Hypnobirthing is a method of using self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques to welcome a better birth story. It is an in-depth antenatal education course, which prepares you to approach your pregnancy, birth & beyond, with positivity and confidence. It is a process of learning to let go of fear and anxiety around childbirth replacing it will beneficial confidence and trust in your body.

Fear, anxiety or even slight worry is enough to create tension in a woman’s body during labour, which creates a cycle of fear, tension and pain. This tension in the birthing muscles is the opposite of the open, receptive, relaxed birthing state a woman needs be in during childbirth.

Being scared, fearful or anxious about giving birth can have a negative impact on your body during pregnancy and labour. Hypnobirthing uses natural methods to work with your body to make the process manageable with body and mind working in harmony.

“When birth is undisturbed, our birthing hormones can take us into ecstasy – outside our usual state- so we enter motherhood awakened and transformed” Dr Sarah Buckley, Gentle birth, Gentle Mothering.

Hypnobirthing is not about controlling your birth nor will it guarantee a ‘perfect birth’ as nothing can, but you will effective natural methods to enable you to work with your body and not against it.

What are the benefits of Hypnobirthing?

• You are likely to experience a more comfortable, manageable birth.

• Reduce fear and anxiety around childbirth- which will have a direct effect on your experience

• Learn simple effective tools and techniques to remain calm and relaxed

• Feel prepared and confident to trust your body to give birth

• You will have knowledge about interventions that may be offered and how to make informed decisions about these. You will have knowledge about your birth rights and choices.

• Your birth partner will learn how to support you, maintain your positive birthing environment and have an active role in the birth.

The Cochrane Review 2006 found evidence to suggest that Hypnobirthing:

• Is associated with shortened labour length (Stage 1 shown to be shorter).

• Increased the rate of spontaneous vaginal birth and a lower cesarean rate (Mehl-Madrona LE : hypnosis to facilitate uncomplicated birth).

• Reduced the likelihood of acceleration and induction of labour.

• Is associated with overall improved maternal well-being and satisfaction.

• Decreased the need for pharmacological pain relief in labour including the use of epidurals.

(Further reading ‘Self Hypnosis for Labour & Birth’ 2011 by Amy Semple, freelance researcher, and Mary Newburn, NCT head of research and information)