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Hypnobirthing Australia™

We both came away feeling so calm, confident and informed, excited even for the big day

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Sarah’s Birth Story After struggling to conceive and having to go through IVF, my actual pregnancy was a breeze. I would go as far as to say I absolutely loved it, with only a few ‘off’ days in the first 15 weeks. At the start of the 2nd trimester I began doing a pregnancy yoga… Read More

I don’t think I would have been able to have such a positive birthing experience without the hypnobirthing tools

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Alexis’ Birth Story On the 2/2/22 I woke up still pregnant at 40 weeks and 4 days. I was feeling super uncomfortable that morning and very eager to welcome Bub into the world. It was my little boy Atticus’ preschool day so I dropped him off to school and felt very emotional, for some reason… Read More

Our birth was an extremely positive, emotional and empowering experience

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Elle’s Birth Story Opal Rose , 05.02.2022, 3520g Mumma- Elle I started to experience some mild cramping on Friday evening, tightening sensations in my lower abdomen. I assumed my cervix was preparing for our baby girl and hoped that labour would hopefully follow soon. The cramps were bearable and I was able to get fair… Read More

It was the most empowering, positive and healing experience and everything I invisioned it to be!

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ROX’S BIRTH STORY  Remy’s birth was a beautiful calm hypno water birth. I had the best support team, Brad my partner and my lovely midwife Monique, who both made me feel incredibly supported. It was the most empowering, positive and healing experience and everything I invisioned it to be! It began on Friday the 5th… Read More

I wish that every woman feels this happiness when they reflect on their baby’s birth, no matter how they are born.

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Megan’s birth story 39+3 11/10/2021 at 4:16pm Baby girl – Emmerson HBAC 3.39kg I waited so long in hopes that I would get to write this very story. I write the word HBAC and instantly my eyes fill with tears of complete happiness – mostly because I achieved my VBAC, which was the main goal…. Read More

I truly believe because I was able to relax and remind myself that my body knows what it is doing is why my delivery was so smooth.

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Jordan’s Birth Story Just wanted to say thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for offering and running this program. I recommend it to all, even after the course if you simply take one small useful tool it installs so much confidence. With my first birth little 6lb 10oz babe we had posterior 18 hour labour,… Read More

I had the most amazing, empowering, fulfilling, beautiful water birth at home.

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Sophie’s Birth Story First of all – I want to say thank you so much for the work you do. I’m a midwife and I have seen many women have such amazing experiences thanks to your course. I would love to share my hypnobirthing experience with you and anyone you’d like to share it with…. Read More

Creating a Calm Birth Environment in a Hospital 

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Creating a Calm Birth Environment in a Hospital  If a labouring woman is placed into an environment in which she doesn’t feel relaxed, calm and safe, it can have a huge impact on her body and her progress of labour. Her contractions (which we refer to as surges) may become irregular, slow or even stop… Read More

You are in control of your birth experience

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You are in control of your birth experience Birth is a normal physiological body function. You are literally born to give birth! It is a life-changing event, and can and should be an amazingly positive experience, that leaves you feeling empowered and strong as you transition into parenthood.  However, in Australia 1: 3 women describe… Read More

The Hypnobirthing course gave us the education and empowerment we needed to go into our birth with no fear

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Hannah’s birth story The Hypnobirthing course gave us the education and empowerment we needed to go into our birth with no fear, only with genuine excitement. Josh and I completed the course when we were 35 weeks. The course gave us so much education and empowerment to decide and plan the birth we wanted and… Read More

Benefits of staying active and upright during Labour

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Benefits of staying active and upright during Labour There are many advantages for staying active and using upright positioning for labour and birth and having an understanding of this can help you to achieve a positive, and calm birth experience. Research has shown that upright labour positions can make labour itself shorter and make giving… Read More

Natural Ways to Ease Labour Pain  

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Natural Ways to Ease Labour Pain   They don’t call it labour for no reason, giving birth can be challenging work and a large part of that is getting through the intensity of our contractions (which in hypnobirthing we refer to as ‘surges’). If you’re planning to give birth without drugs, try these simple natural pain… Read More

What is the  Difference Between ‘Hypnobirthing’ and ‘Calmbirth’

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What is the  Difference Between ‘Hypnobirthing’ and ‘Calmbirth’ The Hypnobirthing Australia program is a unique and very up-to-date program, different to Calmbirth and other hypnobirthing programs. It is a stand-alone course which is written by a childbirth education specialist. Our results speak for themselves. ?  The training resources that parents receive when attending the course… Read More

I really can’t begin to describe what an empowering and amazing experience it was to be able to bring our baby girl into the world!

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Brooke’s Birth Story I had completed the online hypnobirthing course and also a face to face hypnobirthing course in Karratha (through Ashley from Birthed With Love) which I did with my husband. I also had an amazing Doula (Steph) and husband (Jared) as part of my birthing team. I feel all of the above played a part,… Read More

Birthing Balls

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You’ve probably seen fit balls/exercise balls in yoga classes or at the gym. These inflated balls aren’t only great for workouts – they are a great tool for use before, during and after birth (often referred to as birthing balls). Birthing balls are essentially the same as exercise balls. They are made of durable materials… Read More

Aromatherapy for pregnancy, labour, and birth

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It is considered safe to use essential oils throughout your pregnancy and during birth. ⁠ Essential oils are powerful mixtures of aromatic plants and scents that can trigger reactions in your body and brain that can help you keep calmer and more comfortable during labour. Essential oils and the conditioning that can be created through… Read More

Acupressure for Labour and Birth

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Acupressure is a lot like acupuncture (the traditional Chinese medicine practice of inserting thin needles into strategic points of the body) but instead of using needles, acupressure targets those same points using firm massage or touch.  Research suggests that acupressure may reduce the length of labour particularly in the first stage and also promote a… Read More

Optimal Maternal positioning (OPM)

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Optimal Maternal positioning (OPM) is a system of exercises, movements, positions, stretches, massage tools, specific pressure applications, and other techniques that help create alignment and mobility within a mother’s pelvis, to ultimately facilitate cardinal movements of the baby.  This enables and allows labour to progress. It creates space within your pelvis for a safer, easier,… Read More

The Hypnobirthing course gave me the knowledge, strength and determination to birth without fear

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Christie’s Birth Story When we first found out we were expecting our third child, the thought never crossed my mind to have a homebirth. But I did know I wanted something different from my previous two births. Neither of my previous births were what I would consider traumatic, however I did feel out of control,… Read More

What is Hypnobirthing

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What is Hypnobirthing? with Melissa Spilsted, founder of Hypnobirthing Australia The word ‘hypnobirthing’ may sound a little ‘hippy dippy’ at first, but I simply describe it as a fancy word for a positive approach to birth! There are a few different types of ‘hypnobirthing’ courses available out there, however I’m the founder of Hypnobirthing Australia… Read More

I DID IT AND SO CAN YOU!!!

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“I DID IT AND SO CAN YOU!!!” Zoe’s Birth Story Baby Willow Feb 2021 Bunbury Hospital VBAC! Previous birth: In 2018 I was booked to be induced at 41+2 but thankfully went into labour naturally that morning at 3am. I planned to have a drug/intervention free birth with KEMH birth centre but ended up being… Read More

I can’t thank Hypnobirthing Australia enough for giving me an incredible birth, I felt safe and supported throughout the entire experience

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Lauren’s Birth Story Hi ladies just wanted to share my Hypnobirthing experience with my second daughter born on August 22nd After birthing my daughter in 2018 using the Hypnobirthing Australia meditation soundtracks and reading Hypnobirthing books I knew that for my second birth that I needed to do the official course and wished that I… Read More

The last bit of the labour didn’t go as expected, but I am so happy I had the natural and active labour I wanted!

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Jayme’s Birth Story Sharing my hypnobirthing story to help inspire others! Would highly recommend doing hypnobirthing to anyone! At my second midwife appointment I asked about birthing classes and was recommended to do a hypnobirthing class. My partner, Declan and I did a hypnobirthing course with the wonderful Melissa from Little Bird Flies Hypnobirthing. We… Read More

I am so grateful that I had such a positive and powerful experience

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Helen’s Birth Story Our beautiful boy was born at 4:48pm on Thursday 4th Feb 2021. For a few days before, I felt unusually tired and my body just wanted to rest, so I spent those days laying on the couch. On Wednesday 3rd Feb, my waters partly ruptured (I didn’t even know that was a… Read More

I feel like I have released the first birth experience now. Single most transformative moment of my life.

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Christine’s Birth Story Birth story with induction I had a traumatic birth with my first baby 10 years ago. I believe I had undiagnosed PTSD from this experience. We had some special circumstances (shoulder dystocia) but I believe a lot was due to hospital practice rather than my body. I was very young and just… Read More

I found the hypno course instrumental in my pain relief free delivery of my son.

