course can. The practitioner needs to cater to the needs of the group as a whole, so there may be less opportunity for in-depth, personalised support.

- Fixed Timings: Group courses are scheduled at set times, so you’ll need to make sure the dates and times work for you. There’s less flexibility compared to private sessions.

- Comfort Levels: Some people feel self-conscious in group settings, especially when discussing personal topics. If you’re more introverted or prefer a private space, a group course might feel a little overwhelming.

Which Option Is Right for You?

At the end of the day, the decision between a private hypnobirthing course and a group course comes down to what feels right for you and your partner.

If you’re looking for personalised attention, flexibility, and a course that’s tailored specifically to your circumstances, a private hypnobirthing course might be the best fit. On the other hand, if you love the idea of connecting with others, sharing experiences, and enjoying a more budget-friendly option, a group course could be perfect for you.

Whichever option you choose, both courses will give you the tools to feel empowered, calm, and ready for a positive birth experience. Ultimately, it’s about finding what works best for your situation and making the choice that leaves you feeling supported, prepared, and excited for the journey ahead.

Ready to Sign Up?

Whether you’re leaning towards a private or group hypnobirthing course, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Get in touch today to discuss your options and find out which course might be right for you. Your positive birth experience starts here!

www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk

www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/book-online

www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/testimonials

Hypnobirthing: What Actually Is it? Benefits & Myths Explained!

Hypnobirthing: Empowering Birth for Mothers, Babies, and Partners

 

Pregnancy is a time filled with excitement and anticipation, but for many birthers, it can also be accompanied by feelings of uncertainty or even anxiety about the birth experience. Hypnobirthing is increasingly gaining attention as a powerful tool that helps mothers feel more confident, relaxed, and in control of their birthing journey. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, hypnobirthing isn’t about swinging pendulums or losing control of your mind. Instead, it's a practical approach to childbirth, grounded in the belief that when a birthing person is deeply relaxed and free from fear, her body can work efficiently and naturally.

In this blog, we'll break down the key benefits of hypnobirthing for you, your baby, and your birth partner, while addressing some common misconceptions. We’ll also share why a Cornwall Hypnobirthing course offers more than just techniques—it provides full antenatal education, preparing you holistically for birth.

 

The Benefits of Hypnobirthing for Mothers, Babies, and Birth Partners

 

For the Mother/Birther: Reducing Fear and Building Confidence

One of the primary benefits of hypnobirthing is the focus on reducing fear and stress through education. Fear can interfere with the body’s natural ability to birth, causing tension and even pain. Hypnobirthing techniques like deep relaxation, visualization, and breathing exercises help you stay calm, centred, and in control, reducing the need for medical interventions such as epidurals or C-sections.

Many women who use hypnobirthing report feeling empowered and more in tune with their bodies. The methods taught don’t just prepare you for the physical aspects of labour but also help with the mental preparation, allowing you to trust in your body’s ability to give birth naturally. The calm and positive environment you create for yourself during labour can also lead to quicker recoveries postpartum.

 

For the Baby: A Gentler, More Peaceful Arrival

Hypnobirthing isn’t just about creating a better experience for the birther—it benefits the baby too. When you’re calm and relaxed during labour, your baby is less likely to experience distress. The focus on a peaceful birth environment means fewer sudden interventions, loud noises, or bright lights, all of which can make a big difference in how gently your baby enters the world. Babies born to mothers who use hypnobirthing often arrive more alert and content, and some studies suggest they may experience a smoother transition from womb to world.

 

For the Birth Partner: Active Involvement and Support

Hypnobirthing also provides a meaningful role for your birth partner, something that can sometimes be overlooked in more traditional birthing practices. Rather than feeling like a passive observer, your partner becomes an active participant in the process. They learn how to support you through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and positive affirmations, helping to create a calm and supportive birth environment. This active involvement not only strengthens the bond between you but also empowers your partner, making them feel more confident in their role during the birth.

 

Busting the Myths About Hypnobirthing

Despite its growing popularity over the years, hypnobirthing is often misunderstood. Let’s clear up a few of the most common myths:

Myth 1: Hypnobirthing is all about hypnosis.

Many people think that hypnobirthing involves being in a trance-like state or having no control over the process. In reality, hypnobirthing uses self-hypnosis techniques to encourage deep relaxation. You're fully aware of what’s happening, but you’re more focused and calm. It’s about achieving a state where fear and anxiety don’t have a place, so your body can do what it’s designed to do.

Myth 2: Hypnobirthing means you’ll have a pain-free birth.

While hypnobirthing can significantly reduce pain, it’s not a guarantee of a completely pain-free experience. What it does is change your perception of pain and how you manage it. By staying calm and relaxed, your body releases endorphins, nature’s own pain relievers, which can reduce discomfort. The key here is that hypnobirthing gives you the tools to manage pain in a more positive and effective way.

Myth 3: You can only use hypnobirthing if you’re planning a natural birth.

Hypnobirthing can be used in any type of birth—whether you're planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or even if a C-section becomes necessary. The techniques you learn are adaptable and can help you stay calm and focused, regardless of the path your birth takes. It’s not about having a particular type of birth but about creating the best possible experience for you and your baby.

 

The Cornwall Hypnobirthing Course: More Than Just Breathing

If you’re considering hypnobirthing, it’s essential to choose a course that offers a comprehensive approach to childbirth education. The Cornwall Hypnobirthing course is a full antenatal education programme that goes beyond hypnobirthing techniques alone. You’ll learn about the stages of labour, your birthing rights, how to navigate the healthcare system, and practical ways to prepare for birth, such as creating a birth plan.

