Great Expectations Antenatal Education

Your Baby, Your Way.

Antenatal, Hypnobirthing and Infant Massage classes in Perth, Scotland.

HypnoBirthing® Classes


HypnoBirthing is a wonderful birthing technique, both mental and physical, which allows you to achieve a calm, serene and more comfortable birth.

This birthing method is as much a philosophy as it is a technique and prepares you to work with your body, keeping you relaxed but focused and in control. By reducing the levels of   fear and anxiety the birth experience is replaced with confidence and understanding.

Research has consistently shown that when a labouring woman is aware of what is happening to her body, both physically and hormonally, it significantly affects the birth outcome and contributes positively to those precious early moments of mother and baby bonding. The arrival of a new baby is very exciting but can also cause unwanted anxiety. Most of this is the fear of the unknown and conflicting information and advice. My classes will help you deal with these stresses in an informal and fun manner.

"According to physiological law, all natural, normal functions of the body are achieved without peril or pain. Birth is a normal function for all healthy women and their babies. Healthy women carrying healthy babies can effectively birth without peril or pain". · Dr: John Dye, Easier ChildbirthWhat is HypnoBirthing®?

What Is HypnoBirthing®?

HypnoBirthing® is an ancient birthing philosophy that was recaptured in the work of Dr Grantly Dick-Read, and English Obstetrician who in the 1920's was one of the first to forward the concept of natural birthing. He noticed that women who were calm and had positive expectations of their birthing, tended to have less pain than women who were frightened. He came to realise that their fear created tension, and the tension caused their muscles to tighten, causing a more difficult labour. The women who overcame what he refers to as "Fear-Tension-Pain" Syndrome during childbirth faired much better.

Marie Mongan, an American Hypno-anaesthesiologist combined Dick-Reads ideas and her own knowledge to create HypnoBirthing®.

How Does It Work?

With the aid of self-hypnosis, a birthing Mum can bring her body into a state of deep relaxation so that her body's muscles can work in the way that they are meant to. There is no magic to achieving success with self-hypnosis and almost anyone who chooses to can reach this naturally induced state of relaxed concentration. This state of mind and body in which we communicate suggestions to our subconscious mind, influences what we think, how we feel and the choices we make. It doesn't mean that you will be in a trance or asleep, but rather in a mood similar to daydreaming. You will be aware of your body's contractions but you will be able to determine the extent to which you feel each surge. The combination of self-hypnosis with powerful relaxation, breathing and visualisation techniques prepares your body for a calm and natural birth.

Topics Covered Include:


Why Use HypnoBirthing®?

More and more Mums want to experience a calm and natural birth and this ancient birthing technique that has been used for thousands of years has been revived, and is now a very popular birthing method.

The main philosophy of HypnoBirthing® is that childbirth does not have to be a frightening accompaniment of labour.

When to Attend Classes 

You can attend a course at any time during your pregnancy and it is never too early or too late to start. The Course usually consists of 4 weekly classes for Mum and birthing partner. This could be small group or on a one-to-one basis. Depending on your due date, a course can be run in a shorter period of time.