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Juliana’s Birth Story I found the hypno course instrumental in my pain relief free delivery of my son. Here’s my story and a photo of my birthing cave: Danny was due Saturday 12 June, he arrived 12:07 PM on Wednesday 16 June. I felt really uncomfortable with the stretch and sweep that was offered/expected in… Read More

I was in complete awe. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. She was perfect. I was filled with adrenaline.

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Renee’s Birth Story I was more than ready. I was 40 weeks plus 6 days. I had tried all the natural remedies ‘they’ suggest to bring on labour; rubbing clary sage oil on specific pressure points, warm baths, spicy food, sex, nipple stimulation, writing to my baby, raspberry leaf tea, walking uphill particularly ‘gutter’ walking… Read More

I am so proud of myself, my body, and my baby girl and thankful for the hypnobirthing experience.

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Jacqueline’s Birth story. After a caserean with my 2.5 yr old daughter, I really wanted a VBAC. And I’m so happy to announce that through hypnobirthing and empowering myself with knowledge I was able to get it. My waters broke at 2:30pm. I breathed through the surges t hone untill 6pm ad we haded into… Read More

I was excited but calm and so happy I trusted our decisions and my body!

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I attended the Hypnobirthing course with Simone Hackett from Peaceful Birthing and I wanted to share my incredibly positive birth story with you. I used hypnobirthing techniques during my labour and in the lead up to my birth and I felt well informed because of the information in the course.  My waters broke on Monday 1st… Read More

I was empowered and embraced my body’s natural ability to birth a baby.

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The story of my 4th birth. 3rd VBAC. 2nd Hypnobirthing Australia hypnobirth. 1st Rainbow Birth.  My birthing day arrived at 39+2 on Sunday the 2nd of May. I felt a few gentle pangs when I woke up. Very easy, gentle practice contractions, no rhyme nor rhythm, far apart and very short. By no means labour. I enjoyed… Read More

The benefits of attending hypnobirthing for my husband and I began even before the birth of our baby.

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The benefits of attending hypnobirthing for my husband and I began even before the birth of our baby. Mid way through attending the course in Perth with Vicki and learning about an empowered birth, we chose to switch our obstetrician from one who was eager to start induction at week 39 and who seemed to… Read More

Once I got the hang of how to bear down and could see my progress in the mirror it wasn’t long before his head was out.

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Otis George Ottley – Born: 11:47am, 16th January 2021 (EDD: 19th Jan 21 – 3.65kg (8 pounds), 51cm On the 15th January, at 39+3 weeks I was getting pretty over being pregnant so I started thinking about natural ways to induce labour. I booked an acupuncture session for the following day in the hopes it would… Read More

Our preparation is what got us over the line to have the most amazing birth experience we could have dreamed of.

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I went into spontaneous labour at 5pm and had planned to relax….sleep and listen to my hypnobirthing tracks…..but by 5:30 I was already having surges 2 mins apart! Simmo came home from work – but as we were adamant not to go to hospital too early – we tried to chill at home. By 7:30… Read More

Hypnobirthing is just amazing & has helped me birth both my babies with two totally different & very unique births

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Baby Alfie Born Monday the 9th of November, 2020 At 10:45am 3.354kg 52cm My darling little boy entered the world on Monday morning the 8th of November very quickly…..another little hypnobub like his big brother. On Sunday night at 10pm I went to the toilet & saw that I’d had a show…. I felt baby… Read More

Overwhelming love swept over me looking down at my baby girl! “OMG it’s a girl”.

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Hi Melissa, I’m looking forward to sharing my story with you. Please find my story below. Bub: Norah Jane Martha 29.11.20 3.29pm 4.295kg 54cm I decided to attend the Hypnobirthing Australia course because … Having studied midwifery for a while, I had some knowledge about models of care available. I knew that I was low… Read More

As we were driving I realised I was in the transition phase of labour and had a lot of pressure. When we were still about 7 minutes from the hospital, I had the urge to push.

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Hi Janine (Janine Fowler – Hypnobirthing Australia practitioner), I hope this email finds you well! I just thought I’d let you know I had our baby last Thursday night, and it was a great experience! The hypnobirthing worked so well that I didn’t realise I was in labour and nearly didn’t make it to the… Read More

I want to say a huge thankyou for your course, it was the reason I was able to do 22 hours of labour with just gas and air 

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Hi Kasey, Yes our big beautiful boy Jacob arrived into the world on 6/10/20 after 22 hours of labour. We were able to labour 14 hours at home using hypnobirthing techniques and did the final 8 in the hospital after I hit the end of my tether and felt more comfortable with the idea of… Read More

My partner was with me every step of the way and was fully prepared for the birth thanks to the hypnobirthing course

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Hi, I completed the hypnobirthing course with my partner early in the third trimester of my pregnancy. I practiced the deep relaxation tracks regularly and then on a daily basis in the couple of weeks before my due date. My desire was to have a natural birth with minimal pain relief or medical intervention. At… Read More

My mum said “the baby is coming!” And I said “IT ALREADY DID I FELT IT!” She came out arm first like superman!

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On Tuesday the 17th September, the day before my estimated due date i woke up with some lower back and stomach pressure. I was texting my mum whilst still in bed saying “I think it’s nearly time I have never felt this pressure before in my pregnancy!” We laughed as my body had tricked me… Read More

I have been recommending Hypnobirthing now to everyone

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My partner Robbie and I signed up for Vicki Hobb’s hypnobirthing classes in Perth late in my pregnancy, I have diagnosed anxiety and my method of procrastinating and ignoring my worries about labour were no longer working and I needed to do something about it as I was terrified of labour and what was going… Read More

“I can’t wait to do it all again knowing that I will have the right tools to achieve another calm beautiful birth”.

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Hi Melissa, I just wanted to say that doing this course was utterly incredible. My partner was very nervous about coping with the delivery and not knowing how to help or support me. This course changed that. We welcomed our beautiful baby boy into the world on the 26/6/2020. I was in labour for 21… Read More

I always make sure our friends that are expecting know why Hypnobirthing will change their lives.

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Hi Melissa, Oh my goodness, firstly I have to apologise for not sending you a huge thank you for your support over a year ago (and also nearly 3 years ago after the birth of our first daughter)!!!! I thought I would finally send you an email and let you know how big an impact your… Read More

I was SO thankful for the birth affirmations, music and breathing techniques that I drew on at that time.

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My name’s Anna and I’m a first time mum. I had my beautiful baby boy Isaac a month ago today. I’ve been a midwife for 7 years and currently work in the birth suite where I had Isaac which was a very interesting full circle experience for me! I have been the midwife for a… Read More

Surgery for Tongue Tie

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We know that this can be a very touchy subject – but we are all about sharing high-quality information and research. Let’s talk about ‘tongue-tie’.   Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion. With tongue-tie, an unusually short, thick or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethers… Read More

Hypnobirthing was so helpful to relinquish any fear or anxiety I had about giving birth

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I’m so delighted to share the news that little baby Liam arrived safely on 11th February. Unfortunately we had to be induced so my dreams of having a nice slow labour starting at home with my hypnobirth techniques didn’t quite occur, but I found loads of uses for them during my labour which was so… Read More

Hypnobirthing from a Dad’s perspective – Hypnobirthing should be called ‘Compulsory Birth Preparation’

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My wife and I did the online course thing where we watched the videos and then did the practice etc in our own time. I just wanted to write in to say that the hypnobirthing experience we had was amazing. My wife is the only person in our immediate family and close friends who did… Read More

I had one of the most empowering and truly amazing experiences of my life!

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Madelyn Edith’s birth story I undertook Nikki’s Connected Hypnobirthing course in July. As third time parents my husband Dale and I were amazed by how much we learnt and how we could reframe our previous birth experiences. After the course I downloaded the Hypnobirthing tracks and began to listen to them each night. At first… Read More

The Today Show – Kate Middleton speaks out… Hypnobirthing works!

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The Duchess of Cambridge speaks out about her experience using Hypnobirthing!  Our phones and email inbox are BLOWING UP with National Media, TV and Radio wanting interviews about what Hypnobirthing is and how Princess Kate Middleton has opened up about her experience on UK Podcast ‘Happy Mum Happy Baby’. View the Channel 9 TODAY SHOW 2020 Interview with… Read More

Baby Felix was born en caul – in his sack completely unbroken!

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I just wanted to share my hypnobirthing experiences which resulted in a great birthing experience for my partner and myself as first-time parents. Sorry, it’s a bit long – I didn’t realise how much I wanted to say! Travis and I worked with Anne Carstairs in Kiama to study hypnobirthing from when I was about 20 weeks… Read More

Our midwives thanked us for letting them be a part of such a wonderful natural birth!

