When Should I Start Birth Classes?

When Should I Start Birth Classes?

You will get many answers as to when you should start Hypnobirthing classes. Obviously, taking classes before labor begins is a great time! Each family unit is unique so here are a few things you should consider.
The first, is to look over both yours and your partners schedules so you can both attend the entire five-week series together. Sometimes getting those dates to align means you may take classes earlier or later than you may like too. Each class builds on itself and so skipping a week means you will miss some tools and information you will need. We do offer make up classes that you can take privately, and they are $100 each. Our classes are very intimate for the families and are not setup so that you can join another series to make up the class that you missed.

Next, some people prefer to practice for longer so that the tools are just part of their everyday life. By having the tools earlier, they feel more in control and not so unsure about what to expect during upcoming appointments or for when labor begins. If that sounds like you – then please take it earlier! I am glad you know yourself so well! It’s recommended that you start at 25 weeks to 30 weeks along so you are done well before baby should arrive. I would love to say that this is my preference, but it does not work for everyone due to work schedules etc.

If you are wanting the tools that you and your partner are practicing to be really fresh in your mind – then make sure you finish up the 5 week series by 36 weeks(some parents push it to 38 weeks). This works well for parents who have contacted us WAY ahead of time to make sure that they have a supportive care provider in place and who have been working on many of the tools and mindset ideals they need to have a natural birth. When you are working with midwives, a doctor who catches all his/her own babies, a free standing birth center or are planning a home birth, you can usually take classes later because you are solid with the right care provider.

Why Does It Matter Who My Care Provider Is?

Your choice in provider is SO important! Your care provider needs to be supportive of the kind of birth you want for your baby. Remember that YOU hire them and that they work for you. Support and trust is key for a great birth experience with your provider. Understand that many OBGYN practices are so large, that your doctor most likely won’t be the one attending your birth. That means that the whole practice must be supportive of your choices. No one mentioned that to me when I was pregnant. I assumed the doctor I saw every week would also deliver my baby. There are also many practices that induce on a “scheduled week” for all of their patients which increases your risk for a cesarean birth. Studies show that going into labor on your own drops that risk. You are not a sick patient or a number in a system. You are a parent having a baby. Those are two different things. Birth and pregnancy is a natural process – you need a provider that feels that way too.

You will learn to “feel out” your appointments. You should come away feeling safe and heard when you asked questions. Your inner wisdom or knowing will let you know how safe you feel with your chosen provider or group.  Many of our families end up switching providers and that is EASIER done if you are earlier in the pregnancy. We are here to answer any questions you may have.

I encourage you to contact us as early in your pregnancy as is possible. We can answer your questions and help direct you to great hospitals or providers that work with your insurance plan.

Why Are Our Classes Different?

At San Diego Hypnobirthing, we approach this birth as your baby’s birth, first and foremost. The labor is YOURS but the birth is your baby’s. Once that becomes your focus, it is much simpler to change your mindset and old programming when it comes to birth. Our classes are based on the Marie Mongan method which is the original Hypnobirthing program. We have extended our classes to be a little longer so we can add in evidence-based information, which we update as the science evolves. We have also included (2) online courses that are included in our pricing: Induction 101 and Newborn Procedures to ensure that our parents have all the education they need to manage wherever their baby decides to lead their birth. All of our instructors are also professional doulas. That means that we know how to prepare you for many different birth scenarios as we have experienced them first hand.

We have also worked with our local Hospitals/Birth Centers/Home Birth midwives for many years and can answer most questions and help you navigate the system you choose to birth with. We are connected with the best of the holistic providers in town(Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Pelvic Floor Therapists, Homeopathic Practitioners, Naturopathic Doctors etc.) that specialize in pregnancy and whom have worked amazingly with our parents over the last 13 years.

It is our honor to support you through this journey and offer whatever help we can. Feeling supported will calm you down and allow you get the help that you need to have a great pregnancy with your baby!

For more information on Hypnobirthing classes…