Fertility Tasmania Fertility Tasmania

Positive Birth Classes

Get in touch with us about Hypnobirthing today

The Hobart Hypnobirthing Co at Fertility Tasmania teaches Hobart mothers and birth partners techniques for beautiful, calm and positive birthing. 

Positive Birth Classes During Covid-19

In the absence of public health advice directing otherwise, all Positive Birth classes will go ahead as planned (face to face, with appropriate social distancing measures taken).

In the case of an unexpected lockdown, if we are unable to run classes face to face, we will offer a Zoom alternative, with a $55 discount off the enrollment fee to account for the change in class delivery, or the option of a full refund if you’d prefer not to attend the class via Zoom.

What is Hypnobirthing Australia’s Positive Birth Program?

The Hypnobirthing Australia Positive Birth program provides positive childbirth education uniquely designed for Australian mothers and their birth partners. When a birthing mother is prepared with knowledge about the birth process, tools to stay positive, calm and comfortable through labour, has good support, and a method of preparation for both mind and body, birth can be a very positive and empowering experience.

What Will I Learn?

Hypnobirthing uses a combination of different philosophies and evidence-based techniques. You will learn breathing, relaxation, massage and self-hypnosis techniques, along with knowledge and tools to assist you to make well-informed decisions along the way. Your birth partner takes on a special role, and they will learn how they can best support you throughout labour and birth.

The ‘hypno’ part of ‘hypnobirthing’ refers to the hypnotherapy that we use to let go of fears and condition ourselves to release endorphins during our birth.  With the help of hypnotherapy, the birth of your baby can be a more calm and relaxed experience, one where you are in the driver’s seat, rather than feeling like a passenger.  This is likely to reduce your need for interventions during your birthing.

Achieving a Positive Birth

A positive birth is whatever you define it as. Whether you have a natural birth, require interventions, or have a caesarean birth, the use of self-hypnosis and deep relaxation techniques can be of great advantage to both yourself and your baby. Hypnobirthing will prepare you to calmly meet whatever turns your birthing journey might take.

These are the four key areas of focus in preparation for a positive birth experience:

Tools

Breathing techniques

Relaxation

Affirmations

Visualisations

Movement

Massage, touch & acupressure

Self-Hypnosis

Preparation

Positive mindset

Releasing fears

Conditioning techniques

Optimal positioning of baby

Healthy diet & exercise

Routine of practice

Knowledge

Mind/body connection

Hormones & physiology of birth

Bonding with baby

Special circumstances

Birthing preferences

Support

Birth partner

Tools & techniques

Birth environment

Choices in maternity support

The Hypnobirthing Australia program is unique to other childbirth programs in that it is down-to-earth, empowering, and completely geared towards parent’s needs. 

Classes

Classes can be attended at any stage through pregnancy, however 20-33 weeks is the ideal time to start. Parents find the hypnobirthing techniques to be down-to-earth, straightforward and easily learned.  Hypnobirthing Australia classes are structured in a way that the support partner is encouraged to attend.  Participants receive:

  • twelve hours of teaching time
  • two albums of relaxation and self-hypnosis tracks
  • folio of visualisations, hypnosis scripts, relaxation and breathing tools
  • video of a birth rehearsal utilising the techniques
  • Hypnobirthing eBook
  • links to additional reading materials

Classes are run on weekends. See ‘Course Dates & Fees’ tab for current class dates and times. Spaces are limited, so call or email Fertility Tasmania reception to register your interest.