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Hello team! We welcomed our beautiful little daughter, Odette on 26/9/19. We had an amazing birth (although we couldn’t have our waterbirth, as no one qualified was on duty). I used the mantra ‘I will calmly meet whatever path my birthing takes We stayed at home until I was 5cm dilated, listening to my affirmations… Read More

My Mind-Blowing Natural TWIN Birth Using Hypnobirthing!

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I was lucky enough to have a relatively ‘textbook’ twin pregnancy with three extremes of trimesters. My first being full of excitement, fear, anxiety, disbelief and last but not least (as is common with multiple pregnancies)- dreaded nausea. Whilst a sign of a healthy pregnancy (some might say), it left me sofa-bound and feeling very… Read More

What is the difference between Hypnobirthing Australia, HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method & Calmbirth

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All of these different names and terms can get confusing! So what are the main differences between the Hypnobirthing Australia course and other courses such as ‘HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method’ (who appear to be currently rebranding as ‘HypnoBirthing International’) and ‘Calmbirth’? Hypnobirthing Australia™ provides a uniquely Australian course developed by Melissa Spilsted BA, BEd, CHt… Read More

I can’t say enough about how fabulous my birth experience was and I can’t wait to do it again! 

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This was my 3rd pregnancy and my first time ever taking a hypnobirthing course. I took it at about 34 weeks pregnant and I was incredibly grateful!! I had a natural delivery before, but I can’t even describe how different they felt. It was truly incredible and I loved the experience!! I’m telling all my… Read More

I had the most amazing empowering birth anyone could ever hope for!

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We have recently completed your Hypnobubs Online Hypnobirthing Course that was recommended to us by Nikki Jones from Connected Hypnobirthing Our little man arrived super early at 35+2. I had the most amazing empowering birth anyone could ever hope for, even though I knew he was going to be a very preterm and prem baby…. Read More

Hypnobirthing allowed me to go into my birth with a completely different perspective!

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Dear Melissa, My husband and I completed the online Hypnobirthing course throughout our pregnancy and the information and skills we developed helped immensely with the birth of our little girl. I can honestly say the online course contributed to us having the most positive and incredible birth. My husband was an incredible coach and support… Read More

I wanted a natural experience but I also wanted a safe experience.

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Approaching my fourth birth with calm positivity As soon as the home pregnancy test stated “1 to 2 weeks pregnant” I had a myriad of emotions starting with shock, excitement and a little bit of worry.  This was to be my fourth pregnancy and although I had three previously beautiful hypnobirthing, water births I was… Read More

Midwife Hannah Polites shares her birth story video

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Instagram influencer and Midwife Hannah Polites has shared her empowering birth story with us where she used the Hypnobirthing Australia techniques for her second birth of her son Arlo. Hannah and her husband Garth, who is a Doctor & Paediatrician himself, contacted Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner Shari Lyon from Belly2Birth on the Gold Coast after experiencing a… Read More

To have VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean) was an incredible and powerful experience!

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My second birthing experience was polar opposites to my first. My first daughter was born by emergency cesarean something I hadn’t really planned for or expected. I went into spontaneous labour and laboured for over 16 hours and through fear and anxiety my body wouldn’t open and my cervix was stuck at 4cm. We ended… Read More

The ‘Positive Birth Program’ Was an Absolute Game Changer!

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Hi Melissa, Thank you so much once again for putting together and so passionately sharing your hypnobirthing course – it was an absolute game changer in terms of framing Simon and me towards a positive mindset for birth. I truly wish everyone had the opportunity to have such encouraging and informative antenatal instruction. We’re at… Read More

We were able to prepare for our Caesarean Birth in a Calm, Loving and Positive Way!

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My little one is now three months old and I finally got around to writing about our beautiful caesarean birth. Jess Lowe from ‘Path to Birth’ was a wonderful hypnobirthing coach and we are so happy we completed your course. Our first child Finley was born in January this year by caesarean. We completed the… Read More

My birth went unexpectedly but it was beautiful

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Thank you for the Hypnobubs™ Online Course. I have always been terrible with pain and would not self describe as ‘heroic’. I had many reservations about having a cesarean and feared the recovery process. We completed the course online, which was great as we needed module flexibly due to work schedules. We had a beautiful… Read More

Thank you for helping me during the hardest time in my life without even knowing it

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Hi Melissa, I just wanted to say thank you. Your Online Hypnobubs hypnobirthing program has changed my life in less than 3 weeks! I’m currently still pregnant but have started your online program. I’ve been dealing with birth trauma from my first baby since Oct 2016. I would wake at night with tears running down… Read More

What is the difference between Hypnobubs® and other hypnobirthing programs (such as the Mongan Method)?

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We are often asked about the differences between the hypnobubs® hypnobirthing online course and other hypnobirthing courses. So, let’s bust some of the myths and provide some clarity! 🙂 Firstly, ‘hypnobirthing’ is a descriptive word that is used to identify the use of hypnotherapy with childbirth. Anyone can use the word ‘hypnobirthing’ or ‘hypnobirth’ or ‘hypno-birthing’ to… Read More

Have you been told that your placenta is showing ‘signs of aging and deterioration’?

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Have you ever been told that your placenta is “showing signs of aging and deterioration” and that this is a reason for induction? I once was. ? Well, this evidence-based article debunks the myth of ‘placental inefficiency’ being a cause of increased perinatal mortality. Definitely worth a read (and a re-read as you get closer to… Read More

“Hypnobirthing mothers don’t push” – Fact or Fallacy?

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Sometimes I get the ‘eye-roll’ when I mention breathing/bearing down with hypnobirthing, during the ‘pushing’ stage of birth. The biggest culprits for this reaction tend to be caregivers such as midwives, doctors and obstetricians (certainly not all, but some) and women who have birthed using a method of forced pushing, themselves. They will say something… Read More

Hi-5! Charli Robinson just hypnobirthed her baby!

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Don’t you love a great birth story? Celebrity (Hi-5 presenter & Getaway reporter) Hypnobirthing Australia™ mama, Charli Robinson and racing car driver Liam Talbot have had their baby girl. Charlie was a bit worried that they were only half way through the hypnobubs® course – but she managed a 15½ hour natural labour and we reckon she is a STAR hypno-mama!

My birth was the most empowering, emotional and the best thing I have ever done!

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I first heard about Hypnobirthing through ‘Australian Birth Stories Podcast’ and read about great outcomes so I thought I’d look into it. This was my second pregnancy and as having a natural birth with my first, I required assistance as baby was posterior and needed to use a ventouse or suction cap and I still held… Read More

Is Meghan Markle Hypnobirthing?

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Director of Hypnobirthing Australia™ and Hypnobubs®, Melissa Spilsted, features in this article by Yahoo News about the prospect of Meghan Markle following in the steps of her sister-in-law Kate, and hypnobirthing another royal baby. 🙂

“My anxiety was the reason for a planned cesarean and your mp3s got me through” Adelle

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I purchased your online c-section course and my husband and I spent many hours reading books and attending other classes on hypnobirthing this year in preparation for the birth of our first child. I listened to your relaxation mp3s everyday, multiple times a day towards the end of my pregnancy. My anxiety was the reason… Read More

A beautiful birth story from a Dad’s point of view.

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On the 18th August, our little girl arrived. Mum had been diagnosed with preeclampsia and cholestasis. So bub was induced by our very gentle Naprotechnology obstetrician. 7 hours of active labour later, little miss arrived, without crying, busily looking around herself, staring at mum and dad, and then feeding! She had her priorities! We used… Read More

“I started feeling pressure and a soft urge to push” Noah’s Birth Story

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Hi everyone. I’d love to introduce Noah born via a beautiful water birth at 38+5. I know I was loving reading detailed positive hypnobirthing stories in the lead up so thought I would share my experience if only to encourage at least 1 person to want to learn more. On Monday I started feeling a… Read More

My amazing midwife even said “Beautiful! Now that is how you birth!”

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I had my first little hypnobub (third baby)!! My entire birth was amazing and the first time I went into spontaneous labour too! During labour, I used the breathing techniques, flopping/staying relaxed during surges and kept my positive affirmations going to keep focused. I had a little gas during transition but that was it. Bub was born in the… Read More

I want to express to you how much of a difference the Hypnobubs™ Online Course made to my birth!

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Lucy is now 3 days old and healthy and we managed to have the positive, natural birth that we planned for!  It was amazing! After the Thursday morning assessment in which a new obstetrician was, unfortunately, pressuring me into a caesarean again (because of the high head and extra fluid and his past bad experiences… Read More

Although I had to be induced we totally ROCKED IT!

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After participating in Debra from Empowered to Birth in Bendigo Hypnobirthing Australia course we felt confident and excited about the upcoming birth. Although I had to be induced at 38+5, due to Gestational Hypertension, I managed without pain relief other than hypnobirthing. Staying in my Labour bubble with affirmations, swaying and breathing Baby Leo was… Read More

“Hypnobirthing has given us an extremely valuable gift”

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I’d like to share that my little hypnobub, Lucia arrived yesterday afternoon after an active labour of 2.5 hours. These hours were spent in the birthing suite bathtub, correctly breathing and visualising. I managed to keep calm and confident and trust that my body knew what do to. My husband’s support and coaching were integral… Read More

I was so grateful my hypnobirthing came back to me when I needed it!

