HypnoBirthing® Course

HBSealHypnoBirthing® Course – The Mongan Method

HypnoBirthing® is a very empowering prenatal preparation course, and is currently available in a private or group setting. The course consists of five sessions of 2.5 hours each, and includes the 300+ pages source material book, audio and various handouts. This course is a wonderful and effective tool to bring about relaxation during labour, and teaches breathing techniques and coping strategies for labour. It helps to eliminate fears and anxieties, as well as to build maternal confidence. See the following article from The Ottawa Citizen to find out more: Taking the pain out of labour.

As a certified HypnoBirthing® instructor, I’ve been teaching the course since 2005 to couples in the Ottawa region. For private sessions, I teach with a flexible schedule of days, evenings and some weekends to accommodate the needs of busy couples. Group sessions are offered out of the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre.

 Heart In Heart Copyright 2013 Pia Anderson

HypnoBirthing® Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is HypnoBirthing®?

HypnoBirthing® is an empowering prenatal course that covers everything from labour stages to breastfeeding. The emphasis is on gaining a good understanding of labour, what the body does in labour, and how to cope. You’ll learn breathing and relaxation techniques, and your partner will learn many supporting tools.

What is included?

Included in the price of the course, you’ll get the official textbook, various downloadable audio recordings and a coil-bound workbook. The course is taught in five sessions, each being 2.5 hours in length.

When can I start the course?

You can start the HypnoBirthing® course at any time after the first trimester has passed. Please don’t wait too long to start the course, as you may be uncomfortable sitting through the classes once you’re heavily pregnant. You will also want to leave yourself plenty of time to practice the techniques you will learn.

Does my partner attend with me?

Your partner is strongly encouraged to take part, as they will learn many tools to support you, and get a good understanding of labour and birth.

I don’t have partner. Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! If you have a friend or family member that will be with you during your labour, please take the classes with them.

Where can I take the course?

I teach private sessions out of my home office in the west end, and group sessions are normally out of an easily accessible location in Ottawa.

I know I want an epidural. Should I still consider taking the course?

Some women take the course so that they can cope with labour until they get an epidural. Over the years, many of the women I taught decided in labour that they didn’t need one after all :o)

I’ve had a difficult prior birth experience. Should I take the group session or the private sessions?

I would recommend that you take the private sessions, so that we can take the time to help you work through your past experience.

When does the group session start, and how do I sign up?

Here is the current group sessions schedule:

As soon as the Ottawa Birth and Wellness Centre is re-opened again, I will post it here. Hopefully we can resume classes there soon! In the meantime, we have an alternate location in central Ottawa for group sessions. Private sessions are taught out of my home office in west Ottawa.

  • Course 2024-2 (Booking Closed) March 13 to April 10, 2024, inclusive. This course runs weekly for five weeks on Wednesday evenings.
  • Course 2024-3 Booking now! May 1 to May 29, 2024, inclusive. This course runs weekly for five weeks on Wednesday evenings.

Wednesday May 1, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 8, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 15, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 22 , from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 29, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

  • Course 2024-4 (Reserve your space now!) June 19 to July 17, 2024, inclusive. This course runs weekly for five weeks on Wednesday evenings.

Wednesday June 19, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 26, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 3, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 10 , from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday July 17, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Additional course dates will be posted soon. If you have any questions or wish to reserve a space, please get in touch. You can email me, or use the form below to inquire or to add yourself to the waiting list.


Private sessions are also available, and are taught at my west Ottawa home office. 

If you feel more comfortable via Zoom, online sessions are an option, and in this case material will be dropped off at curb side.

I also offer a hybrid model of in-person sessions and via Zoom if preferred.

Spaces are limited and fill up quickly, so please sign up as early as possible.

How much does the course cost?

Private Sessions, individual or couple: $500 + tax

Group Sessions: $400 + tax

Please make a note in the form below if you’d like to pay by instalments.

HypnoBirthing Group Session Signup Form

 Heart In Heart Copyright 2013 Pia Anderson

HypnoBirthing– Taking the Birthing World by Calm

Heart In Heart Copyright 2013 Pia Anderson

Phone: (613) 828-0546  Email: ottawabirthdoula@gmail.com

 Copyright © 2024 Pia Portmann-Franks