Completely Clueless about HypnoBirthing? Here’s everything you need to know

HypnoBirthing: We ask the experts all your questions.

Not sure of what to expect now that you’re expecting? We spoke to the experts on how hypnobirthing can help answer all your questions. As beautiful as pregnancy can be, it can be equally daunting; Especially, if you’re pregnant for the first time. The idea of creating life is pretty special but it can take a toll on your mind and body causing fear when the time comes. You never know what is going to happen till that day comes.

The idea behind hypnobirthing is that it’s to help expecting women relax and calmly progress through their journey. As the term may suggest, it is essentially hypnosis of your mind and inadvertently your body to make the process easier. But how is this possible, you ask?

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What Is HypnoBirthing?

Using the term “hypnosis” might be a loose undersell – think meditation or manifestation but with your pregnancy as the centre of it all. Hypnobirthing is practising quality mindfulness, visualisation and connecting with your body. 

Many (or rather most) women face their fair share of anxiousness and fear during pregnancy, and especially during labour.  Plus, we all know someone who may have had a traumatic experience and some of those stories are enough to make women swear off babies. But, hypnobirthing is what can make a difference and actually allow women to have less traumatic deliveries. The technique recommended by many midwives helps women manage the pain during labour, by keeping the mind calm and ready.

What are the Hypnobirthing Techniques?

According to Hull University Teaching Hospitals, there are a few exercises every woman, who is learning about hypnobirthing, must know. These include breathing, visualisation, affirmations and having a detailed idea of what to expect in the weeks to come. In addition, your partner (or friends and family) can help.    

First developed by Marie Mongan mentions in her book HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life that women have the power to create life whilst feeling joy and comfort. This is why the techniques taught in hypnobirthing courses now are to evoke those very emotions. Through breathing and affirming that your body can do this, you’re replacing the anxiety in your mind with something much more positive.

Techniques

• visualisation
• pregnancy and birth affirmations
• relaxation
• deep breathing
• self-hypnosis
• mindfulness.

Read – 6 Ways to Easily Prepare for a New Baby

What are the benefits of these techniques?

Lauren Broadis from Little Beans Hypnobirthing is a mum of four based in Oxfordshire She found hypnobirthing during her 4th pregnancy. She says “Hypnobirthing is so much more than just breathing. It’s having the knowledge to ensure you have a positive experience regardless of the journey the birth may take”

But, it is not just the expecting women who have a positive experience but the family as well. Trained midwife and a mum of one, Elena from Wise Mama, feels hypnobirthing families are slightly calmer since they are more prepared for what’s to come and know what to stand for during the delivery.

Since hypnobirthing does talk about support from partners and/or families, everyone being on board does make the whole journey a lot easier. According to Elena, hypnobirthing is not like a traditional antenatal class which means the focus is less on what to expect in the hospital and more on what to expect from your body. 

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Can Hypnobirthing Make A Difference 

Trainee hypnobirthing instructor and a mum of two, Laura Fabre from Birth with Laura, started her hypnobirthing journey when she was 20 weeks pregnant. Prior to her introduction to hypnobirthing, she was anxious about what was to come instead of being excited about her baby. On finding out about Hypnobirthing, her focus mindset shifted to actually looking forward to the day she sees her baby boy. 

While Laura took advantage of her hypnobirthing research right from the first pregnancy, it was not the case for Lauren. She mentions that her first three experiences weren’t very pleasant and this is why she turned to Hypnobirthing. Her 4th pregnancy was a lot different from her first three as she was calm and in control. Most importantly, she had a thorough idea of what to expect during as well as after labour which is an important aspect of Hypnobirthing. 

It is important to remember that following the techniques diligently is also what makes the difference, otherwise, your experience might not be pleasant.

Yoga teacher and founder of Blossom & Glow Yoga, Josie Wilson, mentions how she did not have full faith in the technique the first time around which led to an emergency C-section. However, during her second pregnancy, she was more invested in the process right from the right. While she did choose to undergo a c-section, she was fully aware of what to expect and more in tune with her body and its needs during delivery. 

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Is Hypnobirthing Right For You?

It is right for any woman who is expecting and wishes to eliminate the fear that’s usually associated with delivery and labour. Whether you wish to give birth naturally or opt for a C-section, these techniques will help make the journey less scary. It is crucial to understand that these techniques will not only help you through the pregnancy but allow you to connect with your baby before they’re born. 

The effects are even better if you are active and wish to combine hypnobirthing with pregnancy yoga. Since Josie is a trained yoga teacher, she highly recommends it for active mums since it’s the best way to be more in control of your mind and body.

Can Hypnobirthing help afterbirth?

All these women confirmed hypnobirthing has helped them even after their little ones were born. Elena mentions how she helps parents plan their journey, which includes the pregnancy and the first few weeks after the baby is born and Lauren found it easier and faster to connect with her baby.

According to Josie, even if the birth does not go to plan, you’d still feel more calm and relaxed after the experience hence reducing the chances of any negative postnatal symptoms.

Laura mentions how she feels more confident in her body post-pregnancy. Read stories under the hashtag “#positivebirthstories” it can be a great way to affirm how these techniques have been helping real mums around the world. 

These techniques can be used not just if you’re expecting but during your day to day life. Motherhood can be stressful but knowing there are ways to keep you from spiralling out of control might just help you relax faster. 

Where can I find classes?

The NCT Antenatal Courses have many resources online and details of local classes near you. If you are looking to gain an introduction to the techniques then speaking to a local instructor is the best way forward.

The NCT support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

They also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.

Author – Shibani Sen