I know what you're thinking...
Does Hypnobirthing really work!? Can Hypnobirthing actually help me to have a positive birth experience, where I feel calm, confident and in control?
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I've been in your shoes and I once wondered the same. But, I've seen the evidence and I know that Hypnobirthing can and does really work. This is because it doesn't just provide you with a scientifically proven Hypnobirthing toolkit, but it works on the mind too, creating a positive mindset, which is really important for birth.
Hypnobirthing isn't for a particular type of birth or for a particular type of person. Hypnobirthing is a set of tools and techniques, designed to be used for any type of birth and for anyone (including birth partners) to help them during their birth and for the rest of their lives.
I know that during your pregnancy, you will want to be spending less time worrying about your birth and more time focusing on enjoying your pregnancy, preparing for your new arrival, and looking after yourself and your family.
Are Hypnobirthing courses worth it?
You might be feeling really sceptical about Hypnobirthing and wondering whether Hypnobirthing classes are worth it. Don't worry, you are not alone. Read what one of my previous Hypnobirthing clients has to say about her experience of Hypnobirthing and how she wasn't sure if Hypnobirthing courses were worth it at first either. It was only when she looked into it further, that she realised that it makes so much logical sense. "Many friends told me about Hypnobirthing and at first I dismissed the idea. But once I looked into it more, I realised that it makes total sense."
After completing a Hypnobirthing course with me, Kirsty finished the course feeling confident, empowered, calm and positive about her birth. "Since starting Hypnobirthing, I'm now feeling more excited, than anxious and scared about my birth. I know I can do this!"
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Kirsty went on to have a positive home waterbirth, which she describes as "an amazingly perfect experience."
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Read Kirsty's full birth story here.
I can help you to improve your birth outcome & change your life for the better...
A positive mindset during pregnancy and birth is key to having a positive birth experience. However, it is not always easy to feel positive towards birth, especially if you are generally an over thinker anyway. You might have watched or heard many negative stories about birth or lost trust in your body, from things that people might have said to you. All of these things can create a negative mindset.
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If you are someone who is anxious about your birth, anxious about your pregnancy, anxious about becoming a parent or anxious about most things in life generally, then hypnobirthing is for you! However, Hypnobirthing is suitable for everyone and not just people who are feeling anxious. It is suitable for all births and it can not only change your birth into a positive experience, but it can change your life too.
I can teach you very easy, scientifically proven, simple techniques, that will enable you to feel calm, relaxed and comfortable at anytime and anywhere. This is something that you and your birth partner will be able to use not only during pregnancy and birth, but in the future too. Think job interviews, dentist appointments, stressful traffic jams, arguing kids!
"Fantastic experience with Julia! We did the 1-2-1 hypnobirthing course and gained so much knowledge but most of all I gained confidence in my body’s ability to birth my baby and advocate for myself throughout the process. Our birth experience would not have been such a positive one if it wasn’t for Julia’s input and we are eternally grateful. Thank you so much again Julia you are wonderful and highly recommended!"
Sarah, Leeds
"We honestly cannot thank you enough Julia. Emma has said all day how she just wanted to keep you updated on the birth, so it shows how much of a positive impact you've had on her pregnancy."
Scott, Leeds
Is Hypnobirthing for me?
Are you wondering is hypnobirthing for me? If you are thinking what is Hypnobirthing all about, then you want to be checking out my page on what is hypnobirthing?! Maybe you have heard about hypnobirthing and wondering whether it is for you or whether it is for the kind of birth that you are planning? Maybe you are wondering whether it is just for hippies or a bit woo woo. Well, I can assure you that it is not and that hypnobirthing is for everyone and for all births. Even Kate Middleton used hypnobirthing for the birth of her children.
"I really quite liked labour, thanks to hypnobirthing. I saw the power of it really — the meditation and the deep breathing that they teach you in hypnobirthing. It really helped me with severe morning sickness too." - Kate Middleton.