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My 1st pregnancy, 9-pound baby, 40-hour labour, vacume, 60 stitches, second degree tears. 2nd pregnancy, 36 week scan, current estimated weight- 7 pounds, estimated birth weight at full term- over 9 pounds, current head circumference <99%, GP reccomendation- large for gestational age, induce at 38 weeks. The facts and figures were piling up and I… Read More

I strongly believe I could not have birthed my daughter naturally without the use of hypnobirthing!

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My pre-labour started after my 38 weeks appointment at the obs and was told I was 2cm dilated. I was experiencing mild surges that night and I was getting excited as it was finally happening. 2 days later, the surges were on and off and I was still in pre-labour stage. Soon I experienced a… Read More

I didn’t realise the absolute importance of choosing a caregiver who was supportive of our wishes.

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Hi Melissa, Just wanted to pass on a quick thank you – we completed the Hypnobirthing Course in Adelaide with Hannah Willsmore and absolutely loved it. While our birth didn’t go quite as we would have liked (I think we perhaps didn’t realise the absolute importance of choosing a caregiver who was supportive of our… Read More

Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner Featured on The Parenting Biz Podcast

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We are delighted to share this beautiful podcast episode with you from The Parenting Biz Podcast. In this podcast Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner Debra Wakefield from Empowered to Birth in Bendigo, Victoria shares how to have a  “Calm Natural Birth and Beyond with Hypnobirthing”. Grab yourself a Cuppa and click on the play button below to listen to… Read More

A positive induction story due to gestational diabetes

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Just thought you’d be keen to hear that baby girl Bryce arrived and is officially a hypno-bub! I ended up being induced as a result of the gestational diabetes but still had a truly wonderful birth experience. My obstetrician and the team at the Wesley Hospital here in Brisbane were all completely supportive of my desire… Read More

My amazing positive and drug-free birth!

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I hate hospitals. The smell of mushed food escaping behind the alcohol gel, the busy corridors filled with people in robes and with various limbs wrapped up in blood-stained bandages, but worst of all it’s the fact that I usually get jabbed, or have some bodily fluid taken from me and then moved along like… Read More

Our Positive Caesarean Rainbow Baby!

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Eryn and Andrew completed our Positive Cesarean Birth Course in preparation for their rainbow baby, Oscar. Here is their beautiful birth story… Melissa x We arrived at the hospital at 6.15am, after a fairly restless night sleep from excited anticipation. We were booked in and showed to the Day Surgery waiting room, where a number… Read More

Choosing the right model of care can impact the way you birth!

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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your efforts in promoting Hypnobirthing and your online course. You played a role in the healthy, happy and completely natural delivery of my beautiful daughter in October last year. This letter may be longwinded but please bare with me! I have always been into eating healthy… Read More

My 3 and half hour VBAC!

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Especially for Mums wanting to have a vaginal birth after c section! My little Isla Raine was born 2 months ago and I feel ready to share my hypnobirthing story with you all and hopefully inspire more positivity, especially for Mums wanting to have a vaginal birth after c section! Love reading everyone else’s positive… Read More

“My 3rd Hypnobirth Story”

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This inspiring birth story gives a very honest account of Hypnobubs Practitioner Carin’s most recent birth (with special circumstances). Carin speaks fluent Portuguese and is available for private sessions worldwide (via Skype). Contact us for more details. Ryan birth story This is my third birth story and oh my, how different it was from my… Read More

“Every birth is a snowflake” An Empowering VBAC Birth Story

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I love Hypnobirthing mainly because it is so empowering. I just wanted to take the opportunity to share my birth story with you all after successfully giving birth via VBAC yesterday morning at 8:20am on 8th of Feb to our beautiful little girl Elaina. I love Hypnobirthing mainly because it is so empowering. I hypnobirthed… Read More

Hypnobirthing Home Water Birth PLUS Bonding with Baby Techniques

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This is an absolutely beautiful and inspiring birth video sent in by Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner, Christa Buckland. This is the hypno-home-water birth of her own beautiful little hypnobub, Claire.  Footage of the actual birth with slideshow. Part 2 of the video shows footage of bonding with baby after she is born. Thank you so much for sharing this… Read More

Become a Hypnobirthing Teacher

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Hypnobirthing Australia™ is looking for some very special individuals, with a passion for positive birthing, to join our team as Certified Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioners.  Hypnobirthing Australia™ is Australia’s leading provider in hypnobirthing education. Our team already consists of over 250 Practitioners located throughout Australia. However, we need more practitioners to join us, in order… Read More

“Third time around we have ANOTHER charming hypnobirth in water birth”

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Third time is another charming hypnobirthing water birth “I am focussed on a calm, easy birth” “Every surge brings my baby closer to me” “I trust my body’s innate wisdom to do what it is designed to do” “I am a strong woman” I love birthing affirmations. Not only are all the messages beautiful and… Read More

Another awesome hypnobirth!

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This positive birth story is from hypnobirthing mama Kate, who has written this whilst pregnant with her 3rd hypnobub. Here she shares her 2nd awesome hypnobirth experience… In short – we did it! Another awesome hypnobirth! Birth story of Remy Born: Friday 31 October 2014, 6.26am 3.88 kgs, 51 cm Well, my newest man, you… Read More

Babies love birth affirmations too!

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I love it when Hypnobirthing Australia parents send in video footage of their positive birth preparation, practice and births. 🙂 Here’s a little video, shared by Hypnobirthing Australia mum Roseann, as she prepared for her birth using the affirmations from our Surge of the Sea album. You can read also read some beautiful hypnobirthing stories… Read More

“Giving birth was an amazing experience”

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Hi Melissa I would like to start by thanking you for great hypnobirthing training. Here is my birth story! My waters broke on Tuesday morning about 1am. I hadn’t had any sleep as I felt like things could happen that night. My body was just feeling different. We went to the hospital to check that… Read More

“I am prepared for whatever turn my birthing takes” Caesarean Birth Story of baby Max

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After watching the introductory video for the Online Hypnobirthing Australia Course – I knew that it was going to be useful. I was fortunate to have a healthy normal pregnancy and the course – especially our visit from Nicole (our wonderful hypnobirthing practitioner) helped to allay the fears I had of child birth based upon the overwhelmingly… Read More

A Mother’s Right to Birth on Country – A Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner and Midwife’s Perspective

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Hypnobirthing Australia’s Indigenous Childbirth Education Program is taught via aboriginal health services and through specialist Practitioners throughout Australia. This unique program supports and celebrates aboriginal mothers and birth partners, in their passage to parenthood. Written by Heather Collins This is where the journey started. A journey of healing, so powerful and sacred that to write… Read More

Looking for some beautiful music to play during your birth?

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I often receive messages from mamas that I have taught, asking for guidance in choosing some music for their birthing playlist. Parents often ask for the details of the artist of the background music from of our Hypnobirthing Australia tracks. I recommend Christopher Lloyd Clark. He is an Australian artist who specialises in meditation music…. Read More

Welcome to the Course!

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Hello there! I’m Melissa Spilsted, director of Hypnobirthing Australia™ and I’d like to personally welcome you to our program! You are already making some great decisions are you prepare yourself for one of the most important events in your life, and your babies. The way we bring our babies into the world can have a… Read More

VBAC Accidental Home Birth “The Day That I Was Born Into Being A Fierce Mother”

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Hi Melissa Although it took us 6 months to conceive Manaia, once we had made the decision to ‘sort of start trying’…it happened first go with our little man. Again I had an amazing pregnancy, and given that we were wanting a vbac, I was determined to do things a little differently this time and… Read More

“I am willing for whatever turn my birthing takes” Posterior Birth Story of Alexandra

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Our gorgeous little girl Alexandra arrived at 4:58am weighing a healthy 3.95kg. As you know at 35 weeks we were told she was in full frank breech position. We tried acupuncture, moxa sticks, swimming, hypnosis, but due to her larger size and limited time to work with, we had an external cephalic version performed at… Read More

A Touching Accidental Home Birth Story

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My pregnancy with Humphrey was extraordinarily stressful, having my grandfather pass away when I was 17 weeks pregnant, moving house while renovating, my father being diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma at Christmas time and the family disputes around how he should approach treatment. We spent most of the pregnancy devoted to caring for my dad,… Read More

Choosing your birth colour

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In our Hypnobirthing Australia classes, we encourage mothers to choose an anchor ‘colour’ for deep relaxation. Some mothers choose one whilst listening to their hypnobirthing albums and some find that they have already been attracted to a particular colour throughout their pregnancy. When I mentioned this in the class that I ran over the weekend, hypnomum Jade said that she had… Read More

Hypnobirthing helped me feel mentally prepared for birth!