2024 Course Dates and Fees

There will be 6 rounds of Hypnobirthing Australia’s Positive Birth Course spread throughout 2024:

Dates Times Location
Round 1 Saturday January 20 + Sunday January 21
(full weekend)
9:00am – 4:00pm (both days) Eternal Women’s Health
(Hobart CBD)
Round 2 Saturday March 16 + Sunday March 17
(full weekend)
9:00am – 4:00pm
(both days)
Eternal Women’s Health
(Hobart CBD)
Round 3 Saturday May 25 + Sunday May 26
(full weekend)
9:00am – 4:00pm
(both days)
Eternal Women’s Health (Hobart CBD)
Round 4 Saturday July 6 + Sunday July 7
(full weekend)
9:00am – 4:00pm
(both days)
Eternal Women’s Health
(Hobart CBD)
Round 5 Saturday September 14 + Sunday September 15 (full weekend) 9:00am – 4:00pm (both days) Eternal Women’s Health (Hobart CBD)
Round 6 Saturday December 7 + Sunday December 8
(full weekend)
9:00am – 4:00pm
(both days)
Eternal Women’s Health(Hobart CBD)

Fee Schedule:

Course fees include:

  • twelve hours of teaching time
  • two albums of relaxation and self-hypnosis tracks
  • folio of visualisations, hypnosis scripts, relaxation and breathing tools
  • video of a birth rehearsal utilising the techniques
  • Hypnobirthing eBook
  • links to additional reading materials
  • ongoing support and communication with your facilitator

Payment is completed across three instalments:

Instalment One:  $150 deposit to secure your place

Instalment Two:  $200 (any time prior to course start date)

Instalment Three:  $200 (any time prior to or on course start date)

Health fund rebates are available.  Contact your health fund for more information. Course refunds can be processed where withdrawal occurs due to a change of circumstances, minus a $50 administration fee.

 

Birth Stories from Hobart Mums

Jurate + Chris = Baby Noralie

Last week we welcomed our baby girl Noralie and it was a great experience!

I think hypnobirthing helped me to prepare mentally for it and not to lose my mind during the intense stages!

My labour started around 8pm on Monday evening, so I went to bed to get some rest and see if it’s really on. The waves were coming in at regular intervals and I was checking my phone to see how far apart they were. Then probably around 1am I got out of bed (surges were coming closer) and went to the lounge room, put on some candles and music and was moving with every surge and resting in between.

Finally, when it became quite constant (probably 2-3 surges in 10 min), I woke Chris up and asked him to count it for me as I needed to concentrate more on “being in the zone”. I didn’t want to be sent back from the hospital if we’d come too early, so really waited for the surges to be constant. We phoned the hospital and they said to come over. So we arrived there around half 3 that night and were met by midwife Skye, who was absolutely brilliant.

Chris set up the room with candles and music as I was rolling on the ball. Eventually I went on the bed and stayed there on all fours, moving through surges and resting in between. It was intense!   I didn’t want any touches during the surges or not even any words, but was fully recovering during the down time and could ask, listen and chat if needed. I felt really supported by our midwife as she approached everything very calmly and knew when to give some space or suggest a different position.

And then I felt an urge to push – yes, that’s what I said to her and she said just breath through it and try not to rush. Chris joined in on this and it was really helpful to have those words through this stage. I also was using TENS machine and I found it to be most helpful at this stage actually.  Later Skye suggested for me to sit on the toilet for the gravity to take over and it helped!

Our little one came out 6:37 that morning and I couldn’t believe how beautiful she looked the moment I saw her! :))

The next day I was talking to Chris about how loud I was during the labour (I kind of had that quiet hypnobirthing image in my head) and he said that I wasn’t loud at all! It was only the last push where I was more vocal apparently. Then our midwife Skye came in and she said exactly the same thing! It just shows how different we can look from the outside!

All in all, Erin, I found the breathing the most helpful during the resting phases, whilst rolling and rocking my body during the surges as needed.

It was a beautiful experience and we are so happy to have our little one with us. Thank you for the course, Erin! It helped to prepare and follow the body cues.


Cassandra + Richard = Baby Isobel

We just wanted to let you know that our daughter, Isobel, arrived very early on Monday morning at 1.25am.

