Hypnobirthing: What it is and what are the benefits

Giving birth is one of the most beautiful events that we as humans get to experience. Yet even when we are aware of its magic, the idea of giving birth is often met with dread. Find out how hypnobirthing can help overcome this.

Having a baby is recognized as an excruciating, laborious task. Still, it is so obviously worth it that moms around the world are willing to put their minds and bodies through fits of intense pain and tension, and healthcare providers are there to quickly offer pain-relieving drugs.

But what if, during labour, your mind and body was so relaxed that you felt significantly less pain and tension? What if birth was something you looked forward to rather than feared? A more stress-free natural birth is entirely possible, and it begins with hypnotherapy.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Created by hypnotherapist and Harvard University Ford Foundation fellow Marie Mongan, hypnobirthing takes a more holistic approach to childbirth. Hypnobirthing, sometimes known as ‘birth hypnotherapy,’ is a form of self-hypnosis that keeps the mother calm, focused, relaxed, and positive while giving birth.

The result? Healthy women, in-touch with their hormones and breathing, experiencing a beautiful birth with reduced pain and tension. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, The Duchess of Cambridge, and Fearne Cotton have talked about the positive, euphoric, and entrancing experience of hypnobirthing. The Duchess of Cambridge proudly used hypnobirthing methods to prepare for Prince Louis’s birth, such as visualizing the birth that she wanted and practising her breathing.

Using deep breathing techniques, visualisation, positive affirmations, guidance from their partners, and comfortable labour measures, women can train their brains to go into a deep state of focus and relaxation.

Birth hypnotherapy gives you the tools to experience birthing in an atmosphere free of fear and tension that prevents the body’s muscles from functioning as nature intended. This state of relaxation and tranquillity will encourage endorphins, your body’s natural relaxant, to dismiss the stress hormones causing pain and constriction.

The Benefits

This natural controlled birth experience comes with a plethora of benefits, including (but not limited to) reduced pain, powerful stress-relieving techniques, feelings of empowerment and control, knowledge of your body and its natural processes, intense bonding with your partner and baby, and more.

Pain Reduction

One of the most incredible benefits of birth hypnotherapy is its ability to reduce pain during birth. According to Dr Dick-Read ‘the father of natural childbirth’, hypnotherapy helps women break out of the ‘fear-tension-pain syndrome’ that causes blood to flow away from the uterus and larger leg muscles, making labour more strenuous.

Hypnobirthing’s emphasis on hypnosis can bring a woman into a state of deep relaxation within the body, encouraging muscles to perform the way they’re meant to without limitations. Plus, hypnobirthing is a fantastic option for those women who want to have a natural birth without the use of pain medication.

The Power of the Breathing

Hypnobirthing focuses on breathing techniques that not only promote a calm and comfortable birth by triggering your parasympathetic nervous system, but these tools can also help those women who experience panic attacks and shortness of breath due to fear, nervousness, and labour pains. After birth, these techniques can stick with you to help deal with anxiety and stress and help towards a more healthy life.

Studies have shown that proper breathing, in through the nose and out through the mouth, is essential for supporting a healthy immune system, optimising the function of organs, and even aiding in digestion.

Presence in the Moment

Giving birth is a natural, magical, raw experience that can be fully understood and appreciated when the mind and body work in tandem. Women can feel empowered, knowledgeable, and prepared to give birth because they have the tools and knowledge to aid them, even when it gets tough.

Better Postpartum Experience

Women who have given birth using hypnotherapy have found the postpartum period much more manageable with reduced instances of post-natal depression, in part due to the positive decisions they made before and during delivery. Others have claimed that Hypno-birthed babies are calmer and easier going.

Hypnobirthing also strengthens the mother-baby bond as mother and child are freely immersed in natural, ecstatic birth hormones. In this state, you are free to use your own natural birthing abilities while feeling controlled, delighted, and profoundly relaxed.

Even after you give birth, you will be able to use the skills and relaxation techniques you’ve learned through hypnobirthing to find ease and serenity during times of stress and trouble.

Where to Start

For those interested in learning the art of using your own natural birthing abilities to feel calm, relaxed and enjoy the birthing experience, please contact me to arrange a free consultation to see if hypnobirthing is right for you.

As an experienced practitioner who has studied advanced hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques, I can walk you through the Hypnobirthing childbirth method. My approach to the hypnobirthing method teaches you to be in control as you call upon your body’s own natural responses. You will learn to lessen or even eliminate any pain, discomfort, or need for medication.

Even if you regularly meditate or use hypnosis, it is highly recommended that you see a Hypnobirthing specialist and take classes through them. You will gain so much more and become more prepared to give birth by listening to and following an expert’s extensive knowledge and methods.

Get in touch today to find out more.