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My whole birth team were phenomenal- my partner, my obstetrician, and midwives. However, I know it was the hypnobirthing philosophy and techniques that helped me to birth without fear and to have the calm, positive birth experience we wanted. Hypnobirthing helped me feel mentally prepared for birth. I had regularly listened to the guided relaxation… Read More

Screaming during birth

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I often tell mothers who are attending our Hypnobirthing Australia and Hypnobubs classes that we can ‘think’ that we are making a LOT more noise during labour, than we actually are! This is feedback we received from a new mum who recently birthed her baby after completing our online course. My labour progressed very quickly. I arrived at hospital… Read More

Vera August, born 24 December, 2016

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Annabelle’s birth story (3 times STAR hypnobirthing mama – attended a Hypnobirthing Australia™ Refresher Class)… Dear Melissa I have some special news to share! Our little Vera August was born on Christmas Eve – 6.3 pounds, named after her great Grandma. My birth story is very different to my other two. (Click to read Annabelle’s… Read More

Rory, born 19 December 2016

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Our birthing story… Firstly I just wanted to give a massive thanks to Melissa and her program (Hypnobirthing Australia Program).  Without Hypnobirthing I would not have had this positive experience to share with you all. Our baby had been in breech position since week 33, and I had been doing weekly acupuncture to help me… Read More

Pregnant and birthing Aboriginal women have been visiting these rock pools for thousands of years!

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CLICK HERE to watch my video. Come on a little journey to the sacred rock pools in Far North Queensland – Mossman Gorge. This beautiful place is the inspiration and setting for our popular pregnancy and birth self-hypnosis album, Rainforest Dreaming. Experience the sounds and sights of this tranquil and beautiful place in nature… and also hear about its… Read More

ABC Article: Hypnobirthing expert calls for standardised antenatal program in Australian hospitals

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Yay!!! We have featured in the ABC News again! Hypnobirthing expert calls for standardised antenatal program in Australian hospitals by ABC Central Victoria Reporter Larrisa Romensky. I’m becoming bolder and bolder with my statements ? – but I know the importance of this issue. The conversation needs to be had. It is imperative that a high standard… Read More

Noah Michael

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We have another AWESOME birth story to share with you from 2nd time hypnobirthing parents Kryssy and Michael! From a medical perspective, everything in my second pregnancy was running along smoothly, but emotionally, I was uneasy and a little bit anxious (and a lot more exhausted with my sassy 2 year old to keep entertained… Read More

Frankie Rose, born August 2016

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Like many women, the idea of birth scared me. When a friend told me of her amazing hypnobirth, I was eager to learn some strategies to ensure that fear would not determine the type of birth that I would have. My Husband Luke and I enrolled in the Hypnobirthing Australia course with Melissa at 23… Read More

Emilia Charlotte, born 3 November 2016

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You may recognise this mama as this is her 3rd awesome hypnobirth! Here is Hypnobirthing Australia Star Mama, Melanie’s, latest inspiring birth story!! “I wanted to let you know about our experience with the arrival of our 3rd baby on the 3rd of November – a beautiful little girl named Emilia Charlotte. You were right! You kept saying… Read More

How does Visualisation Work?

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In Hypnobirthing Australia classes, ‘visualisation’ is one of the important tools that we teach in preparation for a positive birth. But… let’s face it, the word ‘visualisation’ can sound a bit ‘woo-woo’.? How does it actually work and is there any science backing up its effectiveness? According to research using brain imagery, visualisation works because neurons in our brains… Read More

“I’m Scared About Being Cut (Episiotomy) and Tearing!”

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In all the years that I have been teaching childbirth education, one of the most common fears that mothers have communicated with me has been… “I’m so scared about being cut (episiotomy) and tearing!” So what is an episiotomy? It is a surgical cut intended to widen the vaginal opening; and the prospect of having this… Read More

Am I “Allowed” to Refuse a Vaginal Exam During Labour?

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Yesterday, a mother attending Hypnobirthing Australia Classes, asked me whether she was “allowed” to refuse vaginal examinations during labour. Good question. ? Although can I re-phrase it? You see, the question isn’t whether you are “allowed” to refuse a procedure – but rather, whether you choose to “allow” your caregiver to perform it. The power is always with… Read More

Murphy, born 11 May 2016

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Hi Melissa, We have never met but I feel like we have. It was your voice that guided me through my 2nd pregnancy, labour and birth and I would love to share our birth story with you……. It was thanks to your Hypnobirth program, Agnele from Ready Mum‘s guidance, my partners support and ultimately my… Read More

The Empowered Homebirth of Levi

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Hi Melissa I’m thrilled to let you know that another hypnobub is now earthside. I birthed Levi at home in water at 3am on Sunday, 14 August at 40 + 14. He weighed 4.89 Kg/10 lb 8 oz, 38cm head and 55cm long. I’m so thankful for your wonderful online course, Hypnobubs, that I purchased… Read More

The Hypnobirth of Baby River

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I want to reassure all mums-to-be that you don’t have to get lucky to enjoy your birth experience as much as I did. I’m not lucky, I just worked hard during pregnancy to prepare my mind, body and soul for my birth. I believe most women can have a blissful birth like me. My advice; be prepared to educate yourself on the journey ahead and use visualisation and breathing exercises such as hypnobirthing.

Why I’m glad my baby failed ‘Sleep School’

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If you have a baby who: sleeps during the day, has the occasional cry but is generally settled, can be taken out without fear of having to spend the entire time apologising to everyone within earshot… then you don’t need to read this!

This story is for all the parents out there who have what is often labeled as an ‘unsettled’ baby who cries, refuses to sleep during the day and is basically making you doubt your natural abilities as a parent and sane person!

Research, Scientific Studies & Statistics

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Please find a list of scientific studies listed below, that look at the positive effects of using hypnosis and other techniques (used in the Hypnobirthing Australia course) on birth outcomes. In this very recent (released July 2016) ground-breaking Australian study by Dr Kate Levett; independent childbirth education which included relaxation, breathing, meditation, massage and acupressure was shown… Read More

Top 3 Things Birthing Mothers Can Learn from Olympians

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“I’m pretty confident” 1 “You have to train you mind like you train your body.” 2 “If you think you can’t, you won’t, and if you think you can, you will.” 3 These quotes all come from Olympic medalists – but they could equally all apply to birth! Millions of people throughout the world watch in awe… Read More

ABC Article ‘Hypnobirthing: Hippie Trend or Legitimate Practice?’

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The ABC has featured the article Hypnobirthing: Hippie Trend or Legitimate Practice? which explores what hypnobirthing is all about and de-bunks many of the myths surrounding it. The article has been very popular and is also featured on the MamaMia website. Leading Australian childbirth experts Professor Hannah Dahlen, Dr Allan Cynan and Melissa Spilsted (Director of… Read More

One Born Every Minute

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Did you know that there is one born every minute in Australia? Well, one baby born every 1 minute & 44 seconds to be exact! HOW those babies are born can affect the physical, mental and emotional health of mother and baby short term and for many years to come. Birth intervention rates in Australia continue to… Read More

Archie, born 16 June 2016

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We are very happy to announce the birth of Archie on the 16.6.16 at 1145am. Archie weighed an impressive 9 pound, was 55cm long and has a 36cm head! He has settled into home life beautifully and is sleeping, eating and pooping like a champion. Here are some of the details and learns I can… Read More

Amelia, born 15 July 2015

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Hi Melissa, I’ve been meaning to tell you about Amelia’s birth, which was now nearly a year ago.  Amelia was born on a Wednesday evening at 8.39pm on 15 July 2015.  It’s hard to believe she will be turning one in a couple of weeks, but I thought I would still share her birth story,… Read More

Lachlan, born 20 May 2016

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*** Note from Melissa*** I am excited to be sharing this birth story from a beautiful mama I’ve taught who just had her 2nd very calm and positive c-section birth using her hypnobirthing techniques. Welcome to the world little hypnobub, Lachlan. It is important for parents to know that there are Birthing Preferences that you can request during… Read More

Lachlan Thor, born 16 April 2016

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Greg and I would love to introduce our second little bub Lachlan Thor. Lachy is a healthy 8lb and was born 7.15am on the 16th April. Perfect hypnobirth and of course, a calm little bub. He is perfect in every way and his big brother Linc is very proud, phew! Hopefully Bones (doggy) will be… Read More

Brynn Evelyn, born 9 May 2016

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Note from Melissa: Alison and Grant originally attended Hypnobirthing Australia classes with me back in 2013, in preparation for the birth of their first baby. A homebirth with a registered private midwife was planned. They were very well prepared for the birth and had excellent care. However, some special circumstances arose during their first birth; so they transferred… Read More

Samuel, born May 2015

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Hi Melissa, I wanted to share our birth story with you and thank you for our hypnobirthing experience! After attending your course earlier in the year, both Matt & I were feeling very positive about the upcoming birth of our first child. Understanding the birth process made it easy for us both to believe that… Read More

How Can Mothers & Midwives Work Together to Stop the Overmedicalisation of Birth?

