07966 387954 | kat@berryandbloom.com

Hypnobirthing+

I have been sharing hypnobirthing since the beginning of 2009 and have seen perception and awareness of it grow and change in the nine years since then. There are a few different "brands" of using hypnosis for birth and lots of people claiming they offer 'hypnobirthing' now that it has increased in awareness - there' s no regulations so it's important you research who you choose to work with at this important chapter in your life. I believe it's important to work with the person in front of me and so bring my experience as a doula, clinical hypnotherapist, CBT counsellor, mindfulness coach and aromatherapist to offer a truly holistic antenatal preparation course. That's why it's Hypnobirthing+

What is hypnobirthing+?

Sometimes it’s easier to say what hypnobirthing ISN’T!

  • it isn’t just relaxation.
  • It isn’t just about natural birth.
  • It isn’t woo woo, hippy trippy nonsense.

It IS grounded in science - you will gain an understanding of how the birthing muscles and hormones work in perfect harmony - as they were designed to - when your body is sufficiently relaxed and you trust birth.

It IS rational - you will discover how what's happening in your mind affects the physiology of your bodiy; and how to train that human mind of yours to work FOR you.

It IS for EVERY kind of birth experience - understanding your options opens them up. Making decisions based on intuitive intelligence means a calm, confident birth wherever and whenever.

It IS MORE than just for birth - this conversation, these skills we practice; it’s for mums and dads, it’s for all of us to use in life, work, play, the challenges and the opportunities in life

It IS using hypnotic tools - hence the HYPNO of hypnobirthing. This preparation goes much further than other antenatal preparation precisely because of the use of hypnosis. We work with both the conscious and the unconscious parts of the mind.

I’m a geek for the why of things and I appreciate you may be too. You can expect me to talk about neuroplasticity and all the latest understandings of how the mind and body work. You can expect me, however, to also talk about lunar cycles and channeling goddesses; I’ll probably mention how my grandmother was a witch and how women are like wolves too!

"I'm really glad I did the HypnoBirthing course. It's not rocket science, in fact it's all pretty much common sense, but as with many similar life-changing processes it really helps to talk through the subject thoroughly with someone who has the time. Having done the course, I genuinely feel no fear or panic in the run up to the birth, and I also feel very well informed, which considering I was completely clueless when the pregnancy test came out positive, is impressive. It was interesting to compare myself with some other mothers-to-be recently. Many of them were booked in for caesareans or thought I was mad for putting myself in a drug-free environment, and I felt rather sorry for them, and definitely sure that my way is the best choice for me."

Olly

What do I get?

You will share twelve hours with me and a small group of like minded expectant parents. 12 hours packed with

  • Practical tools to keep you and your birth partner super calm and confident during labour. So that you can even ENJOY your birth, feel in control and be totally empowered throughout! Emerging into parenthood with an understanding of your great strength!
  • An understanding of how your mind works (sometimes against your best interests) and how you can use self hypnosis tools to train your brain for powerful change in all aspects of life
  • Tools and information for your birth partner to be a solid rock throughout pregnancy and birth, providing and protecting a safe space for you to grow and bring forth your baby (plus they’ll understand WHY this is so important)
  • Calm confidence so you can deal with any twists and turns that may happen during pregnancy and birth so you can make informed decisions that are right for you and your family
  • Confidence to navigate the NHS system, hospital policies and guidelines and figure out what matters to YOU
  • Space to consider and prepare for the post natal, settling in, period and ongoing support to help you parent

For an overview of what we'll cover in each session take a look here. Sessions are very much led by the group discussions but this will give you an idea of what's covered.

Plus you’ll receive

  • TWO books - 'Why Hypnobirthing Matters' by ME and 'The Positive Birth Book' by Milli Hill
  • The Information & Inspiration Workbook I've designed to accompany our sessions and help focus your attention and energy outside of our sessions
  • 10+ hypnosis recordings to support both mother AND father individually and together through pregnancy, birth AND the newborn period
  • each session follows with an email of further reading, links and helpful resources
  • affirmation cards
  • temporary birth affirmation tattoo
  • "Positive thoughts & words please" badge
  • work sheets, all the resources you could ever want on any subject that interests you.
  • pukka teas (in proper mugs) and homemade snacks to keep us grounded and energised in sessions
  • my continued support right up to and beyond your baby’s birth!!

