ChatGPT: How do I choose a hypnobirthing course? What do I ask?

To save you time, I asked ChatGPT what to ask a hypnobirthing teacher before you book and I've answered them here for you.

About their training & experience

Who did you train with, and how long was your training?

I trained with Sophie Fletcher in the Mindful Hypnobirthing method. Our training was online in 3 parts - self-directed online modules, a weekend of live training and 1 year of mentorship with Sophie directly. The Mindful Hypnobirthing method was also the course I did for my own 2 births. You can train in the Mindful Hypnobirthing method here.

Olivia's Birth

Jack's Homebirth Story

Do you have any background in birth, psychology, or perinatal work?

I have a degree in Psychology, a masters degree in Family and Child Psychology, 4 years (and counting!) experience working in Perinatal Mental Health and the same 4 years I have worked as a doula too. My background IS in birth, psychology and perinatal work 🙂

How long have you been teaching hypnobirthing, and roughly how many clients have you supported?

I trained in May 2025 and since then I have supported 6 families directly with hypnobirthing and many others within my other roles.

Do you attend ongoing training or supervision?

Yes! I continue to engage with Sophie's mentorship, I also have a doula mentor and opt in to coaching sessions to support me with my business.

About their approach & philosophy

How do you define “hypnobirthing”?

Hypnobirthing is the use of hypnosis techniques to support mindset shifts and positive change in relation to birth. Read more about the course here

How do you talk about interventions (inductions, epidurals, caesareans)?

All interventions have their place. Whilst the course is built upon the understanding of physiological birth, it also highlights the importance of making informed decisions. It is when we are able to make informed decisions from places of calm rather than fear that we really pave the way for a positive birth. The course also has additional optional sessions for if your birth needs to, or you choose to, take the path of induction or caesarean.

Is your teaching flexible for different births, or more “one right way”?

As above, the framework for teaching is based on physiological birth but the additional sessions show you how to use the techniques for induction and caesarean.

How do you support people whose births don’t go to plan?

It depends how people feel about their birth not going "to plan". For some, this is fine and they have made empowered choices to take their birth on a different course. For others, this change in direction feels very unsettling. I always want to know how you feel about your birth. I am always happy to offer a space to discuss this with me, signpost to support for this or I also am planning rebirth sessions for those who would like some closure, healing or ceremony to process their experience. Watch this space.

About course content

What’s actually included in the course?

The course is 7 modules in total and starts by understanding the birth process for baby and birthing parent. We discuss the interaction between the brain and body when fear is present and how this impacts birth. Hypnosis itself is covered and an understanding of how mindfulness and hypnosis are different and how they function to support birth. We cover birth environments, the dynamic roles of the birth partner, how we develop and shift our understanding of birth, hormonal birth matrix and how to support transition.

You also get free access (worth £95) to the online content to continue your practice through to the end of your pregnancy

How much time is spent on fear release vs practical skills?

Of the 7 modules, fear is covered within 3 of the modules including an extended fear release script.

Do you teach evidence-based information alongside hypnosis tools?

I direct to evidence throughout the course and the psychology behind the course itself is all evidence based.

Is birth partner support actively taught or just mentioned?

It is actively taught and it is my favourite part of the course! I get great feedback from partners who learn that their role is absolutely not "passive bystander", but is truly influential in the birth space

Do you cover postpartum adjustment and emotional wellbeing?

The Mindful Hypnobirthing course covers the immediate postnatal period.

I also host Mindful Mamma Postnatal Preparation workshops designed for the end of pregnancy to prepare for emotional wellbeing postnatally and Mindful Mamma Postnatal groups to support this adjustment once baby has arrived. Stay updated here.

About delivery & support

Is the course group or private — and what’s the benefit of each?

I run private and group courses. Private courses are run either online or in the comfort of your own home. Our discussions can be specific to your individual circumstances and I can truly understand what is important to you. People regularly become emotional during sessions and can really start to do the deep inner work.

Groups are also available online or in person at venues. These are great for making social connections and having enriching conversations around birth choices, fears or experiences.

What support is available between sessions or after the course ends?

When I'm welcomed into your journey, I am ALL IN! I will check in, offer you encouragement and signposting throughout. With doula support also available, you can opt for antenatal sessions to work through your birth plan, in person birth support and postnatal support.

What happens if I miss a session or need flexibility?

I run sessions as 1 full 6 hour day or 2 3-hour sessions. You will have a link to book sessions at a time that suits you. Groups are usually run on 2 consecutive weeks. I do offer flexibility as I want you to receive the best from the course

Are the recordings personalised or generic?

Recordings are offered with the online content. I am more than happy to make personalised audio for you if requested.

About values & fit

How do you handle anxiety, previous birth trauma, or tokophobia?

With my background in psychology, perinatal mental health and as a doula, I have conversations around anxiety, birth trauma and tokophobia regularly. I am confident in meeting you where you are and understanding what is important to you.

What kind of clients tend to get the most from your course?

Clients who feel they want and deserve more from their experience than standard antenatal offers. Those who want to understand more about their feelings towards birth or those who have specific anxieties they want to manage. Birth partners also say that they gain a deep understanding of their role and how they can influence the space. Read my 5* reviews here.

What would you say hypnobirthing can’t do?

Hypnobirthing cannot promise you any specific birth (sorry!) or a pain free birth. But it can change your mindset going into birth, which can improve your anxiety around birth and how you react to, perceive or experience your birth, however this goes.

Optional “gut-check” questions

What do you wish more people knew before they gave birth?

I wish more people knew that birth CAN be enjoyed rather than just endured. It is only the beginning of your parenting journey and the way you bring your baby into this world can have a significant impact on how you experience postpartum. You and your baby deserve a positive birth.

What matters most to you when you teach this work?

It matters most to me that people realise that they are worthy of good information, respect, choice and dignity in birth.