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This 7 minute video contains many gems of wisdom! Professor of Midwifery, Cecily Begley (Trinity College, Ireland), was interviewed at a recent midwifery conference and she discussed the overmedicalisation of birth and ways that mothers and midwives can work together to change it.  In this video you will learn: How birth is a normal physiological function of the body… Read More

Elijah Aten, born 13 September 2015

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I live in Nanjing China (a second tier city, 300 kms west of Shanghai) and birthed my two hypno babies in Shanghai. Before becoming pregnant I knew I wanted natural, calm births. Very attainable while living in Australia. Although I birthed my babies in private hospitals with internationally trained doctors, unfortunately, in China interventions are… Read More

Isaac, born 15 February 2016

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Hi ? I just wanted to share our positive birth story with other parents/parents-to-be. My husband and I cannot express enough how thankful we are for Melissa. Her online Hypnobirthing course empowered us to work as a team and deliver our 1st child – a beautiful baby boy, Isaac – in a calm, relaxed and… Read More

Orangutan Kisses Pregnant Belly

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This video is amazing. Watch as the orangutan interacts and kisses the pregnant belly of this mother. ❤ orang-utans. We have more in common with our mammal sisters and brothers, than we sometimes realise. Melissa x

Podcast – Removing the Fear of Childbirth

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Do you want 50 minutes of FREE hypnobirthing tips and inspiration? How about something to listen to whilst driving or commuting? Well – look no further. ***CLICK TO LISTEN*** You can listen to this FREE podcast on ‘Removing the Fear of Childbirth’ where Dr Kaz Jaffe from ‘Mums the Word’ interviews Melissa Spilsted from Hypnobirthing Australia. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO… Read More

Israel, born 18 August 2015

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Note from Melissa: This beautiful family originally attended Hypnobirthing Australia classes to prepare for their first birth back in 2013. They went to great effort (driving hundred of kms) in order to attend classes; and it certainly paid off when they had a very positive and empowered birth. This time around, we completed a refresher together via Skype. Little did we… Read More

Vaginal Seeding for C-Section (Caesarean, Cesarean, Cesarian)

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Vaginal Seeding for C-Section: The British Medical Journal recently released an article titled ‘How should health professionals engage with this increasingly popular but unproven practice’ and must admit I shook my head in disbelief when reading the article. I wonder if the authors of this article have considered the fact that babies traditionally DO come out via the vaginal route.

Vivienne Rose, born 28 October 2015

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I had a very traumatic birth with my son and had an unnecessary Caesarean. It took a lot to have another baby, but it was a wonderful pregnancy being cared for by an Independent Midwife. She suggested Hypnobirthing and we opted for the Hypnobubs Online Course as my husband is FIFO. When the time came everything… Read More

How I Started Hypnobirthing Australia & Hypnobubs – Career, Stay-at-home Mum or Both?

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This is the first time I have written about my journey to starting Hypnobirthing Australia and Hypnobubs. I wanted to share this story in the hope of encouraging and inspiring other new parents to embrace the possible career/work changes that may occur when starting a family. Many mothers, in particular, hold fears about their future career prospects when… Read More

Birth: Emergency or Emergence?

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So often, birth is described in terms of being an ’emergency’. The very wise and inspirational Binnie A Dansby urges us to think of birth as an ’emergence’ rather than an ’emergency’. And I couldn’t agree with her more! Melissa x Emergence and Emergency in How we are Born from www.wholebeingfilms.com on Vimeo.

Felix, born 29 August 2015

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Back in 2013, Hypnobirthing Australia mum Heidi shared the inspirational story of her 1st hypnobirth with baby Benjamin (you can read it here). Now she shares her 2nd AWESOME birth story of baby Felix, with us! The Day We Met Our Baby Felix 29th August 2015 Pretty much exactly two years after the birth of our… Read More

Aliya, born 19 December 2015

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Hi Melissa It’s been a while since we were in touch (I guess since July when we did our Hypnobirthing course with you!), but we just wanted to let you know that as of Saturday 19th December, we have a beautiful new addition to the Hypnobub family – our little daughter Aliya Lisa Cooper Deen…. Read More

Ryder Robert, born 19 November 2015

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Hello Melissa 🙂 Our little hypno Bub has arrived! Ryder Robert was born today 19/11/15 at 1145am weighing a wee 6p4 and a shorty at 49cms haha We had had some extra growth scans because my fundal height was measuring smaller (3cms, no big deal) and my amniotic fluid was on the “low side of… Read More

Libby Trickett Cheers for Hypnobirthing Australia!

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Great to see our Golden Girl, Olympic Gold Medalist Libby Trickett, with new little hypnobub Poppy, featuring in the Courier Mail this weekend! Libby and Luke Trickett attended hypnobirth classes in Brisbane with director of Hypnobirthing Australia, Melissa Spilsted. Now Libby is cheering for the Hypnobirthing Australia program that she used to prepare for her own… Read More

Will, born September 2015

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Conquering the Fear of Birth I am so happy and proud to be sharing my story with you. I want to tell the world about Hypnobirthing because it not only gave me the most beautiful labour – but it made my entire pregnancy and continuing journey with my son just so peaceful and calm. I… Read More

Elijah, born 13 September 2015

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Hypnobirthing in China! Hi Melissa On the 13th of September we welcomed baby Elijah Aten earth side. Here’s a little run down of how it happened: contractions started at 2:30 am, 8 minutes apart. I lay in bed breathing through my surges, keeping relaxed. At 4:00 I woke my husband and asked him to contact… Read More

Alice, born August 2014

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Hi Melissa, It’s only a year and a bit late but I just thought I’d let you know that our second hypnobaby, Alice, was born in August (2014). We are every bit as proud of her and her birthing story as we are of Alfie and his. I had two guess dates for Alice. The… Read More

Flynn, born 28 October 2015

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Hi Melissa I want to thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with Johnny and I. We had baby Flynn on Tuesday at 1:53pm and it was such a calm and beautiful experience I still get teary just thinking about it. He was born at 37 weeks and 5 days so when I started… Read More

Should ‘One Born Every Minute’ Be Banned?

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There is some controversy going on in the UK at the moment. A natural birth coach from Nottingham has called for Channel 4 series One Born Every Minute to be banned because, she says, it is “terrifying women” about childbirth and what to expect in labour. Well – I agree with her. I have placed a… Read More

Is it ‘wee’… or have my membranes released?

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At Hypnobirthing Australia we are all about avoiding unnecessary intervention. A new product has just hit the market which we think provides a safe and non-invasive monitoring test to differentiate between your membranes releasing – or a wee bit of ‘wee’! Sometimes we can experience a little incontinence when we are pregnant. Some mums find it difficult to determine… Read More

Dylan, born 5 October 2015

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Recently, hypnobirthing mama-to-be, Jacqui, was one of the first to ‘test out’ our new ‘Baby, Come Out!‘ album. Jacqui wrote to me saying, “My due date is today, and I’m pretty keen to get this baby moving (ANY way that I can). I think I’m also very excited about trying out my new hypnobirthing skills! lol Hoping you… Read More

Do you have a baby in the breech or posterior position?

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 Often mothers don’t know that their babies are breech until their caregivers notify them. Some babies do not turn right up until birth, some turn during birth and some never turn and are born feet or bottom first! The most important thing to remember is ‘not to worry’. There are many non-invasive ways that… Read More

Matilda Leigh, born 1 September 2015

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Hello! I just want to start by saying thank you so much for important techniques you provided Luke and I with in your hypnobirthing classes. They will be forever helpful in everyday life! Finally, my uterus must be like a 5* hotel because madame didn’t want to check out! I ended up being induced and… Read More

Isla, born 11 March 2015

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Hi Melissa! Thought you might like to know that we have welcomed our baby girl Isla 🙂 Born 11th March, 6 pounds 10oz Here is our birth story, sorry it’s quite long! As you know I was facing induction (scheduled for Wednesday 11th) after little miss decided she was super comfy and wanted to decide… Read More

News Release: A New Breed of Champions

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8 September 2015 A New Breed of Champions! Question: What do swimming golden-girl Libby Trickett, cycling gold medalist Sara Carrigan and Titan’s rugby winger David Mead all have in common? They all prepared for the birth of their babies using ‘hypnobirthing’. “Not surprising”, according to Hypnobirthing Australia director Melissa Spilsted. “Childbirth is considered… Read More

