Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits for me and my baby or babies of doing The Wise Hippo Sussex Hypnobirthing Programme?

I will share invaluable tools and techniques so you can really enjoy your pregnancy and look forward to the birth feeling calm and relaxed. These are strategies for life, not solely for pregnancy, and will help alleviate any fears or anxieties you may be feeling. I use my knowledge and expertise as a Midwife and Clinical Hypnotherapist to guide you through the programme to experience a positive pregnancy and birth.

As you feel more relaxed and calmer during your pregnancy, your baby will benefit from the increased feel-good hormones released. Endorphins and oxytocin will promote feelings of security and comfort for the baby or babies within your womb.

Before attending the Wise Hippo Sussex, many women feel anxious about their baby’s or babies’ birth. Within a few weeks of attending my course, these worries have been eased and they are looking forward to the rest of their pregnancy and excited about their birth of their baby or babies. To see what past clients have said about the course and their births, have a look at the testimonials page and the Wise Hippo Sussex Hypnobirthing Facebook page.

You are welcome to contact me if you would like any support or information.

Please follow the link to see what midwives have to say about the Wise Hippo Birthing Programme and the difference it is making to the births they attend.

How will The Wise Hippo Sussex help my partner?

The Wise Hippo Sussex Programme will help your birthing partner to feel empowered and establish an important role in your pregnancy, birth and beyond. Promoting bonding as a family, the relaxation techniques and scripts I use will ensure your partner feels confident, calm and relaxed. They will join you in looking forward to the birth and be your advocate, protector and support.

Does The Wise Hippo Sussex Programme work if I need an intervention or if I’ve booked for a caesarean?

All the techniques and tools you learn before having your baby will make you feel calm, relaxed and in control of your birth, no matter what type of birth you have. You’ll have a positive birth that’s right for you and your baby on the day. The skills you learn will support you throughout life to remain emotionally in control.

Can you promise me a pain free birth?

No. I’m afraid no one can guarantee this, but do I know it is possible. Yes! The tools and techniques will facilitate a positive, calm and relaxed birth.

Who is the Wise Hippo Sussex Programme suitable for?

EVERYONE, whether you’re a first-time mum, expecting multiples or you’ve had one or more children before. Whether you decide to have a home, hospital or caesarean birth, the course will ensure you and your birthing partner have the tools and techniques to have a positive pregnancy and birth and remain calm and relaxed.

Will the Wise Hippo Sussex Programme help me with anxiety?

Yes, definitely. Many of my clients come to me suffering from everyday worries, anxieties and ‘what-ifs’? They’ve found these have been alleviated by practising the programme’s tools and techniques in everyday life.

Can I attend the Wise Hippo Sussex course on my own?

Of course. You are welcome to come on your own. Another option is your birthing partner attends only sessions two and four. I will provide you with a comprehensive handbook for your birthing partner to read and you’ll have access at to the 10 MP3s you and your birthing partner can enjoy at home.

Lizzie Zeyfert

14/02/2022

To anyone who is pregnant, I really do recommend attending the Wise Hippo Hypnobirthing course. We attended the course online as it was during the pandemic but Joanna made us feel very welcome and relaxed. The techniques we learnt helped keep me calm and level headed throughout my birthing experience. Although our birth didn't go the way we would have preferred we still had a very positive experience and that was thanks to the course as well as the staff. The course also involve my partner more in both the pregnancy and birth. The couples we met on this course have been an amazing support team and will be friends for life.

Ruth Toward

07/02/2022

We thoroughly recommend the wise hippo hypnobirthing course with Jo. Following a traumatic first birth, I was very anxious about this second birth experience but by doing this course and with the continual support from Jo, I feel so much more confident and relaxed going into this birth. I’ve been so relaxed during this pregnancy and this is 100% down to doing hypnobirthing with Jo. We did the course via zoom which worked out so well as we could relax in the comfort of our home and this was especially convenient since we already have a toddler so we didn’t need to worry about finding childcare. Thank you so much Jo!

Imogen Wade

I attended Joanna's course in August-September 2021 which was held all online via Zoom. While doing it online lacked the interactivity and collegiality of in-person, I found it much more practical and much easier to attend as the course took place in the evenings when I had to look after my older child and put her to bed. Joanna was a great instructor and I learnt a lot of new information and techniques, which I was able to use and helped to give me a positive, natural birth experience at the end of November.

alexandra sabu

31/01/2022

Joanna is the most kind and empathic midwife and trainer. It was a wonderful journey doing the hypnobirth course with her where I learned so much about my body, the birth itself and of course relaxation techniques for the big day. The course helped me a lot in the preparation for birth to stay relaxed and pacient in waiting for my baby, but also during labour by focusing on my breath and listening to the MP3s. Even though it didn't have the birth I "expected", I managed to go with the flow and make the best decisions for me and my baby. I highly recommend the hypnobirth course and especially Joanna as a trainer.

