‘Where the mind leads, the body follows.’
Hypnobirthing is a complete antenatal programme which supports pregnant women and their partners in their preparation for labour and birth. Not only do you learn about the physiology of birth, providing you with an education of the process and a knowledge of the medical system, it also arms you with a set of tools to help you create a positive mindset set and work with your body to birth your baby.
Hypnobirthing is not stage-hypnosis. You will not join classes and end up clucking like a chicken! When your mind is relaxed, your body will follow. Hypnobirthing empowers the woman to trust her instincts allowing the body to do what it is designed to do.
Does Hypnobirthing really work?
“Studies show that pregnant women or people who used hypnobirthing reported a lower intensity of pain and used less pain relief. They also had shorter labours”*.
- In 2011, a review of studies, showed that hypnobirthing may encourage a vaginal birth.
- Women who have used hypnobirthing techniques report reduced fear and anxiety levels.
- Birthing mothers report they have an increased sense of control due to feeling more informed and active in the decision-making process.
- Studies have shown that hypnobirthing may lessen the need for interventions.
- Women report feeling more positive about their birthing experience before, during and after they have given birth.
- Birth partners know how to support the birthing woman and have a central and active role in the birth.
How does hypnobirthing work?
Throughout our lives, our subconscious mind has been filled with images and statements surrounding labour and birth. These ultimately shape our thoughts and beliefs as we enter adulthood. Stories/words/images hold more power than we realise and massively impact how we respond to the things we face in life, pregnancy and birth included. Negative thinking, and self-limiting beliefs, generate fear and increase tension along with the hormone, adrenaline. These interfere with the natural birth process as well as increase the perception of pain. Through hypnobirthing, we aim to reframe any negativity surrounding labour and birth, promoting a relaxed state to absorb positive thoughts and ideas, allowing an increased production of the ‘feel good’ hormones, oxytocin and endorphins. When these hormones are elevated in our bodies, the uterus is able to work much more efficiently and birth becomes more manageable.
Practice is key!
The effects of hypnobirthing are cumulative – the more practice you put it, the more you get out. By regularly allowing your body to enter a deep state of relaxation, by increasing the positive thoughts and statements you hear around labour and birth, the quicker you will be able to enter this state of mind on the day. Putting time aside every day as you near the end of your pregnancy is hugely important, allowing you to work with your body to birth your baby when they are ready to enter this world.
References: Wang et al, 2024
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