I can provide additional recordings and hypnosis sessions if you have specific requirements, I have a range of aromatherapy products for pregnancy and labour and you'll never be short of reading material and useful information! As a clinical hypnotherapist, aromatherapist and doula I bring the wealth of this experience to our relationship which enable me to address all manner of questions and concerns. I do my utmost to ensure that each and every couple leaves the course feeling empowered, inspired, calm and confident.

Who is HypnoBirthing+ suitable for?

It’s for everyone! Seriously whether this is your first or sixth baby, it helps women who are scared of birth because they've never done it before, who are fearful because of a bad experience last time, or who just want a calmer, easier, more natural birth experience. We all bring the benefits and wisdom of previous experiences, and the baggage and beliefs that come from previous experiences too. Hypnobirthing+ is a chance to explore what our minds are saying to us and how our bodies are responding.

Hypnobirthing+ is not about a particular kind of birth, it’s about a particular kind of woman approaching birth. A strong, determined woman making good decisions for her and her child; not based on fear but information and instinct.

It doesn’t require any particular belief system, or prior experience. I have worked with women with IVF pregnancy, placenta praevia, obstetric cholestasis, gestational diabetes, "advanced maternal age" (drives me mad that expression!) and all manner of circumstances. Every woman's pregnancy and birth is unique and this approach helps everyone.

"It's really funny how pregnancy throws curveballs at you. When you had previously read us those lovely stories of how hypnobirthing had worked for some couples either through adversity or just as a tool for birth, I genuinely couldn't imagine us being in a situation where hypnosis would be *so* helpful. We now have a renewed belief and understanding of how hypnobirthing can help a very hospital related experience. The confidence and belief and element of control over the situation is hugely beneficial."

Charles

"Hypnobirthing didn’t just change everything for us as a couple, it changed everything for me when it came to being a birth partner. We genuinely had a lovely day during our birth and that was because we felt in control and ready in a way we never would have done if we’d not embraced hypnobirthing and gone into it thinking “we can do this”.
You do need to work at it – it’s not enough to just read the book, you literally need to give your birth some thought – but for us giving birth was genuinely a day that wasn’t just great because we had our lovely son, it was also a really interesting experience to go through that even contained some proper laughs. And I think that if you spend your day feeling like you can have a giggle when you’re having a baby then you’re probably doing okay…"

Jon

Do dads come too?

Absolutely! Everything we discuss throughout the course is relevant to every single one of us, whether pregnant or not (perineal massage may be an exception to this, although partners can help with this too!). Learning how to calm your nervous system, to ground your emotions and to integrate a helpful way of thinking are life skills for every single one of us. I have many partners tell me they're using the philosophy and techniques which have helped them work more effectively, sleep better and even pass driving tests!

Having a supportive partner who understands what helps and hinders the birth process and is confident in their role to support birth is integral to a positive birth experience which is why I have hypnosis sessions specifically recorded for expectant and new fathers. I find that some men beginning the course with me may not be quite sure why they’re there or indeed what they’re coming to. It’s these very same people who by the end of the course are driving everybody around them crazy as they extol the merits of hypnobirthing.

Can I come on my own?

You might be surprised how many women come on their own to the course for all sorts of reasons. Some are single parents, some partners can’t make it, we all have our stories don’t we? Some might decide to bring a friend, doula or mum, someone who will be there to support them during the birth; and some come along on their own - you’re the one doing this after all!

If you're doing the course on your own please don’t feel conspicuous, the sessions are small, friendly, informal gatherings and there's a special flying solo rate too - just tick the special box in the booking form.

Do I need to do NCT classes as well as HypnoBirthing+?

No. Hypnobirthing+ with me is a complete antenatal course, the one post-natal aspect I don't cover is parentcraft (changing nappies, bathing a baby etc) which is covered in the free NHS antenatal course offered by hospitals.

