What is Hypnobirthing?
And how does hypnobirthing work?
What is Hypnobirthing?
Well, sometimes it's easier to clarify what hypnobirthing is not before delving into what it is. When I first came across hypnobirthing, I envisioned it as some peculiar practice where everyone would sit in a circle, and we'd all be put under a trance, by a swinging pendulum, that would convince us birth was great... I clearly had watched too much TV.
However, from conversations with friends, I know that there is still this idea that hypnobirthing is something unconventional or 'out there,' and there were definitely some raised eyebrows when I mentioned I was training as an instructor. So let me debunk some hypnobirthing myths...
Hypnobirthing is NOT:
Going to put you in a trance or control your mind in any way (trust me, if I could do that, I'd be a millionaire!).
A made-up 'woo-woo' practice. It's backed by science and recognised within the NHS and by the Royal College of Midwives.
Limited to certain types of births. Hypnobirthing can be used regardless of how you give birth to your baby. Whether you have a vaginal birth or a cesarean birth, you will be able to use the techniques no matter what.
Against medical interventions offered during birth or an alternative to the recommended care provided to pregnant women. Hypnobirthing compliments the care offered by your healthcare team; it doesn't go against it.
How Does Hynobirthing Work?
The fear-tension-pain cycle is a concept in childbirth where fear and anxiety during labour can lead to increased muscle tension and heightened pain perception. The increased muscle tension can then lead to a longer labour, due to the body having to work harder to birth your baby.
Hypnobirthing works by breaking this cycle through relaxation, self-hypnosis, and re-writing birth fears. By reducing fear and tension, the muscles of the uterus can work more effectively, making the birth process more straightforward.
Hypnobirthing teaches various principles and techniques to help achieve a relaxed and controlled birthing experience.
Some of the key components include:
Self-Hypnosis: You’ll learn self-hypnosis techniques to enter a deeply relaxed state during labour, which can help to reduce anxiety and pain. And no, this isn’t done with a pocket watch either, it’s actually more simple than that.
Breathing Exercises: This includes calm breathing to help you stay focused throughout labour and birth breathing, which helps your body to birth your baby
Relaxation Methods: Hypnobirthing promotes the use of deep relaxation techniques, like mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation, to release physical tension and promote comfort during labour.
Visualisations: These are exercises that help you create positive mental images of the birthing process, or provide an escape if you’re feeling overwhelmed. They are designed to reduce fear and promote a sense of control.
Affirmations: Because nobody birthed their baby with ease by shouting ‘I can’t do it’ over and over. Affirmations are like your hype words, which help shift your mindset towards a more confident and empowering place. Think of them as the equivalent of singing Beyonce in the mirror before a night out.
These techniques are intended to be used both during pregnancy as part of the preparation and during labour itself.
Birth Then Baby Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Classes
I’m here to support you in getting ready for one of the most precious experiences you'll ever have – the birth of your baby! My hypnobirthing courses will give you everything you need to feel prepared for birth, leaving you feeling calm, confident and excited.
FAQs
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During childbirth, fear can make labour more painful and longer because it causes tension in the body. Hypnobirthing helps by relaxing the body and calming fears by using different Hypnobirthing techniques.
This relaxation helps the uterus muscles job a lot easier, making labour more comfortable and for some, quicker.
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Probably my most asked question!
My Hypnobirthing and Antenatal classes use a mix of Hypnobirthing methods, with therapeutic techniques I use within my work as a mental health therapist.
You can expect to learn:
Breathing Techniques: Designed to help you feel calm, comfortable and birth your baby
Visualisations: Designed to help you ‘escape’ stress, by helping your mind focus and creating a sense of relaxation during labour. Visualisations can also help make the pushing stage of labour more straightforward.
Positive Birth Affirmations: Their main job is to hype you up during pregnancy and birth, to help you feel confident, in control and focused during childbirth.
Creating Anchors: These are sensory cues that trigger feelings of relaxation
Birth Partner and Self-Hypnosis Scripts: Designed to be used throughout pregnancy and birth, these scripts can help ground your mind and feel calm and collected throughout your labour
Massage Techniques: To help you feel as comfortable as possible during pregnancy, labour and birth
Hypnobirthing Audios: Designed to help you release fears, physical tension and create a positive mindset around childbirth
Understanding and Managing Worries: I will use therapeutic techniques used within my therapy work to help you understand any worries you have about pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period and how you can learn to manage these worries.
These are just the ‘main’ Hypnobirthing techniques used, but you will learn so many different ways to help you feel more confident as you approach labour.
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There are no rules as to when you should start a hypnobirthing course. It is totally down to personal preference.
I’ve had some clients who felt more anxious about pregnancy/birth, therefore started soon after their 12 week scan. And I’ve also had clients start within their last month of pregnancy.
There are are some things to practice in the run up to birth, so starting hypnobirthing earlier can give you more time to do this.
Generally speaking, most clients attend a class between 20-35 weeks pregnant. But I welcome clients at all stages of pregnancy!
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NCT (National Childbirth Trust) antenatal classes tend to focus more on teaching information on pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. This might include topics such as the stages of labour, feeding options, safe sleep recommendations etc. Whilst is is important to understand all of this information, it does not necessarily prepare you to deal with the emotional and physical challenges of labour and birth. Simply ‘knowing’ about birth, does not prepare you for a positive experience. You can understand more about what I mean by this here.
My Hypnobirthing & Antenatal Classes cover not only the ‘stuff you need to know’ about birth and the postpartum period (such as stages of labour, how the body works during birth, pain relief options etc). But I also teach the techniques and skills you need to help you prepare for a more positive birth and postpartum experience. As far as I’m aware, this isn’t included in an NCT/Other antenatal classes.
Some of my clients have also participated in other antenatal classes and it doesn't necessarily have to be seen as a 'hypnobirthing vs NCT' situation! They have shared that while the antenatal information I offer covers similar content to other courses, overall, I provide a deeper understanding, leading to increased confidence in decision-making and managing unexpected situations during childbirth.
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Yes, you can absolutely use hypnobirthing techniques even if you're being induced or having a planned c-section!
In fact, my hypnobirthing classes cover what to expect during an induction, assisted or caesarean birth, so you can feel prepared and empowered no matter how your birth goes.
Hypnobirthing isn't limited to natural, unmedicated births—it can be beneficial for all types of childbirth experiences.
The hypnobirthing and therapeutic techniques taught in my classes can help you stay calm, manage discomfort, and maintain a positive mindset during induction, c-section, or however birth plays out.
My previous clients found that hypnobirthing helped them feel more empowered, confident, and in control, regardless of the circumstances surrounding their birth.
My courses teach you how to adapt the techniques to suit your unique birthing journey and preferences.