Hypnobirthing techniques can help if you are:
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Considered high risk
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Planning a home birth
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Preparing for IVF
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Planning a hospital birth
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Planning a vaginal birth
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Wanting a natural birth
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Considering an epidural
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Would like a water birth
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Have an assisted birth
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Have an induced birth
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Have a caesarean section​​​​
Hypnobirthing can assist you and your partner, regardless of the type of birth that you are planning for or need. Hypnobirthing is not about mind control, but more about mindset. Creating a positive mindset, helping you to have the positive birth that you desire.
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Why do a Hypnobirthing Course with BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing?
I'm Julia, I live in Leeds and I have two children. I have experienced one unplanned caesarean section and one vaginal birth, which was in fact a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After a Caesarean). I am the founder of BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing. As you can probably tell from the name of my business, I am a Hypnobirthing Teacher and a Doula. I am also the Co-Chair for Leeds Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership. I am an expert in my field, working with a variety of people, including those who are pregnant, new families and maternity professionals. I fully understand and have witnessed first hand, that birth doesn't always go to plan and the impact that this can have on a family or individual. This is why my Hypnobirthing courses ensure that you are fully prepared for all eventualities and that you are able to navigate your birth, however that unfolds, allowing you to still have the control and be able to make those all important informed decisions. I am really passionate about my Hypnobirthing courses. I want to make sure that all women get to have a positive birth experience, however that looks to them. By informing them, guiding them, educating them about birth and supporting them with whatever decisions they choose, this can really increase their odds of achieving a positive experience.​
Did you know that anyone can claim to teach Hypnobirthing?
There's a big difference between being taught Hypnobirthing techniques and working with a qualified Hypnobirthing Teacher. The Hypnobirthing industry isn't regulated, which means that anyone can say that they can teach Hypnobirthing. However, being a qualified teacher means that the teacher has had formal training through accredited training providers. The certification ensures that the Hypnobirthing Teacher is credible, has followed an evidence-based curriculum set by a certifying body, met specific standards of competence and fully understood the theory and practical elements of Hypnobirthing. The course provided by a certified Hypnobirthing Teacher is structured, covering all aspects of Hypnobirthing such as relaxation, hypnosis, breathing techniques, positive affirmations, visualisation, labour and birth education and the science, evidence and logic behind Hypnobirthing. ​ A trained Hypnobirthing Teacher knows how to teach a Hypnobirthing course to a high standard and trained in teaching Hypnobirthing correctly. Make sure that you check your teacher's qualifications before booking a Hypnobirthing course. I am fully qualified and certified by Love Your Birth Hypnobirthing Teacher Training, who are a FEDANT approved trainer. I am also FEDANT registered. FEDANT is the national regulator in the antenatal and postnatal sector. As a FEDANT Registered professional you can be assured that I adhere to rigorous standards of education and practice, demonstrating my commitment to excellence when guiding you through the exciting journey of pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. Check my FEDANT Registration status and use my registration number 13852, surname Kitching.
An Online Self-Paced Hypnobirthing Course or a Hypnobirthing Book Cannot Compare to an Instructor Lead Course!
Doing a Hypnobirthing course with a certified Hypnobirthing Instructor, not only ensures that you are getting reliable, trustworthy information that is specific to your needs, but it also means that you have your teacher's encouragement and support too. They can hold you accountable to make sure that you put in the work. They can help you to remain positive, help you to create a positive mindset, provide ongoing support throughout the rest of your pregnancy, answer any questions that you may have and tailor the course to your individual circumstances. A self-paced online Hypnobirthing course or a Hypnobirthing book cannot provide the same positive results or support.
My Hypnobirthing Courses are Different...
Unlike many other Hypnobirthing courses or antenatal classes, my courses are fun, engaging, interactive and include a course on caesarean sections too. Did you know that in the UK, 42% of all NHS births are by caesarean section? 18% of those are by elective/planned caesarean and 24% are emergency/unplanned caesarean. (NHS Maternity Services, Annual Statistics, December 2024). This is an overall caesarean section increase of 2% since 2022/2023. Less than half of the babies who were born under the NHS in 2023/2024 were born spontaneously (47%) and 11% of babies had instrumental births. Of the NHS births in the UK between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2024, 33% were induced.
