Welcome to the magical world of hypnobirthing! If you’re pregnant and feeling a bit anxious about the whole childbirth thing (who wouldn’t be?), then hypnobirthing might just be the answer to your prayers. And no, it’s not some kind of Jedi mind trick that will make the pain disappear (although there are medical pain control methods like an epidural that take the pain away completely), but I’ll tell you more about that in another post.
Hypnobirthing is a technique that uses relaxation, visualization, and breathing techniques to help you have a more comfortable, calm, and positive birthing experience. It’s like having a secret weapon in your birthing toolkit, but instead of a sword, it’s a soothing voice and some deep breathing exercises.
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Hypnobirthing? That sounds like some kind of new age nonsense!” But hear me out. It’s not just for hippies and crunchy munchy mama’s. It’s for anyone who wants to have a more relaxed and positive birthing experience. Tell me that isn’t you?
So, let’s start with a quick look at what hypnobirthing is, how it works, when you might need it and why we love it!
What is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a technique that uses relaxation, visualization, and breathing exercises to promote a more positive, calm, and comfortable birthing experience. Women who practice and use the techniques taught in hypnobirthing classes have a more comfortable labor and feel confident about what is happening as labor progresses.
How does Hypnobirthing work?
Hypnobirthing works by teaching you techniques for deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis, which helps you stay calm and focused during labor and birth.
During pregnancy you will be guided to release fear and anxiety surrounding childbirth and explore cognitive bias.
During labor, the techniques you’ve learned help you to enter a state of deep relaxation, allowing your body to work more efficiently and effectively. This can help to reduce pain and discomfort, and promote better communication and bonding between you and your baby.
By reducing stress and anxiety and promoting a sense of control and confidence, hypnobirthing can help to create a more positive and empowering childbirth experience for both mother and baby
Is Hypnobirthing safe?
Hypnobirthing is a safe and natural approach to childbirth, and there are no known contraindications or dangers associated with it.
Does Hypnobirthing actually reduce pain during childbirth?
Hypnobirthing techniques focus on promoting relaxation, positive thinking, and visualization to help you enter a state of deep relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety during labor and delivery. By promoting a sense of control and confidence, hypnobirthing can help to create a more positive and empowering experience for both mother and baby. It sounds too simple to be true but here are some studies that have investigated the effectiveness of hypnobirthing:
- A 2016 study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education found that mothers who used hypnobirthing techniques during labor reported significantly less pain and anxiety compared to those who did not use these techniques.
- A 2015 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that mothers who used hypnobirthing techniques during labor reported significantly less pain and anxiety, and had a shorter duration of active labor compared to those who did not use these techniques.
- A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis found that mothers who used hypnobirthing techniques during labor reported significantly less pain and required less pain medication compared to those who did not use these techniques.
Can you use Hypnobirthing in a hospital setting?
Yes, Hypnobirthing can be used in a hospital setting, and in fact anywhere. Remember that hypnobirthing is a combination of techniques that you practice throughout your pregnancy. It involves literally “changing your mind” by examining your beliefs and expectations of how you think it might be to how it actually is. This alone can have a positive impact on you overall experience.
Can you use Hypnobirthing with other forms of pain management?
Absolutely! Just because you’ve learned hypnobirthing techniques, it doesn’t mean that you can’t use any other forms of pain management. In fact, I actively encourage you to explore all your options and you’ll learn about epidurals, opiods, gas and air in my course. It’s vital that you go into labor knowing you have a “safety net” if things don’t go according to plan, or if you find it more intense than you expected.
Can partners participate in Hypnobirthing?
Absolutely, yes. In fact partners can play a key role in promoting a positive and empowering experience. Partners play a key role in labor by offering physical support, helping you get into comfortable positions, providing massage or acupressure, and offering water or snacks. They will also be your advocate, communicating your needs and preferences and ensuring your wishes are respected. Your partner is the best person to offer emotional support because they know you best. If they’ve learned the techniques with you they are able to offer encouragement, reassurance, and positive affirmations.
Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, Hypnobirthing is for anyone who wants to experience a more positive birth. In our course, you’ll learn powerful techniques to manage pain, reduce stress, and increase relaxation during childbirth. You’ll discover how to work with your body, not against it, and give birth with confidence and joy. This course is perfect for you and your partner to do together but if that’s not their jam and they just want the nitty gritty then Partners Only might be more suitable. None of the lessons are more than 5 minutes and I get straight to the point so they know exactly what to do. Either way, I’ve got you covered so that you can have a positive and empowering childbirth experience.
