Whilst the name ‘Hypnobirthing’ might sound a little airy fairy, this is far from the reality of what it actually is. Hypnobirthing is a complete birth preparation course that supports expecting parents to effectively reduce the fear of childbirth, allowing them to look forward to their baby’s birth. Hypnobirthing greatly improves the chances of having a positive birth with less need for pain relief.

There is a common misconception that Hypnobirthing is only for low risk home births, which is simply not the case. The tools and techniques we teach during a hypnobirthing course can be applied to any birth experience; from a waterbirth at home to an elected caesarean birth, the skills taught can be used in all situations.

A key focus within my course is around deep relaxation. We work on this through each of our sessions to allow the birthing woman to feel calm, relaxed and in control throughout the labour process. Relaxation techniques can also be really beneficial for birth partners. Additionally, hypnobirthing teaches the tools needed to support informed decision making both during pregnancy and during birth itself. Again, enabling couples to always feel informed and in control.

How can comfort levels be increased?

Hypnobirthing is based on the work of Dr Grantly Dick-Read over half a century ago. His work with labouring women led to the conclusion that 95% of labour pain is a result of tension and fear. Therefore this could be reduced through fear release and relaxation.

Hypnobirthing works by breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle so that the labouring woman relaxes. When a woman is deeply relaxed her body softens and opens, time goes by more quickly and she blocks out other distractions. This can lead to an easier, more comfortable and enjoyable birth experience.

Hypnobirthing helps you to work with your body rather than against it. In turn this enables your hormones to work more effectively so that your body can labour like it was designed to.

Hypnobirthing also helps you develop a positive mindset which helps you understand what you can control and let go of the things we can’t. This allows you to have the best, most comfortable experience with powerful tools however your birth goes.

(A little secret - these tools are also fabulous in life post pregnancy too!)

What are the Benefits of Hypnobirthing?

• Studying Hypnobirthing enables a positive mindset to be built releasing the fears of childbirth, and supporting a calmer and empowered pregnancy and birth.

• Hypnobirthing can reduce the need for pain relief during labour and birth.

• Hypnobirthing gives couples the toolkit and confidence to ask health professionals questions and become more informed about interventions that may come up. This enables them to have more control over the process and their body.

• Hypnobirthing can really support birth partners with their own sense of calm, which enables them to be the best support to the birthing mother.

• The skills learnt on your Hypnobirth course can be taken into everyday life. The ability to stay calm and relaxed (especially when you have a toddler as i do now) is a fabulous skillset for life and can be used in all sorts of situations.