HypnoBirthing Port Elizabeth

09/01/2026

Leaving babies to cry is not helping babies to regulate

Letting a baby “cry it out” may seem like a simple sleep solution, but research shows it can have lasting effects on the brain. Prolonged distress increases cortisol, the stress hormone, which impacts neural development.

High cortisol levels during early life can weaken the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, key regions responsible for emotional regulation. This disruption may make it harder for children to manage stress later in life.

Babies communicate through crying. Ignoring these signals prevents the development of trust and secure attachment. Neural pathways associated with safety, comfort, and regulation rely on responsive caregiving, and neglecting them can alter emotional development.

Parents can support healthy stress regulation by responding promptly and calmly to their baby’s cries. Gentle soothing, holding, or consistent routines teach the brain that the world is safe and that emotions are manageable.

Understanding the long-term impact shifts the focus from short-term sleep solutions to emotional and neurological well-being. Responsive care fosters strong connections, healthy stress responses, and resilience that children carry into adulthood.

09/01/2026

Come practise to relax. Its the most relaxing class ever🥰

Calm isn’t something you’re “good” or “bad” at.
It’s a skill—and skills can be learned and practiced.
You deserve to feel confident going into birth. Visit HypnoBirthing.com to find class options near you.

08/01/2026

In HypnoBirthing®, preparation doesn’t stop at birth.

We cover what to expect in the early postpartum days, emotional well-being, rest and recovery, bonding with your baby, and how partners can offer meaningful support. Families also learn how to use HypnoBirthing relaxation, breathing, and mindset tools to navigate the fourth trimester with more calm, confidence, and connection.

Because postpartum isn’t an afterthought—it’s a continuation of the birth experience.

06/01/2026

A mother’s recovery and transition after giving birth is a multi-year journey involving significant physical, emotional, neurological, and social shifts. Many relationships struggle during a woman’s recovery after pregnancy and perhaps it is because of lack of knowledge and understanding of the complexities of this recovery and the patience and empathy required from a woman’s partner.

Internal healing after giving birth takes a long time because the process involves the repair and restoration of multiple complex internal tissues and systems - including muscles, connective tissues, and organs - that have undergone significant physical stress and hormonal changes over nine months of pregnancy and childbirth. This deep healing continues long after surface wounds close.The standard 6-week checkup primarily confirms that immediate wound healing has begun and there are no acute complications, but it is not the “finish line” for full internal restoration. True recovery is a gradual, ongoing process that varies widely among individuals and requires patience, rest, and proper support.

Physical recovery after giving birth takes so long - often up to 12 months or more - because the process involves more than just superficial healing; it requires the restoration and remodeling of deep internal systems that have been physically stretched, stressed, and hormonally altered over nine months.

Hormonal regulation after giving birth takes so long because the body undergoes one of its more significant hormonal transitions, involving not just an immediate “crash” but a prolonged period of complex rebalancing, which is heavily influenced by the demands of infant care and feeding. For some women, particularly those who breastfeed, it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months or longer (even up to two years) for hormones to fully return to their pre-pregnancy state. The body is not simply returning to a previous state but adapting to an entirely new physiological phase of life, which is a complex process that takes patience and time to unfold.

06/01/2026

Every cuddle, gentle word, and calm response you share with your baby is helping them build important regulation skills. These first lessons start quietly and slowly, often before we even notice. It’s in the small, everyday moments, when you soothe a cry or patiently guide a reaction, that your child is learning to manage big feelings and respond with care.

Research shows that children who get early support in handling their emotions and actions grow into adults who can manage stress and challenges more easily. It isn’t about perfection or instant results. Growth comes little by little, as your child sees your calm and steady example, and learns what safety and stability feel like.

This gentle guidance matters more than you might realize. Giving your baby a strong, steady foundation now will help them years down the road. If it feels slow, remember, your love and patience are building powerful skills that last a lifetime."

06/01/2026

Partners: wondering how to truly support during birth?

The HypnoBirthing® Partner Resources page is designed just for you—with education, tools, and techniques to help you stay calm, connected, and confident throughout birth.

Start here: https://hypnobirthing.com/partners/



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01/01/2026

The class beginning on 31 January, although not exclusively for VBAC mothers, is highly recommended for my clients planning a VBAC, in combination with a personalized session and an additional VBAC class, to provide comprehensive preparation and optimal success, as this approach has been successfully adopted by many of my previous clients. Furthermore, I invite you to attend the Pregnancy Education Month event I am hosting for additional information.

01/01/2026

Expecting mamas & birth partners — this one’s for you!

Dr. Vivian Keeler, President of the HypnoBirthing Institute, joins The Healthy Mind Podcast to talk about how HypnoBirthing reshapes the birth experience with calm, confidence, and connection.

Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ1tf99izxo
stevenresnick

01/01/2026

Big shout-out to my newest top fans! Zumond Kleyn, Amy Landman

31/12/2025

one of the thinngs we teach

You may often hear the word “contractions,” but in HypnoBirthing® we use the word “surges.” Why?

Because your brain responds to language in powerful ways.

When you hear contraction, the body may instinctively tense or brace.

When you hear surge, your mind imagines a wave—something natural, strong, and temporary.

A surge builds
A surge crests
A surge gently fades

This simple shift can help your body stay more relaxed, allowing your uterus to work as it was designed to—more smoothly and effectively.

Same body
Same birth
New experience

Small mindset shifts like this are part of how HypnoBirthing® helps expecting parents feel more calm, confident, and prepared for birth.

Your body is wise. Your birth can be gentle. Learn more at HypnoBirthing.com

30/12/2025

Class starting 31 January at Intercare Walmer.

Confidence in birth doesn’t come from luck—it comes from learning, practice, and support.

HypnoBirthing classes and workshops are designed to help expecting parents:
-Build confidence and reduce fear
Learn proven breathing, relaxation, and mindset tools
-Prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for birth
-Create a calm, supportive environment—no matter where or how they birth

The best part? There are HypnoBirthing classes available to fit every schedule, offered by certified educators around the world—in person and online.

Find a class that works for you:
https://hypnobirthing.com/directory/category/hypnobirthing/

Your birth experience matters.
Preparation makes a difference.

29/12/2025

Babies are born with soft cartilage instead of kneecaps. This cartilage gradually develops into bone, forming true kneecaps between the ages of 3 and 5. Understanding this helps explain certain early childhood movements and behaviors.

Because the knee joint is still flexible, infants and toddlers are able to crawl, squat, and move in ways that maximize mobility and safety. The absence of hard kneecaps reduces the risk of injury while the child explores and strengthens their legs.

As children grow, the cartilage slowly ossifies into bone, creating a fully formed kneecap that protects the joint and provides stability for walking, running, and jumping. This gradual development ensures that the knees are both flexible during early mobility stages and strong enough to support increasing physical activity later.

Parents can support healthy knee development by encouraging safe play, crawling, and supervised exploration. Activities that strengthen leg muscles, balance, and coordination help prepare the joints for the transition from cartilage to bone.

Understanding this natural developmental timeline can reassure caregivers. Early mobility, falls, and wobbly steps are part of healthy growth. Knees will form and strengthen as the child develops, supporting active and independent movement.