Kenny Cooling

07/01/2022

We really can not recommend Jo highly enough!! We were feeling overwhelmed by the whole process however Jo's warm and calm manner really helped us relax. We have learnt some excellent techniques to help us stay positive and by the end of each session we felt like a weight had been lifted! We completed our sessions over zoom which actually worked brilliantly as we felt even more comfortable in our own home. I particularly loved the fact that as Jo comes from a midwifery background she has a huge wealth of experience and knowledge. Jo we are so grateful for all your help and will be recommending you to all our pregnant friends!

Natasha Bright

23/08/2021

We completed the 4 week, private hypnotherapy course with Joanna via Zoom. Through her extensive experience and knowledge, Joanna offered us a fantastic level of practical information and support, tailoring the package to our individual needs. By the end of the course we felt totally different about our up and coming labour; our previous anxieties and concerns being completely reframed in our minds. The tools and strategies have given me confidence and reassurance and the ongoing practice continues to build on this as my due date draws nearer. Joanna has an extremely caring and compassionate approach which made us feel at ease straight away. Doing the course via Zoom was brilliant for us as it meant we didn't need to travel, could be comfortable at home and any Covid risks were eliminated. We didn't feel that we missed out on anything by using this medium instead of face to face- it was far more preferable for us. Joanna is a fountain of knowledge about hypnobirthing, labour in general and complimentary therapies and supports that are of interest for the like minded Mum to be! I would highly recommend this course to anyone!

Angelica & Craig

25/05/2021

We took the wise hippo classes because I had heard very positive things about hypnobirthing and wanted to feel like I understood the process of giving birth as that would help calm my nerves around it. I was drawn to Joanna's classes as she was a practising midwife, which made me feel like she'd have a complete picture of birthing experiences. The classes were all on zoom but informative and thorough with plenty of time to ask questions. I practised with my MP3s daily and repeated my positive birth affirmations and went into Labour feeling like I was doing something totally natural and I was completely capable of having the birth i'd planned. To cut a long story short - my labour was short, manageable and drug free and I ended up having our baby boy in the birthing pool within 90 minutes of arriving at hospital with my hypnobirthing tracks on repeat! I felt extremely proud of my body and delighted I got the birth I always wanted. Thank you Jo!

Richard Cooling

22/03/2021

Deciding to do this Wise Hippo course with Jo was by far the best thing we could have done to prepare for our baby to arrive. After a not so positive birth experience with our first son, it has really made us both not only feel completely confident and relaxed about this birth but also help us to understand and come to terms with our experience last time. The techniques that Jo has taught us have been so beneficial throughout the pregnancy and will no doubt be imperative during labour as well as being simple to master. Jo is so approachable and makes it known that she is always happy to answer any questions or give extra support if we need it! We did the sessions online and we could not fault them. We met some lovely people, learnt so much and came away feeling more prepared and relaxed about the birth after each session. We would recommend this course to anyone as a must! Thank you so much Jo!

Andy & Laura Madden

13/03/2021

I went to Joanna for two services, the Wise Hippo hypnobirthing course and the 3 step rewind therapy to recover and address from PND and PTSD. Both services were outstanding and I would recommend Joanna in a heartbeat. Some further info... Hypnobirthing - we had to do via zoom thanks to lockdown. I was dubious about doing it online, especially after a day of virtual work meetings. However, it was so informative, relaxed and calming, it felt like Joanna was with us in person. The information was invaluable and when mixed with Joannas midwifery expertise, her time and guidance is priceless. We've kept in touch with our fellow "hypnobirthers" which offers great support for like minded parents to be. 3 Step Rewind - again, sadly this was done over zoom but this method did not impact the therapy. I had been holding onto a past event with my first born for 4 years so I wasnt optimistic about 3 sessions changing my mind and addressing the issues. I couldn't be more wrong though! This truly works and is so powerful. Changing how your subconscious thinks really makes a difference. That dark feeling and thought that occupied my mind has done a 180 turn and I'm open minded and put the issue to rest. Joanna has such a kind nature, letting me take my time to explore the issue, offering support and a listening ear and then working her magic and skills to encourage me to think differently. I'd encourage anyone to give it a go. Joanna, you are a true angel, offering out of course advice and being a friendly person to turn to when in need. You have a heart of gold and I'm so glad you've steered me onto a positive pregnancy journey (with hopefully a positive birth, which I feel like I'm going to conquer). Thank you.

Katie Jardine

19/02/2021

My husband and I took part in Joanna's course before our daughter was born a couple of months ago. I had previously had a traumatic birth and was very worried about the birth this time round. The techniques we learnt set us up to have a relaxed and really positive experience and I was amazed at how much of a positive effect the sessions had. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone giving birth - it helped so much!