It’s not just about breathing techniques—this course gives you a full toolkit to prepare for all aspects of labour and birth, empowering you to make informed decisions. By the end of the course, you’ll feel equipped with knowledge, strategies, and the confidence to approach your birth with clarity and calm.

 

Is Hypnobirthing Right for You?

Ultimately, the goal of hypnobirthing is to create a more positive and empowered birth experience. Whether you're a first-time parent or preparing for a subsequent birth, hypnobirthing can help you feel more in control, relaxed, and connected to your body and your baby. If you want to reduce fear, avoid unnecessary interventions, and create a calm, supportive environment for your baby’s arrival, hypnobirthing could be a great option for you.

The Cornwall Hypnobirthing course offers an accessible, down-to-earth way to prepare for birth while embracing the natural power you already have within you. And remember, it's not about achieving a “perfect” birth—it’s about feeling confident and informed every step of the way.

Taking the time to invest in your mental and emotional well-being during pregnancy is one of the best gifts you can give yourself, your baby, and your partner. So, if you’re curious about how hypnobirthing could benefit your birth experience, why not get in touch or jump on to one of my free taster sessions, and start your journey toward a more empowered birth today!

www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/book-online

Back to it! Saying Goodbye to the Summer Holidays and Welcoming the Autumn!

I'm writing this on the day before my daughter goes back to school, in a quest to get my head back in work mode and ready for the coming months after the summer holidays! No doubt tomorrow will be a day of mixed emotions for me, and probably so many parents of school aged children. I loved having my daughter home over the summer holidays and it seems to have flown by with all the fun we've had. But on the other hand my business seemed to go on the back burner a little bit over the holidays and I've found myself craving my normal work/life balance and getting back to reality and stuck in to work again. One of the many crazy and wonderful things that we navigate as working mothers! If you've got kids who are now back at school - I hope you had a wonderful summer and your 'back to reality' is a positive one! As from tomorrow it's back to business for me, so I thought I'd just let you know of all the cool things that Cornwall Hypnobirthing has to offer over the coming few months - Free taster sessions, local pregnancy connect events, group hypnobirthing course, and of course my one to one Doula support. Check out my offerings below and don't forget to come say 'hi' over on my Instagram; it's my favourite social media platform to share birthy & pregnancy content, and all my upcoming events. www.instagram.com/cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk

Cake & Connect - Pregnancy Brunch 

Do you want to connect with other pregnant people in your area?

Do you want a safe space to chat about all things pregnancy and birth?

Would you like to 'pick the brains' of an experienced Doula and Hypnobirthing teacher with 10 years of knowledge of the Cornish Maternity System?

And most importantly do you love cake?

Then Cake & Connect Pregnancy Brunch is for you! It's FREE to attend (you'll need to reserve your place and 'purchase' your free ticket by signing up to this event on my website). All you need to do is purchase something delicious from the wonderful Ladyvale selection of sweet and savoury treats (it can just be a drink if cake isn't your bag - their milkshakes and hot chocolates are amazing too!)

Come along, make friends, bring your pregnancy and birth questions, take some time out to relax and connect with other pregnant people. I can't wait to meet you (and eat cake!)

Time: 10.30am - 12pm Saturday 14th September

Venue: Ladyvale Bakery, Nansledan, Newquay

https://www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/service-page/sept-cake-connect-pregnancy-brunch?referral=service_list_widget&utm_campaign=0c84871d-02a9-4271-b975-378b8c3ecd31&utm_source=so&utm_medium=lp

Have you heard about Hypnobirthing but aren't quite ready to jump in and sign up to a full course?

Then my Free Hypnobirthing Taster Session is the perfect for you! During this one hour Zoom session you will get to meet me, learn what you can expect from my full Hypnobirthing course, the importance of high quality inclusive antenatal education, learn a relaxation technique that can help you through pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond, and also be taught a breathing technique that you can use during labour. I will also be sharing feedback and birth stories from previous clients. So come along and find out more about how to prepare your mind and body for a calm, confident and positive pregnancy and birth.

Tuesday 10th September @ 7pm on Zoom

When you have booked your place via my website, the Zoom link and password will be sent automatically via email. (remember to check your junk/spam folder!)

https://www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/service-page/free-hypnobirthing-taster-september?referral=service_list_widget

Cornwall Hypnobirthing Full Antenatal Education Course October 2024

For those of you with estimated due dates around December/January/February - this is for you! Are you wanting to enjoy the experience of being pregnant without worrying about how you're going to pop a baby out when the time comes? Are you consumed with anxiety and fear about your upcoming birth? Do you want to boss your birth and feel like a total birthing badass? If this is you, how would you feel if I told you that I can help you take control of your birth experience, to look forward to it rather than dread it; to feel excited, prepared, knowledgeable, powerful and have a shed load of techniques and tools to help you on your way? This is what my Hypnobirthing course is all about, and I currently have 4 places left on my October group course. If you want to get involved, then you can sign up by clicking the button below! 10 years of 5 star feedback says it's worth it and you won't regret it!

https://www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/service-page/october-hypnobirthing-group-course?referral=service_list_widget

My Doula services are running throughout the rest of 2024 and in to 2025. If you are interested in having me as your Doula, to support you through your pregnancy, labour and birth, then get in touch and we can book a time to get together and talk to see if I am the right Doula for you. Check out www.cornwallhypnobirthing.co.uk/doula for more information on my packages and also so read what my previous Doula clients have to say on working with me.