Giving birth is one of the most beautiful experiences in the world. You’re bringing new life into the planet, one that you will love with all your heart and soul.
At the same time, many pregnant women also feel apprehensive about childbirth. It’s natural to feel anxious, even scared, about the prospect of giving birth. In fact, about 80% of women express fear about childbirth and pregnancy.
If this sounds familiar to you, you may want to give hypnobirthing a try. Hypnobirthing is designed to help pregnant women stay calm, confident, and relaxed through a variety of self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques.
Unfortunately, the price of hypnobirthing classes can be prohibitive for a lot of people. A few sessions can run you hundreds of dollars, which is something that’s simply not affordable for many.
How much do hypnobirthing classes cost? Is there a cheaper way to experience hypnobirthing? Does insurance cover hypnobirthing? We’ll answer all of that and more below.
What Is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a birthing method designed to prepare women spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically for childbirth. The practice has three main goals — pain management, stress management, and creating a positive birthing experience.
Hypnobirthing classes are fairly similar to the Bradley method, which emphasizes the natural process of giving birth. With the Bradley method, pregnant mothers are encouraged to trust their body through proper diet, exercise, and deep breathing techniques to have easier childbirth.
On the other hand, hypnobirthing focuses more on relaxation and self-hypnosis. Hypnobirthing utilizes visualization, guided meditation, music, relaxation techniques, and positive words to relieve tension, pain, and fear during labor.
Hypnobirthing may be newer compared to other birthing techniques like Lamaze, but the research is incredibly promising already. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says that “hypnobirthing might be more effective than other interventions at reducing labor pain.”
What Are Hypnobirthing Classes Like?
In a hypnobirthing class, certified hypnotists guide you and your partner using the power of hypnosis. This is done through guided visualization, guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and deep breathing exercises.
What can you expect from hypnobirthing classes? This depends on the package you’ll avail. Typically, birthing classes last several weeks to months.
You can avail of a private class or attend a small group. Furthermore, some hypnobirthing classes include pregnancy nutrition advice, audio lessons, workbooks, or access to hypnobirthing mobile apps.
You can also expect to learn everything you need to know about your pregnancy and childbirth process. Some hypnobirthing classes discuss delayed cord clamping, giving the first bath, breastfeeding techniques, and many more.
What Are the Benefits of Hypnobirthing?
The benefits of hypnosis for pain management are already well-established. It’s no surprise, then, that hypnosis can be incredibly useful during childbirth, which is marked by painful sensations like intense labor cramps.
Hypnobirthing goes a few steps further. Apart from pain management, it also supports one’s emotional and mental wellness. Below are some benefits:
Reduce fear and anxiety
Women enter a deeply relaxed state through hypnobirthing. The result is less painful and faster childbirth because the body goes along with the natural process instead of fighting it with fear and anxiety.
Manage labor pains
During the early and active labor phase, contractions become stronger, longer, and have short intervals. With hypnobirthing, you can learn how to manage pain labor.
Lesser need for medical interventions
Studies show that pregnant mothers who attended hypnobirthing classes didn’t need medical interventions like augmentation with oxytocin during labor. Also, hypnobirthing can help in naturally managing pain. Some moms who learned hypnobirthing didn’t need pain medication, and they reported pain levels 5 out of 10.
Decrease the chances of postpartum depression
Since you’ve already learned relaxation and stress management techniques with hypnobirthing, you can use these techniques to manage stress postpartum. Hypnobirthing helps in decreasing the likelihood of developing postpartum depression.
Help pregnant women who experience trauma
Some women have a general fear of labor or traumatic experience in their previous childbirth. Hypnobirthing helps address these issues and helps childbirth to become a more positive and less frightening experience.
How Much Does Hypnobirthing Cost?
It highly depends on where you are and the type of classes you plan on getting. The cost of hypnobirthing classes are based on:
- The hypnobirthing class teacher
- Whether you want group classes or private classes
- What the inclusions are (such as DVDs, nutrition advice, books, hypnosis tracks, etc.)
- Insurance coverage
- Etc.
To give you a better idea, we gathered the average hypnobirthing costs in the UK, Canada, Australia, US, Ireland, and New Zealand.
Note that these prices are just a general estimate – prices can vary wildly between hypnobirthing providers.
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in the UK
Expect to pay anywhere from £99 per couple for group classes to as much as £900+ for private, at-home hypnobirthing classes in the UK.
One UK company, for instance, offers hypnobirthing group classes at £205 per couple, with 3 couples per group.