Most people I meet tell me they've booked NCT classes for the "social aspect" and to meet other parents to be. Did you know you don't have to do the antenatal course with the NCT to join their social groups? Membership of the NCT costs £40 and plugs you into the bump and baby/coffee morning/due date groups without having to pay for and do the antenatal course.

Did you also know that Hackney has one of the highest birth rates in Europe? Trust me, there is no shortage of support groups and other new parents around! When you book hypnobirthing you know that the others on the course will have a similar approach to life as you and you’re likely to get on. Plus getting to know me means getting in with the Born Together gang and we have LOADS going on!

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"We went for dinner with some friends last night- another couple whose baby is due 11 days after mine. The mother to be talked of how she was avoiding looking into birth options and admitted that anxiety was beginning to seep in to her consciousness and she knew she would have to face it at some point. She is going to NCT classes but I know now, after having been to both, NCT was interesting but it would NOT have helped us prepare anything like in the way you have. I just tell anyone and everyone now - hypnobirthing is the way forward! I also know that we were very lucky in having you as our teacher though - that makes a big difference too."

Alice

When's the best time to do hypnobirthing+?

I'm a strong believer in doing the course early so you have plenty of time to absorb the information and for it to become second nature rather than to have it fresh in your mind. I always recommend starting sooner rather than later if at all possible. Hypnobirthing+ is about so much more than the day your baby is born, the approach and techniques we share will help you enjoy your pregnancy all the more and I'm regularly told how much it's helped both mum and dad sleep, work and live better. Once you're also conscious of the fact that this is YOUR birth, YOUR baby and YOUR body and that you have many options and all decisions are yours to make it opens up possibilities you may not yet be aware of.

So starting sooner means a more enjoyable pregnancy and plenty of time of practice and absorb - key with hypnosis training. It also allows you to be aware of your options and start putting in place what will best help you through birth and beyond. All of this takes time.

Having said that, I had one couple who gave birth after attending just the first of four classes and told me how helpful it had been (!), so the real answer is that hypnobirthing always helps, but you do run the risk if you leave it too late that the baby will arrive first, and then you'll wish you had done it sooner. It's worth also mentioning energy levels. It's that much more challenging to attend classes, (particularly evening ones) when you're heavily pregnant and feeling more tired and wanting to retreat - worth bearing in mind.

"First and foremost, thank you for helping us all to approach the most important day in our lives with more confidence and with a deeper, better and more instinctive understanding. Solange and I enjoyed the evenings - we learned, we met lovely people, we grew in courage, we had fun, and, last but not least, we loved your cakes.

From a male perspective, my attitude has changed. I understand my role better and understand it's importance. We would recommend the approach to our friends and quote you in particular. One can discern your passion and dedication, backed up by your knowledge."

Maani

Where and when are the courses?

I now exclusively share hypnobirthing+ in small groups at THE WELL GARDEN in Hackney. Having made my home here, together we have (quite literally) built the perfect space for us to explore this chapter in life in comfort.

Think Roman lounging den with soft lighting, plenty of cushions, lots of herbal teas, home-made snacks (along with chocolate biscuits obvs). Birth balls, cushions, bolsters and yoga mats encourage you to create your own little den as you take time out from everyday life to focus and explore this new chapter in life.

"I could literally give birth here!" has been said on more than one occasion during a session!

roomshots2

Pregnancy is a very personal experience, we all have a unique human mind and one of the main reasons why I created this comfy, safe space is so that you can unlock this philosophy and approach for yourself. The smaller groups I host ensure you have individual attention and I can be sure your questions and concerns are addressed whilst you also get to meet other local parents to be.

"Classes are packed with useful practical and myth-busting information. Even coming at the end of busy working days they flew past and left me looking forward to the next one. The group setting is just right - not too big and not too small. The classes left me looking forward to the birth of my baby with much less fear and anxiety than before and with a sense of anticipation, excitement, curiosity and confidence that I and my husband will face the unfolding of this birthing adventure with an open and calm mind."

Sally
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Small group courses

You can join a small group of parents-to-be for the course. Groups are kept small to ensure conversation and a tailored approach. Courses are popular so please book as soon as possible when you find the dates that suit you best.
This website is kept up to date on a daily basis so unless it says FULLY BOOKED next to dates you want, rest assured there's space and book your place! When it says "One place remaining" - that refers to space for a couple rather than person...

