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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take more than one class?
Yes. Some students take 2 classes per week; 1 PowerBirth and 1 Simply Prenatal Yoga
How does PB differ from other programs?
PowerBirth starts from the premise that a contraction does not have to be painful, that pain is not a natural occurrence and can be avoided. In many cases painful contractions are the result of external or internal factors not related to the actual contraction, either self produced or induced (eg: mental/emotional states, obstetric intervention). PB teaches self-reliance in childbirth and the ‘support’ person plays a different role.
What is the rate of natural birth?
PowerBirth recorded figures from 2001 to 2006:
53% of the mothers who had no obstetric intervention had a totally pain relief free labour and 42% resorted to gas only.
13% of the mothers who had obstetric intervention had a drug free labour and 22% resorted to gas.
PowerBirth Figures – Rates of natural childbirths with & without intervention:
Intervention refers to induction/augmentation by oxytocin, ARM procedure.
Natural refers to no drug (pain relief) taking in childbirth (pethidine, morphine, gas, epidural)
Normal refers to completely devoid of intervention (induction, episiotomy, assisted delivery…)
21% of mothers have a c-section delivery due to either breech, low placenta, HBP, foetal distress, no progress, prems, cord, baby/pelvic size. (National Perinatal Statistics indicates a 29% rate of cesarean in 2004)
A small number of mothers from both categories (BNI & BWI) have had assisted deliveries (episiotomy, forceps, ventouse)
| PowerBirth Births 2001-2006 |
Natural (no pain relief) |
Gas |
Pethidine/Morphine |
Epidural |
| Births NO intervention (BNI): 67% |
53% |
42% |
2% |
3% |
Births with intervention (BWI): 33%
(induction/augmentation) National Rate 70% |
13% |
22% |
10% |
55% |
| Total Number of Births (BNI + BWI |
40% |
36% |
4% |
20% |
Do we do yoga postures in PB or just mind training?
Yes we do postures, PowerBirth combines pregnancy yoga and mind training.
Who comes to PB?
Mothers who want to prepare for a natural childbirth and avoid unnecessary intervention, 1st timers and mothers who are coming back with their 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. Women from all walks of life: professionals, business owners, nurses, midwives, doctors, teachers, mothers, university lecturers, executives, natural therapists, fitness instructors, psychologists, physiotherapists. Mothers are either booked in Public or Private Hospitals, Birth Centres or have home births.
I have panic attacks will the program help?
Yes. Read on.
“I took your classes so that I can experience an empowering and positive childbirth and to overcome my anxieties surrounding me on a daily basis. …. I have never experienced a panic attack since starting the classes and the birth of my son was like a dream come true…”
Do I need to do SPN before PB?
No. If you are past your 5th month you can start PowerBirth
I have never done yoga before will I be OK?
Most mothers starting PowerBirth have never done yoga before. The yoga practice is designed for pregnancy and hence most suitable. Mothers are encouraged to work at their own pace and listen to their body.
I had a miscarriage, is it safe to do yoga?
It is recommended to ask your doctor’s permission before starting any form of physical exercise.
Can my husband attend with me?
Classes are for expectant mothers only. A couple workshop is offered so that your partner gets to know about PowerBirth and how he can best assist you in birth.
Will yoga help with back problems?
Mothers report of release and feeling better when they keep up with their yoga practice. However if you are experiencing serious back problems you may need the support of a back specialist (chiro, physio, osteo).
What about if I miss a class?
Passes allow you to make up for classes within the validity. PowerBirth 7-week program needs to be completed within the 7 weeks, sometimes it is possible to make up a missed session by attention a corresponding session presented on another day.
Can I attend casual to see what it’s like/if I like it?
Casual attendance is not available. It is available only for PowerBirth practice classes
How long do I need to take classes?
Mothers usually take classes to their due date.
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