I was induced via gel late Sunday afternoon due to high blood pressure, and ended up in active labour a few hours later. It was an intense experience but using the breathing and relaxing techniques we learnt with you I always felt in control and used gas & air for just the last few hours.

During the transition phase the midwife had to coach me – I’d asked for more pain relief and was convinced I couldn’t do any more but she was positive I was fine and really helped me stay on track.

I’d been listening to the Hypno tracks and affirmations daily since the course and felt very calm in the lead up. I also think the breathing techniques made the gas & air more effective for me, and definitely enabled me to manage the surges.

Common Misconceptions

I’m sorry, did you say HIPPO-birthing? Or was it HIPPIE-birthing? No – it’s HYPNO-birthing!! But we’ll forgive you, because it can be confusing! As Hypnobirthing Australia practitioners, we are passionate about what we do, and excited about the difference we can make, but we also understand that there are potentially some misconceptions out there about what it is exactly that we do. Media reports, stories told by celebrities, social media posts, and marketing from other birth education -providers mean that there are sometimes some mixed messages out there, and we’d hate to think that those mixed messages might deter people from doing what we believe is the best birth education course around!

SO, let’s spend some time de-mystifying this ‘mystical’ term!

Misconception Number 1: A hypnobirth is a pain-free birth.

This is isn’t quite the case. The intense sensations experienced during birth are a normal part of what is a natural physiological process for our bodies. Hypnobirthing Australia courses work with couples to help change their relationship with and perception of pain, so hypnobirthing mums experience the intense sensations of birth very differently – but they still experience them!

Misconception Number 2: Hypnobirthing is all about having a natural birth.

Not at all! Hypnobirthing practitioners believe that every couple has the right to a positive and joyful birth experience – whatever that might look like! Hypnobirthing Australia courses equip couples with the tools they need to calmly face whatever turn their birth happens to take, so no matter what happens, the parents feel positive, empowered and proud of what they’ve achieved.

Misconception Number 3: Hypnobirthing is only for hippies, right?

WRONG! A positive birth experience is the right of every couple, but this requires preparation. Hypnobirthing Australia courses provide knowledge, practical tools and support, and have a sound scientific evidence base. The courses have benefitted heterosexual couples, same-sex couples, and single mums (with or without birthing partners) from all walks of life – in fact, Kate Middleton reportedly utilised hypnobirthing techniques during the births of her three children, and Meghan Markle is also said to be preparing for her birth using the same approach! If it’s good enough for the royals, it definitely good enough for us! If you are anxious about birth, or if a positive birth experience is important to you, then Hypnobirthing Australia is for you – hippie has nothing to do with it!

Misconception Number 4: Hypnobirthing is just about hypnotizing yourself.

Oh no – it’s so much more than that! You are right in thinking that Hypnobirthing Australia courses involve some self-hypnosis – that’s why we put it in the name! But forget any ideas you have about being made to cluck like a chicken. Self-hypnosis is simply a state of deep relaxation and strong focus on a single idea, and in fact it is something most of us experience several times a day without realising it. Hypnobirthing Australia courses do help couples to capitalize on this pre-existing skill, but it is one of many tools (breathing techniques, changes to the birth environment, positions, touch, affirmations) couples receive practical training in.

So, now you know! It’s not HIPPO-birthing, or HIPPIE-birthing. It’s HYPNOBIRTHING, and it’s FABULOUS!

Dr Erin Kelly

   

Giving birth is one of the most extraordinary experiences life can offer, and the day you meet your precious baby is one you will never forget. Every woman has the right to a positive birth, and deserves to re-tell and re-live her birth story with a sense of pride, delight and wonder. Your baby’s birthday will be an annual celebration of your little one, but it is my hope that it will also be a reminder of one of the most amazing days of your lives, and one of your greatest achievements. That’s what hypnobirthing helped me achieve (I’m a proud mum of one hypnobub), and that’s a joy I’m truly passionate about spreading.