If your baby's likely to arrive before the next available class please do contact me to look into the possibility of doing some sessions privately.

The next courses held at THE WELL GARDEN, Hackney Downs Studios, E8 are:

Wednesdays 23rd, 30th January, 6th & 13th February 2019

7pm - 10pm

Just one place remaining (for a couple)...

book online here

Sundays 27th January, 3rd, 10th & 17th February 2019

3pm - 6pm
book online here

Mondays February 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

7pm - 10pm
book online here

Sundays February 24th, 3rd, 10th & 24th March

3pm - 6pm

NB: note there is no session on the 17th March

book online here

Wednesdays February 27th & 6th March - break - 20th & 27th March

7pm - 10pm
book online here

Mondays March 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

7pm - 10pm
book online here

Mondays April 1st, 8th, break for easter, April 29th & May 6th

7pm - 10pm
book online here

Wednesdays April 3rd, 10th, break for easter, 1st & 8th May

7pm - 10pm
book online here

Sundays May 5th, 12th, 26th & 2nd June

3pm - 6pm

NB: note there is no session on the 19th May

book online here

Wednesdays May 15th, 22nd, 29th & 5th June

7pm - 10pm
book online here

"I loved having the classes in a group. It was good to hear other people's takes on certain things and I found it reassuring being part of a group and watching how confidence grew amongst us all as the weeks passed. Kat is an excellent and engaging teacher with a passion and real enthusiasm for what she teaches. She had a liveliness and approachability that made the classes feel like a social occasion."

Sally

An evening immersion in hypnobirthing

Perfect for those who are practising hypnobirthing at home or are unable to make a whole course, this one off evening is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the approach and tools of hypnobirthing.

This is not an introduction to hypnobirthing. You will need to have read my book “Why Hypnobirthing Matters” (included), and I will send you some hypnosis audio recordings, birth films and prep work upfront for you to have engaged with before we meet so we can make best use of our time together.

Please note this is not the same as a hypnobirthing course which is a holistic total approach to antenatal preparation and parenting but I will supply you with the workbook I give to those doing the full course so you can see how the approach can be applied in these areas.

The total cost for both of you for this workshop and all materials, plus my ongoing support is £150.

These evenings are held once a quarter and the next hypnobirthing immersion evening is

Tuesday January 15th

6.30pm - 10pm

at The Well Garden

BOOK YOUR IMMERSION HERE

"I’ve been wanting to get in touch to tell you how incredibly useful we’ve found your approach to hypnobirthing.
In our case, having already done NCT, read your book and begun listening to the affirmations, as well as the fact that I’ve been doing pregnancy yoga which includes breathing and visualisation.... we found the immersive evening perfect, as we were already familiar with the theory behind hypnobirthing as well as with the medical explanations of birth, feeding etc that you get at NCT. I still think ideally we would have done the full course, but we definitely feel calm and prepared thanks to your guidance."

"It was a wonderful evening full of really useful info and a chance to get in touch with my felt sense, which was a dream come true for me 🙂 

Kat, you're amazing!"

"We absolutely loved the evening and found it, and you, so inspiring and useful.
There was a part of us that wished we had the time and money to have done the four week course when we had left and I think I would recommend others to take that route for a more comprehensive learning experience and a chance to get to know you and other couples better."

"Thanks for a really wonderful, instructive, positive and enjoyable night. It worked really, really well.  Knowing you’d cover a lot more in the fuller course, it none the less massively exceeded our expectations in giving a really useful, interesting, practical, appropriately paced single evening overview… We left with lots of tools and tips to try this end which we’ve been getting on with, and thank you also for all the lovely materials."

"Thank you Kat for a wonderful relaxing evening. It was just what I needed after a very trying day! 

I also really enjoyed meeting everyone. It was lovely to be in a room with first time mamas and papas again. There was a very special and comforting energy in the room that I had forgotten about since I did antenatal classes when my first baby was born."

Investment

The financial investment for the course is for both mother and father (or birth companion), not per person.

