At the beginning of each chapter, you can find a short explanation of what you will learn. You can re-watch the videos and re-do the exercises as often as you wish too! Under some videos, you can find additional information or links to the research that I mentioned.

The best way to approach this course is to watch one video after the other and complete the exercises as you come across them. However, right at the beginning of this course, I also want to say: You know best what works for you! For most people, starting with knowledge of physiology helps them trust their bodies, but some may find it intimidating. If that describes you, you could for example, jump straight to learn about homones (end of chapter 2), relaxation/orientation (chapter 3), and how to address fear and mental preparation (chapter 7). If you want some support with finding out how to approach the course, feel free to send me a message.

I highly recommend not only watching the videos but also actively practicing the tools taught in the course and completing the exercises. By dedicating just 5-10 minutes every day or every other day to practice, you can significantly improve your birthing experience!

Additionally, I suggest trying out each technique 3-5 times before deciding which ones work best for you. This course is also a journey of self-knowledge, and it may surprise you which techniques resonate with you. What works for one person may not work for another. By trying out the different techniques, you will find the tools that are right for you in this course, as I have included a range of different methods to suit your individual needs.

What if I don’t have time to do the whole course?

I highly recommend taking the full course for the best preparation, but I understand that it may not be feasible for everyone, especially those who join late in their pregnancy. If you're short on time, I suggest prioritizing the following lessons:

• All of Chapter 2, or at least 2.2. Basic Anatomy, 2.11. Hormone Cycles

• 3.2. Exercise: Birth Environment, 3.7. Simple Head & Shoulder Relaxation, 3.12. Exercise: Your Anchors

• All of Chapter 4

• 5.1. Some Words about Interventions, 5.9. Table: Risks & Benefits of Interventions & Drugs

• 6.2. This is YOUR Birth - Decisions and Rights, 6.6. Summary: How to Make Decisions, 6.8. How to Have a Positive Birth with Interventions

• 7.4. Exercise: A Meeting with Your Fears

• All of Chapter 8

• 9.4. Basic Pelvic Floor Strengthening for Pregnancy & Postpartum, If you plan to breastfeed: 9.14. Breastfeeding Tips, 9.12. Editable Postpartum Plan

• 10.5. Read this when you are 37 weeks pregnant

What is Hypnobirthing?

This course incorporates elements of hypnobirthing. One of the central principles of hypnobirthing is the connection between the mind and body. The practice assumes that the mind and body are intimately linked, and that the mental and emotional states of the mother can affect the physiological processes of labor and delivery. By using hypnobirthing techniques to promote relaxation and focus, women can work with their bodies during labor, rather than feeling like they are fighting against it. The most central parts that teach hypnobirthing are videos about hormones during birth (2.9.-2.11.), relaxation techniques from hypnobirthing (3.1.-3.3. & 3.5.-3.9.), the mind-body connection, and positive reinforcement (7.1., 7.2. & 7.5.-7.10.).

What is Active Birth?

Active birth is an approach to childbirth that emphasizes the mother's active involvement during labor and delivery. It encourages women to move around, change positions, and use non-medical techniques to manage pain and facilitate birthing. Active birth principles are based on the idea that by working with the physiological processes of labor, women can have a more positive childbirth experience. The course also includes an explanation of how to use the techniques associated with active birth alongside medical pain relief such as an epidural. The most central chapter for active birth methods is Chapter 8.

And now, let's start preparing for your positive birth experience!