How to Become a HypnoBirth Instructor

Hypnobirth allows a mother to deliver her baby in a relaxed state without drugs.

Hypnobirthing is a method of childbirth created by Marie Mongan that instructs mothers how to give birth in a natural and relaxed way. A trained hypnobirthing instructor teaches the mother that childbirth is not a naturally painful event and that complete relaxation can be achieved through deep breathing and self-hypnosis. You can enroll in the HypnoBirthing Instructor Certification Program after you have training and experience in traditional childbirth techniques.

Instructions

1. Learn hypnosis from a reputable instructor. A local psychologist can refer you to a respected, well-trained teacher or institution.

2. Learn how to perform first aid from an accredited institution. Community colleges and the Red Cross offer classes for certification.

3. Learn childbirth techniques through nursing or midwife instruction. Classes are offered by nursing schools and community colleges. Although it's not necessary to become a health care professional before becoming a hypnobirthing instructor, it will give you a background that will better serve your clients.

4. Practice childbirth assistance in a professional capacity as a midwife, nurse or in another childbirth assistance role. Work in the field for at least five years before considering striking out on your own.

5. Apply to attend the HypnoBirthing Institute's Childbirth Educator Program. Fill out the necessary paperwork to apply. Wait for your letter of acceptance.

6. Pay the fee for the class. Attend all four days of the program to become certified.

7. Begin talking to the clients at your midwife practice about hypnobirthing. Explain the benefits of hypnotism as an alternative to drugs during a natural childbirth.

8. Advertise in newspapers and online for more business. The classifieds and social-networking sites can connect you to a pool of potential clients.

Tips & Warnings

• Yoga instructors, doctors, hypnotherapists, massage therapists, midwives, nurses and anyone with an interest in childbirth assistance can take the certification course. A medical background is not a prerequisite for certification, but, it will help to protect you from legal liability by giving you the proper training to know if and when a medical emergency arises during a pregnancy. Knowing how to handle such a situation will give you and your clients piece of mind.

• Child birth is a natural process that requires medical care. You may become liable for any instance where you cross the line and offer medical advice without proper training or a license. Malpractice insurance will protect you from lawsuits in these situations.

• Unless you're a physician, you should never offer medical advice to a client.

References

• HypnoBirthing Institute; HypnoBirthing Practitioner Certification; HypnoBirthing Institute; January 2011
• HypnoBirthing, The Mongan Method; Questions Frequently Asked About HypnoBirthing; The HypnoBirthing Institute; January 2011
• HypnoBirthing, The Mongan Method; Founder of HypnoBirthing; The HypnoBirthing Institute; 2011