Erin is a proud Tasmanian, who completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Tasmania in 2010. In addition to her work at Fertility Tasmania, Erin provides psychological services at Gregory Street Psychology in Sandy Bay where she works with children, adolescents and adults.

Erin is passionate about supporting patients through their fertility treatment, and strongly believes in the proactive management of mental health at all stages of the treatment experience. She is also an accredited Hypnobirthing Australia practitioner, and is excited to be able to offer these classes at Fertility Tasmania to support patients in achieving a calm and empowered birthing experience.

Erin lives in Hobart with her husband, daughter, and two fluffy Maltese Shih-Tzus. When she’s not at work, you will find her shopping, eating at a café, running, or singing along (badly) to her favourite tunes.

Get in touch with us about Hypnobirthing Australia classes today.

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Contact

Email

Open Hours

  • For all appointments and general enquiries:
    Monday to Friday
  • Available by appointment only:

Address

  • Hobart

    Level 4
    81 Elizabeth Street
    Hobart TASMANIA 7000

    Postal Address:

    PO Box 4582
    Bathurst Street
    Hobart TASMANIA 7000

(Menopause (premature))
Menopause (premature) Menopause in women less than or equal to 35 years of age
Menopause (premature)
Menopause (premature) Menopause in women less than or equal to 35 years of age
(Biochemical Pregnancy)
Biochemical Pregnancy Fertilisation and implantation have occurred resulting in a positive pregnancy test. The pregnancy ends at a very early stage prior to ultrasound confirmation.
Biochemical Pregnancy
Biochemical Pregnancy Fertilisation and implantation have occurred resulting in a positive pregnancy test. The pregnancy ends at a very early stage prior to ultrasound confirmation.
(Anembryonic Pregnancy)
Anembryonic Pregnancy No foetal heartbeat is visible at the 6-8 week scan.
Anembryonic Pregnancy
Anembryonic Pregnancy No foetal heartbeat is visible at the 6-8 week scan.
(Menopause (early))
Menopause (early) Menopause in women less than 46 years of age
Menopause (early)
Menopause (early) Menopause in women less than 46 years of age
(Follicular Phase)
Follicular Phase First half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation
Follicular Phase
Follicular Phase First half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation
(Cryopreservation)
Cryopreservation Preservation (by freezing) of eggs, sperm or embryos
Cryopreservation
Cryopreservation Preservation (by freezing) of eggs, sperm or embryos
(Antagonist Cycle)
Antagonist Cycle A type of treatment process that requires the use of a medication that prevents ovulation during an IVF cycle
Antagonist Cycle
Antagonist Cycle A type of treatment process that requires the use of a medication that prevents ovulation during an IVF cycle
(Extended Culture)
Extended Culture The term used to describe growth of embryos in culture for 4-6 days
Extended Culture
Extended Culture The term used to describe growth of embryos in culture for 4-6 days
(Embryo Transfer)
Embryo Transfer Placement of embryo/s into the uterus
Embryo Transfer
Embryo Transfer Placement of embryo/s into the uterus
(Ultrasound Scan)
Ultrasound Scan An ultrasound wave scan of the uterus/ovaries/follicles for investigation of infertility and/or scan of the uterus for the confirmation of pregnancy
Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound Scan An ultrasound wave scan of the uterus/ovaries/follicles for investigation of infertility and/or scan of the uterus for the confirmation of pregnancy
(Pituitary Gland)
Pituitary Gland The gland located at the base of the brain, which controls hormone functions in the human body
Pituitary Gland
Pituitary Gland The gland located at the base of the brain, which controls hormone functions in the human body
(Donation Embryo)
Donation Embryo The process where a couple donate frozen embryo/s to another party (recipients) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Embryo
Donation Embryo The process where a couple donate frozen embryo/s to another party (recipients) for use in infertility treatment
(Fallopian Tubes)
Fallopian Tubes Tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovary and serve as a passageway for the egg and sperm to meet. The fallopian tube is the place where fertilisation occurs
Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian Tubes Tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovary and serve as a passageway for the egg and sperm to meet. The fallopian tube is the place where fertilisation occurs
(Egg Timer Test)
Egg Timer Test A blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan to indicate the likely fertility status of a woman
Egg Timer Test
Egg Timer Test A blood test and pelvic ultrasound scan to indicate the likely fertility status of a woman
(Egg Collection)
Egg Collection Surgical collection of egg/s from the follicles in the ovary
Egg Collection
Egg Collection Surgical collection of egg/s from the follicles in the ovary
(Donation Sperm)
Donation Sperm The process where a male donor donates sperm to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Sperm
Donation Sperm The process where a male donor donates sperm to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
(Endometriosis)
Endometriosis A medical condition where the endometrium is located outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity
Endometriosis
Endometriosis A medical condition where the endometrium is located outside the uterus in the pelvic cavity
(Fertilisation)
Fertilisation The earliest stage of development after the penetration of the egg by a sperm
Fertilisation
Fertilisation The earliest stage of development after the penetration of the egg by a sperm
(Embryo Biopsy)
Embryo Biopsy The removal of one or two cells, from an early IVF embryo for preimplantation genetic screening
Embryo Biopsy
Embryo Biopsy The removal of one or two cells, from an early IVF embryo for preimplantation genetic screening
(Implantation)
Implantation The embedding of the embryo into the lining of the uterus
Implantation
Implantation The embedding of the embryo into the lining of the uterus
(Progesterone)
Progesterone Hormone produced by the ovary in the Luteal phase. Its main function is to change the growth of the endometrium and assist with the implantation of the embryo
Progesterone
Progesterone Hormone produced by the ovary in the Luteal phase. Its main function is to change the growth of the endometrium and assist with the implantation of the embryo
(Luteal Phase)
Luteal Phase The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation until the menstrual period
Luteal Phase
Luteal Phase The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation until the menstrual period
(Donation Egg)
Donation Egg The process where a female donor donates eggs to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
Donation Egg
Donation Egg The process where a female donor donates eggs to another party (recipient) for use in infertility treatment
(Spermatozoon)
Spermatozoon Mature male sperm cell (gamete) produced by the testicle
Spermatozoon
Spermatozoon Mature male sperm cell (gamete) produced by the testicle
(Patent Tubes)
Patent Tubes A term used to describe fallopian tubes that are open allowing free passage for the egg, sperm and embryo
Patent Tubes
Patent Tubes A term used to describe fallopian tubes that are open allowing free passage for the egg, sperm and embryo
(Endometrium)
Endometrium The membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus
Endometrium
Endometrium The membrane that lines the inner surface of the uterus
(Laparoscopy)
Laparoscopy Diagnostic procedure where an instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision just below the umbilicus, to enable visualisation of the pelvic cavity and its organs
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy Diagnostic procedure where an instrument (laparoscope) is inserted through a small incision just below the umbilicus, to enable visualisation of the pelvic cavity and its organs
(Miscarriage)
Miscarriage Loss of pregnancy
Miscarriage
Miscarriage Loss of pregnancy
(Blastocyst)
Blastocyst An embryo five to six days after fertilisation.
Blastocyst
Blastocyst An embryo five to six days after fertilisation.
(Menopause)
Menopause The permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian function
Menopause
Menopause The permanent cessation of menstruation following the loss of ovarian function
(Ovulation)
Ovulation The process of release of a mature egg from an ovary
Ovulation
Ovulation The process of release of a mature egg from an ovary
(Oestrogen)
Oestrogen A major female hormone that is produced primarily by the ovaries
Oestrogen
Oestrogen A major female hormone that is produced primarily by the ovaries
(In Vitro)
In Vitro Outside the body
In Vitro
In Vitro Outside the body