For that price, you can choose from a 1-day intensive course (6.5 hours) or four 2-hour evening sessions (once a week for four weeks).
If you want a private session at home, you’ll be paying £320 for either class format.
Again, the final fees will still depend on which provider you go with.
In the UK, some hospitals under the National Health Service (NHS) offer free hypnobirthing classes. However, only a few do, so it’s best to confirm with your local NHS health center if they have one in your area.
You can also check with your insurance provider if they cover the costs of hypnobirthing classes.
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in Canada
In Canada, hypnobirthing classes may cost between $300 to $500 CAD or more.
For instance, one company charges each $495.00 CAD for five sessions (2.5 hours per session, once a week for five weeks).
Hypnobirthing classes in Canada may be offered in English and French. In Canada, check with your insurance provider if your insurance covers hypnobirthing classes.
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in Australia
In Australia, group hypnobirthing classes may range between $590 to $650 AUD for 5 sessions, composed of 6 women (with their partners, if preferred) for each class. The classes run for 5 weeks, with one 3-hour session per week.
Fees for a private 5-session class can cost $900 to $1,100 AUD for 5 sessions. The classes run for 5 weeks, with one 2.5-hour session per week.
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in USA
In the USA, hypnobirthing classes may cost between $275-$520 USD.
For example, some group classes may cost $350 per couple and private classes may cost up to $520, both for a 5-session course (2 hours per week for five weeks).
Some insurance companies cover a few sessions, so make sure to ask your provider if they will allow you to reimburse the cost.
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in Ireland
Hypnobirthing classes in Ireland may cost between €295 – €450.
For example, some providers charge €250 per couple for weekend classes (2 sessions only, for 6 hours each session.)
Cost of Hypnobirthing Classes in New Zealand
In New Zealand, hypnobirthing classes may cost between $295 to $900 NZD or more.
One company, for instance, charges $450.00 per couple for group classes, and $850 AUD for private classes. This gets you a 5-session course (2.5 hours per week for five weeks).
Why Are Hypnobirthing Classes So Expensive?
Based on those average prices, there’s no denying that hypnobirthing classes can be very expensive.
One reason is that there’s no price ceiling as to what hypnobirthing providers can charge for their courses. In other words, they can charge as much as they want for the class.
Next, hypnobirthing teachers often have experience as professional midwives, doulas, and other aspects of child- and birthcare. As a result, they price their services accordingly.
Unfortunately, this means that many mothers and couples are unable to afford hypnobirthing courses.
Looking for Cheap Hypnobirthing Classes? Try a Hypnobirthing App Instead
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to pay a fortune just to enjoy the amazing benefits of hypnobirthing.
Self-guided hypnobirthing and meditation apps can be just as effective as traditional classes.
You get all the essential hypnobirthing tools, such as:
- A dedicated hypnobirthing audio program
- Guided meditations
- Breathing exercises
- Coaching on relaxation techniques
The only difference?
These apps cost only a fraction of the price of the usual hypnobirthing classes.
You’re not limited to a few sessions, too — use the app anytime you need, from your pregnancy up to the birth and beyond. No need to travel to the class venue or log into a Zoom room.
Hypnobirthing apps are designed to be easy to follow. You don’t have to cram everything into weekly sessions or one intensive session, as well. Follow your own pace, and personalize your hypnobirthing experience in the way that feels best for you.
We Hope You Have a Positive Birth Experience
In all, hypnobirthing can turn childbirth into a joyful, relaxed, and affirming event.
If you want to know more information about hypnobirthing, make sure to check out getblessed.love and download the Hypnobirthing app.
You may also like other posts in the blog, like Can Cats Sense Pregnancy in Soon-to-Be Mommies? and Using Lavender Oil During Pregnancy: Everything You Need to Know.
FAQs
Does Insurance Cover a Hypnobirthing Course?
Not all insurance providers cover hypnobirthing classes. Some do, but may only reimburse a few sessions and not the entire course fee. Make sure to confirm this with your provider.
When Is the Best Time to Take Hypnobirthing Classes?
The best time to take hypnobirthing classes is between 25 to 29 weeks of your pregnancy. This may continue as you please until you give birth.
Can I Do Hypnobirthing on My Own?
Yes, you can do hypnobirthing classes on your own. You can even download an app for hypnobirthing classes on your mobile phone so that you can do it anytime and anywhere.
Does Hypnobirthing Help With C-Section Delivery?
Yes, hypnobirthing can help with C-section delivery by helping in reducing fear and anxiety, especially for moms-to-be who are afraid to go under anesthesia.
