Before the classes begin it is recommended that you read the book "HypnoBirthing, the Mongan Method." Therefore, it is optimal to sign up for your class weeks in advance. When you pay your deposit and complete the registration form you will recieve a copy of the book along with 2 practice cd's. You will need to bring your book with you to each class. Also, feel free to dress comfortably and bring snacks/drinks. If you already have the class materials (book and cd) email Jamie for class prices.

Most classes beginning after November 1, 2008, will be held at the Bay Area Birth Center in Pasadena, TX. Visit www.houstonbirthcenter.com or www.houstonmidwife.com for directions and more info. We hope to expand our class locations to North Houston and Rice University area and our class days to include Tues/Thur options by the end of 2009.

It is recommended that you take the classes sometime between month 5-8 of your pregnancy. However, it is never too early to sign up. The earlier in your pregnancy that you take this class, the more time you will have to practice! And, it is never too late either. You can always benefit from taking the HypnoBirthing classes regardless of when you take them. Moms that have taken private classes during their last weeks have had as much success as those that took the classes in the first trimester.

In the class we will cover the following topics:

• How the uterus works - Uterus functioning during a surge
• The possibility of comfortable labor and birthing
• What's wrong with labor
• How fear affects labor and uterine muscles
• History of women and birthing
• Hypnosis (deep relaxation) - Creating positive birth outcomes
• Mind-body exercises
• Guided meditation

• Prenatal and postnatal bonding
• Guided prenatal bonding meditation(s)
• Pregnancy nutrition
• Preparing mind and body for birth
  • Relaxation
  • Breathing
  • Visualization
• Progressive and instant relaxation techniques for deepening
• Birth Companions Deepening Script - Demonstration of Shoulder Anchor and Body Shock
• Guided meditation - Hypnoanesthesia techniques (Depthometer, Sensory Gate Valve, Glove Relaxation)  

• Selecting a supportive care provider and birthing environment
• Light touch massage - Demonstration
• Birthing preferences (plans, wish list): Home and hospital birth
  • Admission
  • Labor
  • Birthing
  • Baby
• Guided meditation - Fear Release (eliminating doubt and limiting thoughts)
• Perineal massage

• Pelvic floor exercises
• Exercising through pregnancy
• Preparing for squatting
• Posture and Optimal fetal positioning
• Artificial induction of labor - Precautions, understanding Bishop Score
• Achieving labor naturally
• Looking at your due date
• Breech presentation
• Special Circumstances
• Birth companions role
• Guided meditation - Birth Rehearsal Imagery, Forest Fantasy
• Onset of labor - thinning and opening

• As labor moves along
• If labor stalls or slows
  • misconceptions
  • options
  • natural ways to augment
• How to protect the birthing environment
• Hallmarks of advanced labor - nearing completion
• Positions during descent and birthing
• Birth
• Post-birth activities
• The fourth trimester
• Benefits of breastfeeding