Levi Paul, born 8 August 2015

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Hi Melissa! Dave and Rachel here from your March HB course… We are thrilled to let you know that our little guy, Levi Paul, arrived last Sat (Aug 8) and we had an amazing birth experience 🙂 He was born one day past his “due date” and was a pretty quick birth! The Friday night… Read More

Lotus Winter, born August 2015

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Hi Melissa, I wanted to thank you so much for everything that you taught me through the hypnobirthing course. Before the birth of my daughter every night I listened to my hypnobirthing tracks and would listen to the affirmations whilst I was in the bath as I planned on having a water birth. I did… Read More

Savanna Rose, born 15 March 2014

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Birth Story of Savanna Rose   My whole life I have always thought I was made to have babies; I considered myself very strong and healthy and people had always commented on my “baby making hips”. I had studied nutrition and made sure I was eating really healthy during pregnancy and my friends and family… Read More

Elayna Maddison, born 3 July 2015

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As I was revising my hypnobirthing notes I also revisited the Hypnobirthing Australia website and noticed the sound track “breech turn”. At this stage I was 33 weeks pregnant and although I had been told she could still turn by herself, I thought I would give her a bit of encouragement J

Camille, born 15 July 2015

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Our little cherub Camille arrived at 40 weeks + 5 days on 15/07/15. The Hypnobirthing techniques really helped, especially when I put on my headphones and really zoned everything else out. My labour kicked off around 2am and I chilled out at home until 9am when things started moving more quickly. We checked in to… Read More

Survival Tips for New Mothers

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 Published in the Winter 2015 issue of Nurture Magazine When I first became a mother, I wanted the world to believe that I had everything under control. In my mind, I had envisioned myself as becoming one of those perfectly groomed yummy mummies with the happily gurgling baby. You know, the type that we see… Read More

Hypnobirthing Parents Continue the Calm

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So, you have had your positive birth experience and enjoyed using hypnobirthing throughout your pregnancy and birth. And now you’ve had your baby. Yayyyyy! A big congratulations! Parents often comment to us that they enjoyed their relaxation practice through pregnancy, and miss it when the pregnancy is over. But we want to emphasise that doesn’t have… Read More

Frank Edward, Born 13 June 2015

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Good morning Melissa, I’m not too sure if you remember me, we did Skype sessions together over two years ago for my second daughter Chloe Sophia. I just wanted to share that we have welcomed another and final addition to our family a beautiful baby boy, Frank Edward. Hypnobirthing was used and vitally important in… Read More

Hypnobirthing Video of a Beautiful Australian Birth

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Thank you to this very special hypnobirthing family who has shared their precious moments with us all, and to The Heart of Motherhood birth photography/doula who has captured this hypnobirthing video so beautifully. Our Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner Emma from Hypnobirthing Ipswich was there to support this mother as she hypnobirthed like a star! And it is also worth… Read More

Exercise during pregnancy reduces caesarean risk

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Recent research from the University of Alberta, found that women who exercise during their pregnancy are 20% less likely to need a caesarean section and 31% less likely to have a large baby. I think that we already knew that exercise has its benefits, but it is nice to see the research backing up what we suspected…… Read More

Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioners Conference with Dr Sarah Buckley

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Just for a bit of fun! Here is our official ‘trailer’ for the Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioners Conference in Brisbane, 2015. Dr Sarah Buckley was our keynote speaker and a number of our very talented practitioners (Pip Wynn Owen, Shari Lyon, Tracey Rose & Vicki Hobbs) also presented some very informative sessions for us. It was wonderful to… Read More

Miss Polly had a Dolly – Conditioning from Childhood

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I was chatting to a friend today about how we and previous generations have been conditioned to associate ‘sickness’ with calling the doctor and receiving a script to take medication. One of my favourite nursery rhymes as a child was “Miss Polly had a Dolly”. If you aren’t already familiar with it, it goes like this…… Read More

William, born 7 May 2015

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I still cannot get over the difference in my two births – I would never have believed myself capable of a natural, unassisted birth. It was an absolute highlight in my life and I have no doubt I will be just as amazed by it, and just as proud of myself, when I am 80 years old!
I can’t thank you enough Melissa. We’ll be back for a refresher course when we are due with #3 – oh yes! I can’t wait to do it again. It was fantastic.

Some Tips for a Positive Birth

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In this short video, I explain how to get started with your hypnobirthing practice and enjoy the benefits of your Free Pregnancy Relaxation MP3! Please leave a comment either below or on YouTube, to let me know how you are going with your relaxation practice.

Margaret (Maggie) Robyn, born 26 January 2015

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Just writing to say thank you for the positive birthing skills you taught my husband, Barrie and I last November. We gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Margaret (Maggie) Robyn on the 26/01/2015 (Australia Day) in a calm, relax environment at the Mater Hospital. The birth was not exactly according to the my birth… Read More

You asked for it! Our NEW RELEASE Sapphire Sea for general relaxation

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Over the years, many mums have asked us for a general relaxation album that is unrelated to birth. A track focused on relaxation, confidence and empowerment with the same soothing voice and music that guided them through a positive pregnancy and birth. When we are pregnant, we enjoy taking that ‘time out’ on a regular basis to nurture a positive mindset… but after… Read More

Eden Zephyr, born 29 January 2015

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Here is a snippet of our hypnobirthing story and a huge thank you to our wonderful hypnobirthing coach Kassie Tubs from port Macquarie ❤️ Late on Thursday the 28th of January I had a minor bloody show and some sensations really low in my pelvis. Thinking not too much of it I didn’t bother texting… Read More

Hypnobirthing Australia recently featured on Channel 7 Sunrise

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Melissa Spilsted from Hypnobirthing Australia featured here on Sunrise on Channel 7 – Australia’s number one breakfast show hosted by Kochie and Sam (David Koch & Samantha Armytage) – for creating a WORLD FIRST program. Melissa’s candid interview relating to the Hypnobirthing Australia program which is available Australia wide; and the launch of the Hypnobirthing… Read More

Melissa Spilsted has delivered a world-first for caesarean birth by combining childbirth education with hypnosis

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Great to see that our program is receiving lots of media attention! This article appeared in Quest Newspapers/Courier Mail 3/2/15. Melissa Spilsted is the founder and director of Hypnobirthing Australia. Pictured with soon-to-be mums Kristina Halford of Toowoomba and Jenny Pham of Morningside. Photo by Sarah Keayes A mother-of-three has delivered a world-first for caesarean birth… Read More

Enrol in Hypnobirthing Practitioner Training!

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Are you super passionate about spreading the word of positive birthing? Would you like to make this the year that you share this passion with others and even create a successful business for yourself at the same time? At Hypnobirthing Australia – we are very proud to know that through our passion, high quality training materials and… Read More

Vivianne, born 31 October 2014

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Hi Melissa! Kasia and Matt here.. Hope you are well! First of all, we had our beautiful baby girl – Vivianne, born on 31/10/14! She is absolutely gorgeous,very calm and so delicate ! I miss here sometimes when she goes to sleep, as I know I wont cuddle her for next 4-5h! Birth experience, well… Read More

Techniques for turning a breech or posterior baby

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Not all babies march to the same beat! There is much talk about positioning of babies these days – and it can put mothers under a lot of undue stress. We must remember that in previous generations, mothers didn’t even know what position their baby was in until the birth Most babies do actually turn… Read More

Archie, born 12 November 2014

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Hi Melissa, Thanks to you (and the practice we did), our birthing tool box was full and allowed us to welcome little Archie into the world on the 12th November. Here’s our happy birthing story: My surges started at 11.30pm on Monday night and continued through the night but not get any closer than 5… Read More

Olive Rose, born 28 September 2014

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Hello Melissa, My name is Faith and I was in your hypnobirthing class earlier this year around June. Just wanted to let you know I had such a beautiful and relaxing birth thanks to you. I still can’t believe that it actually happened so quickly and so smoothly. Olive Rose  was born at 8.25am on… Read More

Eleanor, born 20 October 2014

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Another successful VBAC story to share and inspire! Hi Melissa, Bruce, Solara and I welcomed little Eleanor, 9lbs 6oz, on the 20th of October via sucessful VBAC! After taking your class in June we had our first appointment with Doctors the following week. From then on we were met with negativity for our wishes for… Read More

Isaac, born 16 November 2014

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We are delighted to let you know that our perfect little creature was born Sunday 16th at 8:26am. He swam into the world with a lovely natural water birth. I am completely and utterly in love. Sean was amazing as were all the staff and everything went the way we had hoped. Thanks for everything… Read More

Media Release – Caesarean Birth

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 25 November 2014   Australia set to deliver a world first for caesarean births An Australian childbirth education expert is set to deliver a world first for parents who birth their babies via planned caesarean. The program promises to prepare parents for a positive and empowering caesarean birth experience utilising hypnotherapy techniques! Women… Read More

Orlando, born 20 January 2014

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Let me first start by saying how absolutely grateful I am to the lovely couple that first mentioned hypnobirthing to me. I had never heard of it until I met this couple when I was 12weeks pregnant, they said to me- If we can give you one piece of advice, please look into hypnobirthing. I… Read More

Hypnobirthing – Pumpkin Style!