This is why making a c-section plan and knowing about all of your options for vaginal births and caesarean births, is really important. Even if having a c-section isn't something that you want, think you'll have or something that is in your plan A or plan B, making a caesarean plan (plan C) can be really helpful. My Hypnobirthing courses fully prepare you for birth. Read Chrissie's positive birth story and see why Chrissie was so glad that she did a Hypnobirthing course with me and how Hypnobirthing made such a difference to her birth.​
What do you get on a Hypnobirthing Course with me?
My Hypnobirthing Courses
Unlike NCT antenatal classes or NHS antenatal classes, my hypnobirthing courses not only prepare you for birth and how to make your own informed choices and decisions, but they prepare your mind too. The mind body connection is huge during labour and it is so important.
BABA Doula Services & Hypnobirthing provide:
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Birth preparation and deep focus on mindset, calm birthing techniques and personalised support
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Calm, nurturing and confidence building
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Affirmation cards
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MP3 Relaxation tracks
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Hypnobirthing handbook
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​Birth physiology
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Birth partner support
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Private 1-1 courses
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Private paid for courses
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Face-face or Online
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Flexible around your busy lifestyle
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Free gifts
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Led by an experienced Doula & certified Hypnobirthing teacher
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Tailored individual support
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FEDANT Registered
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Ongoing personalised support throughout the rest of pregnancy and postpartum.
NCT Antenatal Classes
NCT antenatal classes can be a great way to meet other pregnant couples, but they will not prepare the mind positively for birth. They offer a well-rounded group antenatal experience and community connection.
NCT Antenatal Classes provide:
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Antenatal education - birth, baby care and early parenting
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​Informative and practical
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Group antenatal classes​
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Private paid for classes
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Birth partner support
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Fixed time and place
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Face-face or online
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​Meet local parents
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​WhatsApp Group
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Postnatal Reunion
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Led by NCT trained practitioners
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No focus on mindset or hypnobirthing techniques
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Peer support and general birth preparation
NHS Antenatal Classes
NHS Antenatal classes have a strong focus on providing basic, practical and clinical information about birth and early parenting. Often bias, with a strong medical focus and based on the local hospital trusts policies and procedures. Great if you want an essentials quick overview at no cost.
NHS Antenatal Classes provide:
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Basic antenatal education- birth, baby care and early parenting
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Focus's heavily on hospital births
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Signs of labour and when to call the maternity centre
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Free group classes
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​Sometimes includes birth partners
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Group classes
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Meet local parents
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Fixed time and place
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Led by midwives from the local hospital or maternity unit
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No focus on mindset or hypnobirthing techniques
Is an Antenatal Class Different to a Hypnobirthing Course?
Sometimes people ask me whether they should do a hypnobirthing course, even when they are already doing an antenatal course, such as a NCT antenatal class or a NHS antenatal class. The answer to this is absolutely YES! Antenatal courses and hypnobirthing courses are different, they have different content and have different results. Some of the topics do overlap, but hypnobirthing courses focus on the mind, which has a massive impact on the body during birth and can effect the level of pain that you feel, length of labour and how you feel during labour and birth. Hypnobirthing tools and techniques can help to reduce fear, change your mindset about birth and help you to have a more positive experience.
Difference between a Hypnobirthing Course & An Antenatal Class
There are a number of things that a hypnobirthing course will teach you, that an antenatal class will not.
What will a hypnobirthing course teach you?
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​​How to feel calm, confident, comfortable and relaxed during birth
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How to cope with a change of plan and still have a positive experience
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How to make informed decisions that are right for you.
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How to feel less scared and anxious about birth and more excited
What will antenatal classes teach you?
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Safe sleeping
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How to care for your baby
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Preparing for the postnatal period​​
What will a Hypnobirthing course and an Antenatal class teach you?
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What happens during labour
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Different pain relief options
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Induction of labour and intervention
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The role of the birth partner
​Both courses are important when preparing for birth and compliment each other really well. This is why I recommend doing an antenatal class and a hypnobirthing course if you can and why many of my clients have found doing both courses so beneficial.
What to expect on a Hypnobirthing course with me?
My Hypnobirthing courses can help you to go from feeling scared to prepared, anxious to excited!