"Hypnobirthing with Kat remains the best money we have spent on our baby. I am beyond grateful that we signed up."

Anna
  • Small group course of 12 hours at the Well Garden is £345 per couple
  • If you're coming to the course on your own (with baby obvs!) my special "flying solo" rate is £195
  • If you'd like to experience both the group and a private session you can join a group and have an additional private one-to-one session closer to your "guess date". We can use this as you wish, for an additional fear release session, to answer any questions or concerns that have come up, review any of the material and techniques from the course. The investment for the group course + a private session is £495.
  • Private classes held in your own home (or mine if you're moving / renovating!) to accommodate your schedule can be arranged - a private course for you and your partner costs £987.
  • If you and a friend/neighbour/work colleague/acquaintance from yoga/pilates/swimming are pregnant; or there's a few of you from your NCT group wanting to do hypnobirthing together then I can offer a further bespoke option. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if this sounds interesting to you.

Working with you in the way that works for you

Whilst I feel strongly that doing the course as I've tailored it is most beneficial - it gives you time to practice the techniques and allow your understanding and proficiency deepen, come back to me with questions and generally feel supported whilst learning about HypnoBirthing - I appreciate that not everyone's lives can accommodate such a commitment. I've had a couple travel over from Germany to London for a week to learn hypnobirthing with me and I've had couples call me for workshops just before their baby's EDD. If you're keen to learn hypnobirthing please do contact me and we'll work out a way of bringing it to life for you in a way that suits you.

"It was really nice having you come into our home, as it was so relaxing and was like having a visit from a friend. The best thing the course did for us was to get us focused (for the first time in the pregnancy) on the coming of this baby, our third. We hadn't thought about him at all in the hustle of life with the other kids, and this got us really thinking about him and planning for his arrival. I now know what I want out of this delivery and I'm confident that with the help of my husband and my doula, we'll be able to maintain a peaceful environment in which to meet our new little man: safely at home, in the dark, with mum in control."

Sarah

Why choose Kat?

  • I am one of the more experienced teachers in London having recently welcomed my 800th hypno-babe. In fact I taught hypnobirthing to several of the newer teachers in the area.
  • So many resources are included with the course : 'The Positive Birth Book' aswell as 'Why Hypnobirthing Matters', many more hypnosis recordings than other courses - as a fully qualified hypnotherapist I am constantly adding to the audio library available to "my" parents free of charge; and whenever I find new resources they are freely shared..
  • It's 12 hours of supported learning over a month to give you maximum chance of understanding and integrating this approach. 12 hours to discuss, explore and practice with my guidance. Each session is jam packed as we cover all aspects of this new chapter in your life for truly holistic preparation.
  • My experience has been recognised by well respected independent publishers Pinter & Martin who commissioned me to write the book “Why Hypnobirthing Matters” published in Spring 2015 which has provided a solid introduction to the subject of hypnosis for birth for pregnant couples, birth workers and anyone interested in how the mind and body work together.
  • When you learn hypnobirthing with me, you will be learning with a teacher who has supported dozens of women during their labour and birth.
  • I am a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapist and bring that experience to help each individual discover which techniques work best for them.
  • I combine my hypnotherapy training with years of hands-on experience supporting women in childbirth as a doula trained with the Middlesex University.
  • I update my knowledge constantly with study days and courses to ensure that my clients have the benefit of the latest research.
  • My classes are small and friendly and a good place to meet other local parents-to-be.
  • There is continuous online and personal support with the private parents Facebook group and connection to me and my gang of fellow birth nerds within Born Together
  • Having trained with both the HypnoBirthing Institute and HypnoBirthing Association I am well versed in both "methods" but am keen to make using hypnosis for birth something that works for each individual. Rather than teach a specific 'method' my course is a combination of many disciplines and further tailored to those I'm working with.
  • Let others explain why they chose to do HypnoBirthing with Kat by clicking here

"We got from you so much more than was in the book. Your honest and frank approach, the way you shared your experiences rather than just teaching the hypnobirthing course to the letter. I also think you did an amazing job of creating a space where people could talk openly and honestly within a relatively short space of time."

Lianne

It's rarely needed but terms & conditions of bookings can be found here...