(Follicle)
Follicle A small secretory sac in the ovary in which an egg develops
Follicle
Follicle A small secretory sac in the ovary in which an egg develops
(Adhesion)
Adhesion Scar tissue, in particular between the abdominal and/or pelvic organs often the result of an infection/inflammation.
Adhesion
Adhesion Scar tissue, in particular between the abdominal and/or pelvic organs often the result of an infection/inflammation.
(Hormone)
Hormone A chemical substance, secreted by the endocrine glands, which is carried by the blood stream to the target organ influencing its activity, growth and nutrition
Hormone
Hormone A chemical substance, secreted by the endocrine glands, which is carried by the blood stream to the target organ influencing its activity, growth and nutrition
(Menevit)
Menevit Vitamin supplement for men containing anti oxidants to support sperm health
Menevit
Menevit Vitamin supplement for men containing anti oxidants to support sperm health
(In Vivo)
In Vivo Inside the body
In Vivo
In Vivo Inside the body
(Gamete)
Gamete The male and female reproductive cells (egg or sperm)
Gamete
Gamete The male and female reproductive cells (egg or sperm)
(Uterus)
Uterus Female reproductive organ where a pregnancy develops
Uterus
Uterus Female reproductive organ where a pregnancy develops
(Cervix)
Cervix Lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the top of the vagina.
Cervix
Cervix Lower section of the uterus which protrudes into the top of the vagina.
(Embryo)
Embryo After fertilisation the egg begins to divide and multiply and is now called an embryo
Embryo
Embryo After fertilisation the egg begins to divide and multiply and is now called an embryo
(Vagina)
Vagina Passageway between the external genitals and the uterus
Vagina
Vagina Passageway between the external genitals and the uterus
(Semen)
Semen Fluid containing sperm
Semen
Semen Fluid containing sperm
(OHSS)
OHSS Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. A group of symptoms which is associated with ovarian enlargement during IVF treatment cycle
OHSS
OHSS Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. A group of symptoms which is associated with ovarian enlargement during IVF treatment cycle
(Ovum)
Ovum Female gamete (egg) contained in a follicle
Ovum
Ovum Female gamete (egg) contained in a follicle
(ICSI)
ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a process where a single sperm is injected into an egg
ICSI
ICSI Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a process where a single sperm is injected into an egg
(PGS)
PGS Preimplantation Genetic Screening - the process of taking cells from an embryo to check the number of chromosomes or to test for a specific genetic abnormality
PGS
PGS Preimplantation Genetic Screening - the process of taking cells from an embryo to check the number of chromosomes or to test for a specific genetic abnormality
(FET)
FET Frozen Embryo Transfer, a procedure in which frozen embryo/s are thawed and then transferred to the uterus
FET
FET Frozen Embryo Transfer, a procedure in which frozen embryo/s are thawed and then transferred to the uterus
(HCG)
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin The hormone measured to diagnose a pregnancy
HCG
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin The hormone measured to diagnose a pregnancy
(ART)
ART Assisted Reproductive Technology - a collective term for the different types of infertility treatments.
ART
ART Assisted Reproductive Technology - a collective term for the different types of infertility treatments.
(IVF)
IVF In Vitro Fertilisation. A procedure in which an egg is removed from a follicle and fertilised by a sperm outside the human body. The resultant embryo can then be transferred into the uterus
IVF
IVF In Vitro Fertilisation. A procedure in which an egg is removed from a follicle and fertilised by a sperm outside the human body. The resultant embryo can then be transferred into the uterus
(FSH)
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the female. FSH also induces the development of sperm in the testicle
FSH
FSH Follicle Stimulating Hormone which is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the growth of follicles in the female. FSH also induces the development of sperm in the testicle
(LH)
LH Luteinising Hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland and responsible for stimulating ovulation
LH
LH Luteinising Hormone. Produced by the pituitary gland and responsible for stimulating ovulation