The Wise Hippo Sussex Hypnobirthing Classes
The programme is 10 - 12 hours, usually in 4 x 2 ½ to 3 hour sessions taught by me, Joanna Fitzsimons. You will receive a comprehensive handbook and eight audio MP3s to support your practice at home, access to the Wise Hippo Hub and library with over 90 videos, along with ongoing support from me by phone or email and a post birth visit.
I hold regular Wise Hippo Sussex gatherings for all to enjoy; plenty of home baked cakes and refreshments.

Explaining the relevance of the Hippopotamus
The Picture of Childbirth today
The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme materials
Defining Hypnosis
Acknowledging Pain
The Physiology of Birth and the Impact of Fear
Mind / Body connection
The Impact of Others
Taking charge of your thoughts
Relaxation – the antidote to discomfort
What is Relaxation?
Positions for Relaxation
Remember to Breathe
Self-Hypnosis
Eyes Open Hypnosis
Time Distortion
Anchoring
Birth Partners Script
Establishing a practice routine
Prenatal bonding
Choosing where to have your baby
Choosing who will be with you when you have your baby
Alternative options for promoting comfort
Natural nudges of encouragement for your baby
Benefits of a natural birth
Writing your birth plan and making your birth choices
Physical preparations for birth
The mirror mantra
Fear release session
Soothing strokes and the power of positive touch
Positions for birth
Ligaments and pelvis
Humming your baby down - birthing your baby
Birth partner’s role
Using the techniques during labour
When baby arrives
Sea of Serenity – Birth Hypnosis session
Your practice and preparation diary
The cost for the group course is £250 per couple. There are no more than 6 couples on each course. This is to ensure that I am able to provide individual support and guidance to each couple.
Group courses are held at the light, spacious and comfortable Bramble Hall in Balcombe, West Sussex.
All group courses have plenty of delicious refreshments - drinks and home baking available for you and your birthing partner.
If you prefer to attend the course privately, for you and your birth partner the cost of the course is £450. It can be held in a light and comfortable room in my own home or alternatively if you prefer for me to come to your home this could also be arranged. (There may be a mileage fee depending on where you live.)
The best time to start the programme is from 24 weeks, as this gives you plenty of time to practice the tools and techniques for you to enjoy, during your pregnancy and look forward to the birth of your baby. However even if you’re in your third trimester the Wise Hippo Sussex will be just as beneficial for you and your baby.
Please listen and enjoy our free 'Calm and Relaxed MP3' to relax you and give you a taster of the Wise Hippo MP3s that I provide on the course. To download this MP3 simply right click on the link and save link as.

"Mother’s nature knows best." Birthing - The Wise Hippo Way
The Wise Hippo is a new approach to birthing. We believe a 'positive birth' experience is a state of mind, it's not defined by what happens during labour and birth but by how a woman feels about her baby's birth. Because of this belief I am able to teach skills and knowledge that empowers women to trust their instincts and ensures that their baby (babies) has the right birth on the day.
I respect that every woman has the right to choose the birth that she wants for her baby or babies (whatever that may be) and I trust that my clients know what is right for them. There is no one right way to give birth with The Wise Hippo Sussex, only the right way for each individual mother and her baby (babies).
My clients will leave the course feeling excited, empowered and confident that they have the tools and techniques to remain calm, relaxed and in control throughout their labour and birth,ensuring a positive birth.