Giving birth can be a daunting prospect, so you might be looking for a way to feel more prepared and relaxed. Perhaps you’ve heard of hypnobirthing and are wondering what it’s all about? In this article, we explain what hypnobirthing is, debunk some of the common myths and share why we believe it’s something every expectant parent should consider doing…

But will you be hypnotised?!

Let’s just get this one out the way first. The answer is: No! Hypnobirthing does not mean you will be hypnotised! The hypnobirthing tool kit includes simple but effective breathing techniques and mindfulness practice that has been proven to downregulate your nervous system and help you feel more calm and relaxed. Being calm and relaxed when giving birth – in mind and body – has many benefits; in fact the more relaxed you are during labour and birth, the easier it will be! 

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a fully comprehensive antenatal course and an approach to birth that is grounded in science. What’s key in hypnobirthing is that you learn how your body works in labour, what you can do to make the process quicker, easier and more comfortable and what your options are if things become more complex. Hypnobirthing aims to empower expectant parents with knowledge and equip them with practical tools, so they are in a position to make informed decisions and navigate their birth experiences feeling calm, confident and in control. Knowing what your options are and feeling confident enough to advocate for yourself ensures you are an active participant in your birth experience, and not just processed along a conveyor belt of care; this is important because when it comes to giving birth there is no one size fits all. Ultimately the aim of hypnobirthing is to ensure you have a positive birth experience and are able to start your journey as a new parent in the best way possible. The benefits of a positive birth are profound and lifelong.

The science

Hypnobirthing is grounded in science. You will learn the important role hormones play in labour, birth and the postnatal period. Oxytocin, for example, is your ‘feel good’ hormone but it is also the hormone responsible for making your uterus contract and your cervix dilate in labour. On the other hand, adrenaline, which you produce when frightened, sends your body into ‘fight or flight’ mode. Meaning blood is redirected to your arms and legs and away from the uterus, where it’s most needed! This means if you’re frightened and producing adrenaline, your uterus muscles will quickly begin to struggle and your labour will become more painful and your progress will be slow. Your baby might even start to show signs of distress. This is partly why a lot of the work in hypnobirthing is designed to help you overcome any fear you might have. If you are feeling good in labour, using your relaxation tools to stay calm and relaxed, you will be producing oxytocin and can avoid producing adrenaline. Oxytocin also helps with bonding after birth, reduces blood loss and helps with milk production. Knowledge really is power!

Helping your hormones

Hormones are produced largely in response to external factors, so to encourage your birth hormones along, there is lots you can do. Hypnobirthing teaches you exactly what those things are! As well as understanding which hormones you need and which ones you want to avoid producing, and why, hypnobirthing provides practical tools to achieve this during birth. From breathing techniques to birth positions, mindfulness practice to a decision-making framework, positive affirmations, the role of the birth partner to ways to transform your space into one that is conducive for birth, There is so much you can do to help your body along if you are armed with the knowledge of how everything works.

Hypnobirthing is for all births

As well as supporting you through labour, hypnobirthing helps you to make decisions as you plan for and progress through labour and birth. We teach you about pain relief options, common interventions and caesareans. We talk about inductions, sweeps and how to build a birth plan that is flexible and leaves you empowered for your birth, no matter how it pans out. Hypnobirthing techniques can (and should!) be used in all of these scenarios to remain calm and relaxed, be informed about your options and help you to make the right decisions for you and your baby.

How can you learn hypnobirthing?

The Positive Birth Company’s Hypnobirthing Pack is the best way to learn more about hypnobirthing! It’s a fully comprehensive antenatal course (meaning you don’t need to do any other classes!) and is available to watch online at any point in your pregnancy, it’s never too early or too late! It’s more affordable than in-person courses and completely flexible; you can watch on-demand, on any device, from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night. You can binge watch like it’s your favourite netflix series or watch little and often, as the course is broken down into easy-to-digest bitesize videos. The course covers absolutely everything you need to know as well as guided meditations and breathwork practice for you to download, lifetime access to an award-winning peer-support community and a 1:1 call with a qualified midwife. 

Sponsored and written by The Positive Birth Company

thepositivebirthcompany.com

Interested in learning hypnobirthing? Why not check out The Positive Birth Company’s hypnobirthing course here.