My hypnobirthing courses will help you and your birth partner to prepare for birth, reduce any fears that you may have about birth and allow you to have a better understanding about how the birth process and maternity system works. They will help you to take control of your birth, so that you can feel empowered, confident and calm, increasing your chances of a positive birth experience. They will take you from feeling anxious to excited. They will teach you techniques and skills that can transform your life.
On a hypnobirthing course with me, not only will you learn some amazing techniques and skills that will help you to feel calm, confident and in control during your birth, but you will also learn some skills for life. On top of this, you will receive:
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Some beautiful informational handouts for you to keep.
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A gorgeous hypnobirthing workbook, which includes all of the information that you will need to help you to have the birth that you desire. The birth choices are yours and my hypnobirthing handbook and hypnobirthing course will help you to make the right choices for you.
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Hypnobirthing MP3's - the golden nuggets! (all read and recorded in my voice), for you to listen to regularly, helping your mind to prepare positively for birth and helping you to feel calm, relaxed and comfortable during pregnancy and labour. We talk about the "hypnosis" element of hypnobirthing on the course and how the MP3 tracks are a key part of preparing the mind positively for birth. I can show you how to use these, when we have our first session together. Chrissie loved my MP3 hypnosis tracks and I am often told by clients, how I have "a calm and relaxing voice."
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Positive birth and postnatal affirmation cards. On one side you will find a positive birth affirmation and on the other side you will find a positive postnatal affirmation. These are a great way to keep a positive mindset for birth and during postnatal life. Affirmation cards have achieved amazing results for many people, including sporting people who are preparing for big games and matches.
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FREE samples, including a free MAM anti-colic self-sterilising baby bottle and soother and free samples from Lansinoh for breastfeeding mothers.
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Ongoing support from me, even after the course has ended. I'm always here to answer your questions, signpost you to relevant information or help you, should you have a little wobble.
Now you don't get this with most other antenatal birth preparation classes!
Take control of your birth and do a Hypnobirthing course with me
Do you want to feel prepared for your birth and feel that you've covered every eventuality, including induction and c-sections?
Would you like to enjoy your pregnancy and approach your birth feeling calm, confident and in control?​
Does your birth partner want to know how they can best support you during labour, birth and postpartum?
I offer private hypnobirthing courses, either face to face, in and around the Leeds and West Yorkshire area or I can offer private hypnobirthing courses online for anyone living further afield. For face to face clients, I will visit you at a convenient time and teach your hypnobirthing course in the comfort of your own home.
All Hypnobirthing courses can be booked with just a £50 deposit and the remaining balance to be paid 2 weeks before the start of the course. The remaining balance can be made in installments if you'd prefer.
If you would like to add my Birth Doula Support Package onto any Hypnobirthing course, you can do this, for a £50 discount.
Hypnobirthing Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start a Hypnobirthing course? The ideal time to start a hypnobirthing course, is between 20 - 35 weeks of pregnancy. However, it is never too early or too late to start a hypnobirthing course. Therefore, do still get in touch with me, no matter what stage of pregnancy you are at.
What is Hypnobirthing?
My birth partner isn't too sure about Hypnobirthing. Can I do it on my own? Yes absolutely! However, I do strongly advise birth partners to get involved in a Hypnobirthing course, because they can learn so much too. Birth partner's play a really important role during labour and birth. Let's have a free consultation video call and we can talk through what their objections might be.
Is Hypnobirthing only for home births? No! Hypnobirthing is for ALL births and is simply a set of tools and techniques, which can be used anywhere, at anytime, by anyone.
Do I need to do a Hypnobirthing course or is a book enough? An instructor lead Hypnobirthing course is tailored to your individual needs. It's time out from your busy lives, for you and your partner to dedicate to your birth preparation and Hypnobirthing practise. A book will not hold you accountable and will you and your partner actually read the whole book before labour begins? You are much more likely to complete an instructor lead course than a book and put in the effort and practise that's required, to gain the benefits.
*Private 1-1 courses | If you live within 10 miles of my address (WF3), I do not charge mileage. However, anything over 10 miles is charged at £0.45 per mile. The first 10 miles each way are inclusive of the costs.