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It is Halloween! So – just for a little laugh.. let’s have a look at the likely differences between a more ‘medicalised’ style birth… and a hypnobirth! 😉 Here we have your stereotypical ‘medical style’ birth… complete with bright lights, hospital environment, noise, lack of intimacy or privacy, fear, tension and (as would be expected to follow) –… Read More

Increase Your Success for a VBAC

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Melissa Spilsted, director of Hypnobirthing Australia, gives us some tips on helping to achieve a successful VBAC. Click here to download the .pdf  VBAC Article by Melissa Spilsted – Nurture Magazine or click on the following images (though, be sure to click on the 2nd page, too!) This article is published in the November 2014 issue of www.nurtureparentingmagazine.com.au.  … Read More

Abigail Clare, born 22 July 2014

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Hey Melissa, Just wanted to say mother HUGE thank you for our talk! After we discussed everything, it really helped me focus back on the task at hand. The birth went EXCEPTIONALLY well. My obstetrician was flabbergasted. Even during the birth, he kept saying, “Geez, you’re so relaxed” and I’ve scanned in a pic of… Read More

Chayce Ryder, born 29 March 2014

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Hi Melissa, I just wanted to say thank you so much for the classes; it really helped myself & Jesse. We had a beautiful water birth. Everything went perfect. Our baby boy was born on the 29th march at 7 pounds at 5.30 am our baby boy is now 4 months and we are so… Read More

Ivy Teresia, born 9 June 2014

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Even though our beautiful water-hypno- birth “plan” didn’t go to plan (quite the opposite), I can honestly say that doing the Hypnobirthing course with my fiancé Josh helped us tremendously. Being ‘calmly prepared for whatever turn my birthing may take’ and havingthe confidence and knowledge to question certain procedures while staying very relaxed in a… Read More

Angus, born 2 June 2014

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Angus’ Birth Story I guess Angus’ birth story actually begins with Jesper’s, his older brother’s. Jesper’s birth was a ‘picture perfect’ birth and went exactly to plan like a hypnobirthing text book! Jesper was born very peacefully in water at the birth centre under dim lights, with beautiful music and essential oils burning and the… Read More

Finn, born 1 July 2014

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Hi Melissa, Just thought I’d share some more details with you about the birth of our baby boy Finn on 1st July. I had been in a great deal of pain (mentally and physically) in the weeks leading up to his birth. I think I must have gone to bed every night for 2 weeks… Read More

Lachlan David, born 5 March 2014

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Our Birth Story (Nicole and David were taught by Mae’t Pearson from My Best Birth, Brisbane) This is one of the most incredible experiences we have ever had in our life. It all began when I found out I was pregnant with my second baby due on the 3rd of March 2014. We had thoroughly… Read More

Grace Deanna, born 6 June 2014

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Hi Melissa ! Just wanted to let you know we had our little girl (Grace Deanna) on the 6th June, 38 weeks! I really feel all the hypnobirthing practice we did helped me reach full term, so thank you! I had an 8 hr labour drug free 🙂 I was so excited that I actually… Read More

Samuel, born 22 April 2014

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Dim lights, birth affirmations and clary sage helped me to enter into my zone. The urges started to come closer and closer and I was calm, welcoming the pressure in my lower back. At 7:30 urges were 3 min apart and I was in control of my breathing thinking about blossoming roses.

Nash Garrick, born 7 March 2014

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Dear Melissa, First of all.. THANK YOU! I’ve been meaning to send you this email for about 16 weeks now – we met our son Nash Garrick on Friday the 7th of March this year 🙂 Six days past my guess date, on Thursday morning, I woke up with period style cramping very low in… Read More

Hypnobirthing in the Media

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It seems that the secret is well and truly out! Hypnobirthing Australia can help parents to have a calm and positive birth experience – and it doesn’t involve clucking like a chicken, either! Hypnobirthing Australia has been featured in magazines, newspapers, television and radio. As Australia’s fastest growing childbirth education course; we are in popular… Read More

Circumcision – The Topic Nobody Wants to Talk About

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Circumcision. This is a topic that is discussed rarely – and yet it has lifelong effects for our baby boys. The procedure of infant circumcision is still quite common in many parts of Australia, today. Being the parents of three young boys, my husband and I know the pressure that ‘social norms’ can exert, regarding… Read More

What is driving Australia’s high caesarean rate?

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Australia’s high caesarean rate ” especially within the private sector, has risen at an alarming rate. I have said this for many years; women are NOT “too posh to push” ” the absolute majority of women who have scheduled caesareans are following doctor’s recommendations. Sometimes this procedure is the safest for mother and baby; however… Read More

Are Hypnobirthing Babies Easier?

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by Melissa Spilsted I often receive emails and messages from parents that I have taught in the past; telling me how calm and relaxed their hypnobubs are. It happens so often that I can’t help but feel that  our mindset, bonding and relaxation practice through pregnancy and labour make a huge impact on our babies…. Read More

Hypnobirthing Australia YouTube Channel

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Click here visit our Hypnobirthing Australia YouTube Channel. Here, you will find a selection of beautiful hypnobirths and other natural birth related videos from around the world. These have been especially selected to inspire you for your own beautiful birth!  

Frequently Asked Questions

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What will I learn in the course? Please click here to read our Course Outline which details what we cover in our Hypnobirthing Australia course. What is hypnobirthing? Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that focuses on preparing parents for gentle birth. In hypnobirthing classes, you will learn proven techniques in a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, visualisation, and… Read More

Hypnosis Tracks

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Now Available! Hypnobirthing tracks for pregnancy, childbirth, natural or caesarean birth, breastfeeding and parenting. Enjoy the relaxation techniques from the

Private Sessions

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Private Hypnobirthing Courses can be arranged at mutually convenient times. Private sessions are also available for Preparation for Caesarean, Fear Release, Breech Turn, Preparation for Childbirth, Post Pregnancy.

I’m a Chicken When it Comes to Pain!

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Australia’s leading hypnobirthing childbirth educator Melissa Spilsted reveals how hypnobirthing techniques helped her to achieve calm and positive births. And she admits… she’s a ‘chicken’ when it comes to pain! Here she explains how using hypnosis for childbirth and breathing techniques combined with a quality childbirth education ante-natal course can help you. Download your FREE… Read More

Can we birth like an orangutan

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Some amazing footage has just been released by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Park this week; this is a world first – never seen before video footage of a Sumatran orangutan giving birth. In the video, you will see a very serene and calm mother orangutan, birth her baby quietly, receive her into her own hands,… Read More

Celebrities that Choose Hypnobirthing

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What do Kate Middleton, Jessica Alba, Pamela Anderson, Miranda Kerr all have in common?Well rumour has it – they all hypnobirthed! Hypnobirthing has been gaining popularity over recent years, however when the Princess Kate reportedly chose to use hypnobirthing to prepare for the birth of little George, heir to the throne – that certainly caused quite… Read More

Body Image Post Birth

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Body Image. Two words that can hit a sensitive nerve in many women ” particularly post-birth. You see ” our body does change after we birth our babies. It takes on average 38-42 weeks for our body to put on the weight and stretch and bend for our babies ” and it will take some… Read More

Cord Clamping Let it Be

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We don’t prematurely clamp the cord and cut off oxygen supply to any other mammal. I’ve often questioned…why is it so often done to human babies?

Practitioner Training

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Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioner Training Do you have that ‘something special’? Hypnobirthing Australia™ is looking for some very special individuals, with a passion for positive birthing, to join our team as Certified Hypnobirthing Australia™ Practitioners.   So, if you are a Childbirth Educator, Doula, Midwife, Nurse, Psychologist, Hypnotherapist, Doctor, Yoga/Pilates Instructor, Naturopath, Chiropractor, Physiotherapist, hypnobirthing parent or have… Read More

Aurora Ming-Gwong born 26 January 2013

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Aurora was 5 weeks old on Saturday and we are just writing now to tell you about the birth.  As I’m sure you know, we have been busy adjusting and getting over a few hurdles. Aurora’s labour/birth took place over about 4 days, so instead of boring you with all the details (which is probably why… Read More

Health Fund Rebates

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Hypnotherapy Rebate – Participating Health Funds As Melissa and several of our Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioners are Clinical Hypnotherapists, registered through the Australian Hypnotherapists Association; you may be eligible to claim a rebate for hypnotherapy. Please check with your individual practitioner for eligibility. The following Health funds currently provide rebates*. Some require the provider number to be… Read More

hypnobirthing on the Today Show

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Hypnobirthing is going mainstream!!! In the past week we have seen Hypnobirthing featured on both The Today Show and Channel 10 News. Hypnobirthing on the Today Show ” Australia