Mama Natural Birth Course vs. Hypnobabies Childbirth Classes

This post is part of our ongoing comparison of the best birthing classes. All prices noted below are accurate as of 2021.

About Hypnobabies

Hypnobabies is based on the premise that childbirth does not have to be painful or uncomfortable, and that a natural and comfortable childbirth is within the reach of all mamas through the power of hypnosis during childbirth, a technique similar to deep meditation. Eradicating negativity through exchanging words that may have a negative connotation with words that are more neutral or positive –such as using “surge” or “wave” in place of “contraction”–is a big focus of this course.

About The Mama Natural Birth Course

The Mama Natural Birth Course also approaches the mental standpoint of birth, and how the psyche can impact labor and comfort. Our course appeals to all personality types by focusing on a broad range of all aspects of birth, with the understanding that many birthing mamas may not relate to or want to engage in self-hypnosis. We cover everything from naturally working through pain to breastfeeding your new little one.

Hypnobabies Structure

The Hypnobabies in-person course is split up into 6 classes of three hours each, and includes a course workbook, a partner’s guide book, and a set of MP3 tracks to be listened to at specific intervals in pregnancy and labor.

• Cost varies from place to place, but averages $275-350.
• Classes can be taken virtually via Zoom/Skype, or in a self-paced, home-study format.
• Instructor-led classes can be found through the “Classes” tab on the Hypnobabies website.
• Students who choose the in-person format must use the class workbook and notes as primary reference materials once class is over.
• Students do receive phone consultations with their Hypnobabies Instructor.

Mama Natural Birth Course Structure

In contrast, the Mama Natural Birth Course provides 10 hours of video-based content divided into 8 easy-to-follow classes.

You have 1 year of access, allowing you to go back as needed without feeling rushed.

Obviously, when it comes to childbirth, we feel that The Mama Natural Birth Course provides the most balanced approach by blending aspects of all parts of childbirth to accommodate mamas of all personality types from all walks of life.

In addition, the Mama Natural Birth Course is stronger in the following ways:

Instructors

Having a certified nurse-midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant such as Maura Winkler alone sets The Mama Natural Birth Course apart from all competitors as no other course has a primary care provider for birth as one of the instructors. A certified nurse midwife has a depth of invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge regarding birth. Not only can she guide you and your partner through labor with her teachings, but she’s also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and teaches our breastfeeding class.

Hypnobabies instructors must be birthworkers or Hypno-moms/students, and must attend a five-day workshop, along with the completion of multiple other requirements, and passing a final exam. Course instruction focuses on the birthing environment, hypnosis techniques, and the application of those techniques to birth, not leaving much room for the other aspects of birth such as evidence, interventions, or the basics of birth physiology.

Extras

In addition to the course and partner workbooks, hypnosis tracks, and one-on-one connection with instructors, Hypnobabies students also receive an assessment of their hypnosis levels by the Hypnobabies instructor. A birth rehearsal in the sixth class provides hands-on practice and application of self-hypnosis.

The Mama Natural Birth Course spends your time learning a wide variety of birth information, instead of focusing on learning a new belief and thinking system before birth. You receive a Natural Birth Playbook, audio tracks for relaxation and pain management, prenatal workouts, and more. The aim here is to leave you as prepared as possible as you enter delivery, whether it’s at home or in a hospital.

FSA/HSA

In a time when you need money for your growing family, paying for a birthing class shouldn’t stress you out. This is why we accept FSA/HSA payment, allowing those with the benefit to have a little extra wiggle room in their budget. We are so excited to see that Hypnobabies accepts FSA/HSA as well as providing instructions for filing for insurance reimbursement of your childbirth education fees.

Closing Thoughts

Applying hypnosis to birth while changing belief systems about pain and discomfort in birth is powerful and oh so fascinating! We would LOVE every woman to experience a comfortable and pain-free natural birth. We also recognize that this is not possible for every woman, and that every mama may not be able to optimize the power of self-hypnosis for a variety of reasons.

When we designed the Mama Natural Birth Course, we included mindset as a primary focus–you have to WANT a natural birth. But we also balanced mama’s mindset with all of the other very important aspects of childbirth.

Whether you choose the Mama Natural Birth Course or go with another, we wish you the safest and most comfortable birth possible, mama.

The Mama Natural Birth Course