Hypnobirthing or antenatal class: what's the difference?

By the second trimester at the latest, the question comes up: what about an antenatal class? And then you stumble across Hypnobirthing and wonder: is that the same thing? Something different? Do I need both?

Here's my honest answer.

What a classic antenatal class teaches

The classic antenatal class is usually run by midwives and paid for by health insurance. It gives you a broad overview of pregnancy, birth, the postpartum period and the first weeks with your baby. Typical topics include:

• how birth unfolds and its stages,
• birth positions and pain relief,
• the postpartum period, breastfeeding and baby care,
• practical matters around the hospital.

That's valuable knowledge, and I recommend every pregnant woman to inform herself well.

What Hypnobirthing does differently

Hypnobirthing puts more focus on you. On your inner attitude, your thoughts and what you yourself can do during the birth.

• Mental preparation: We look at what frightens you and work with images and thoughts that strengthen you.
• Breathing and relaxation: You learn concrete techniques and practise them so that you can really use them during the birth.
• Involving your birth partner: Your partner learns how to support you in very practical ways.
• Self-determination: You find out what options and rights you have and how to communicate them well.

What the two have in common

Both want you to go into your birth well prepared. And both teach you about how birth unfolds. In my Hypnobirthing classes in particular, solid knowledge plays a big role, because understanding is the foundation of trust.

Do I need both?

For me, it's less a question of “either or”. The two can complement each other really well. Many women attend a classic class with their midwife for the broad overview and also do Hypnobirthing for the mental preparation and the breathing techniques.

What do the two classes cost?

Classic antenatal classes, for example with a midwife, are usually paid for by health insurance. Hypnobirthing classes, on the other hand, are mostly a private service.

You can still submit the invoice for your Hypnobirthing class to your health insurance. Coverage isn't guaranteed, though. Some insurers, for example, have a general health budget from which part of the cost can be reimbursed. It's best to check this directly with your health insurance beforehand.

In person or online?

Both types of class are now available in person and online. An in-person class has the advantage that you get to know other pregnant women and can try out the exercises straight away with guidance. Online is more flexible and especially practical if you live far away, already have children or don't want to head out in the evening. Above all, it's important that you feel comfortable with the person leading the class.

How to find the right class

• Ask yourself what you need: More information, more mental preparation or both?
• Look at who leads the class: What training and experience does she bring? And does her tone suit you?
• Pay attention to the setting: Group size, number of sessions and whether your birth partner can come along.
• Plan ahead: Popular classes are often booked up quickly. Ideally, sign up in the second trimester.
• Listen to your feeling: A short initial chat often already shows you whether it's a good fit.

If you only have time for one, ask yourself: what am I missing right now? If you mainly need information, the classic class is a good start. If you notice that fears, uncertainty or the wish for more calm are what's mostly on your mind, then Hypnobirthing is probably exactly right for you.

Frequently asked questions about Hypnobirthing and antenatal classes

Does health insurance cover a Hypnobirthing class?

Usually not, because Hypnobirthing is generally a private service. But you can submit the invoice to your health insurance. Sometimes part of it can be reimbursed through a general health budget. Coverage isn't guaranteed, so it's best to check this with your insurer yourself beforehand.

Can I do both classes at the same time?

Yes, that works well. Many women combine the two and benefit from the way the content complements each other.

Is Hypnobirthing something for my partner too?

Yes. In Hypnobirthing, birth partners learn in very concrete ways how they can support you. You can find out more in my article How can my partner support me during the birth?.

My conclusion

The classic class gives you the overview. Hypnobirthing gives you the tools and inner calm. Together they make a pretty good team. If you'd like to know how my Hypnobirthing classes in Düsseldorf and online are structured, take a look at my hypnobirthing page .