Q: Can I combine ideas from different birthing classes? (For example, Hypnobabies, Bradley, Hypnobirthing, Lamaze, Birthing from Within, etc.)

A:  This question gets asked on a lot of online forums by mamas-to-be looking for birthing class resources, and many consult popular websites such as babycenter.com and others looking for the answer.  As an educator, I encourage ALL expecting couples to pick a birthing class that works best for them and follows the method that they feel will best complement their personalities and desires for birthing.  This may, or may not be Hypnobabies.  Personally,  I wouldn't recommend taking ideas from multiple birthing classes or combining them, mainly because many of the ideas surround birth (language, expectations, preparation, etc.) are different and it is impossible for the mind to follow two belief systems.  As for Hypnobabies, it works well if and when you are committed to learning the language, and allowing yourself to retrain your subconscious in order to view birth as a joyful, peaceful and comfortable experience.  I'm sure the same is true for many of the other birthing classes, in that they are all founded on their own specific ideas of how best to prepare yourself for birth.  Of course, no one can stop you or force you to follow these recommendations, but I do urge you to find whichever birthing class is right for you, and stick with it :-)

Prospective students often have loads of questions! The following posts will be a series answering some of these burning questions. Let's start off with a very important topic: borrowed materials....
 
Q: I borrowed or bought used Hypnobabies materials from my (insert BFF, sister, online, etc.) Can I use them for my birth? Can I take the class for a reduced fee? 

A: Let me begin by saying there is nothing that can be done to prevent people from using borrowed materials for their own personal use. One very important note....do not use CD's or tracks that have been illegally downloaded or burned  (piracy is a felony and can be prosecuted, so just don't do it, mmmmkay?).  Since there is no way to guarantee the materials are all there, or that they are used in exactly the right way, the techniques may not work at all. Hypnobabies is so specifically laid out, that the best way to  achieve success and satisfaction is to either purchase the Home Study course directly from hypnobabies.com, or to take the Heartland Hypnobabies class!  Since materials are often updated and changed to reflect new information, and students receive numerous hand-outs and specific instructions along with their CD sets, it is not recommended to borrow student materials, nor is it ever recommended for former students to share their used materials with friends or relatives. The best way to use Hypnobabies is to invest in the class, get all of your own materials and really give yourself the gift of learning Hypnobabies!  There are no discounts given for borrowed materials.  If you choose to use borrowed materials, you are not actually doing Hypnobabies, and there is no way of knowing if it will be done properly. So my advice is.....get some support from the mom's group online before deciding to use Hypnobabies, or contact me-I love teaching and talking Hypnobabies. As long as you are using the current Home Study course or are enrolled in class-you have all of the information at your fingertips!  I love to help students with Hypnobabies!!   

It's hard to believe this is the LAST week of my second class :-( It is bittersweet. I have so enjoyed this class and I am going to miss seeing their faces each week! I am hoping to get another class rolling shortly! The current schedule is January 26-March 8.  This is ideal for anyone expecting anytime from March 9th and later! The sooner the better, as you get even more time to practice all your amazing Hypnobabies tools and techniques! See the 'Contact' page and get ahold of me ASAP for more information!

Happy New Year Hypnofamilies! I'd like to take the opportunity to wish you much happiness and peace during the coming year. I cannot wait to meet many new Hypnobabies! Also, congratulations to Heartland Hypnobabies first Hypnomom, who gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby boy, Henry Thomas, December 27th! I am so thrilled for you and thankful for the opportunity to be your doula! much love! xo

It's the first day of Hypnobabies Class #1! I am so excited to meet my couple and get rolling! I've set Class #2 schedule, so if you're interested, it's beginning January 18th. I'm hoping to fill that class up! :-)

I'm really excited about getting my classroom space ready!  However, not so much looking forward to the extensive painting I'll be doing in the very near future.   I think Escape Gray will be PERFECT for the Hypnobabies class atmosphere-thanks to my good friend Stacey for her always helpful input on color choice! Plus, I scored a $7 Anne Geddes book filled with pregnant belly images that I plan to tear out and frame too.  I'm going for a super serene vibe.  Exciting things in store!

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE talking about and teaching Hypnobabies yet? Well, a lot! If you have questions about hypnobabies, birthing in Lincoln, or pregnancy related questions, I'd love to talk to you! Oh, and please spread the word about our upcoming Hypnobabies class, beginning November 30th at 6PM!

Heartland Hypnobabies Class coming to Lincoln!  Wednesday evenings, November 30, 6-9PM. Please call 615.752.7373 to register!  There are 5 spaces left!