hypnobirthing
frequently asked questions

What is a hypno birth or hypnobirthing?

Founded by Marie “Mickey” Mongan in 1989, hypnobirthing is a birthing method which uses hypnotherapy techniques to optimise relaxation and reduce the effects of pre-existing fears and anxiety by reframing them into positive associations.

A powerful mind-body connection is formed by learning about the physiology and psychology of birth. This knowledge and empowerment leads to a calm and confident approach to childbirth which can help reduce labour stalling, sensations of pain, and the need for intervention.

How does hypnobirthing work?

Fear and anxiety can heighten levels of stress hormones which can cause a woman to experience an increased perception of pain as well as become physically tense, causing labour to slow.

Hypnobirthing techniques, which help to induce a deeply relaxed state and block out distractions, reduce levels of stress hormones while increasing levels of oxytocin and endorphins. The result is that labour can progress more efficiently and harmoniously.

Does hypnobirthing work?

Although more studies are required, there are several which found hypnobirthing provides a range of positive effects.

As far back as 1942 British obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read proposed women experienced less pain during childbirth if in a calm state of mind and had faith in their ability to give birth.

This meta-analysis found that women taught antenatal self-hypnosis used fewer epidurals (36% compared with 53%) and required less intervention to speed up labour 18% (9/50) vs 36%.

An Australian study in 2013 found that, in comparison to figures for the general population, the hypnobirthing group experienced shorter labour stages, lower caesarean rates, and a reduction in the use of pain medication.

A comprehensive methodological review showed that hetero-hypnosis and self-hypnosis were more effective at reducing pain than standard medical care, supportive counseling, and childbirth education classes, as well as providing better infant Apgar scores and shorter stage 1 labour.

Zeenath Uddin, head of quality and safety at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), is a proponent of hypnobirthing, but highlights the importance of learning from a competent practitioner.

What does hypnobirthing involve?

Hypnobirthing involves learning hypnotherapy techniques that you can use during your pregnancy, birth and even through to your fourth trimester, such as:

• Guided visualisation
• Relaxation
• Addressing and releasing fears
• Using specific language and positive affirmations
• Mindfulness
• Expansive & focused breathing
• Optimal positions and comfort measures

Benefits of hypnobirthing

Benefits for the mother include a calm, positive and empowering birth experience, shortened time in labour, a decrease in medical interventions, reduced sense of pain, a more relaxed, calm and happy pregnancy and postnatal period, and a calmer baby.

Hypnobirthing can be utilised in all birthing scenarios, whether it’s in a hospital, birth centre or home birth. The techniques can be used for all versions of birth, whether vaginal, abdominal, spontaneous or induced.

Hypnobirthing techniques allow you to relax, so if labour happens to bend away from your birth plan you’re more equipped to cope with any special circumstances.

There are also benefits for the birthing partner as they are given a real sense of purpose, with their own specific tasks and tools to support throughout the birth. If you are a couple, sharing and learning the techniques together can intensify a special bond.

Is hypnobirthing just for birth?

The tools and techniques that you will learn during hypnobirthing will be beneficial for everyday life before, during and after your baby is born. Using hypnosis and mindfulness techniques as well as breath work will give you the ability to bring your body out of a high-adrenaline fuelled state into a lovely calm space which can be useful for all sorts of circumstances including work, traffic, daily stresses and also the fourth trimester once your baby is here to help you remain calm and intuitively driven when it comes to coping with feeding and caring for a baby.

When should you start hypnobirthing?

Generally women attend sessions between 24-30 weeks into pregnancy. This will allow plenty of time to learn the techniques involved.

For some it may be beneficial to start earlier, for example, if anxiety levels are very high or if you have previously had a pre-term labour and are worried it could happen again.

Hypnobirthing is a full antenatal preparation course which isn’t limited to learning how to relax, it also provides a wealth of information on birth, pregnancy and parenthood.

Certain elements such as how to write birth preferences, how to navigate the NHS and your local hospital Trust, your choices of pain relief and where to birth your baby, will all be covered. So starting sooner, rather than later, will give you the time you need to cover everything and feel in control of your circumstances.

Although it’s never too late to start learning hypnobirthing because practicing the techniques involved for a short time will be more beneficial than none at all.

How long does it take to learn hypnobirthing?

It can vary from one person to the next but the more you practice the techniques the easier it will become to enter a state of deep relaxation. The minimum amount of time would be around 2 weeks but 6-8 weeks would be preferable so you can approach the birthing process calmly and confidently.

Is hypnobirthing free on the NHS?

Standard NHS care does not include hypnobirthing. Your local trust and hospital may offer it as part of their antenatal education, although that doesn't mean it will be free of charge.

What happens at hypnobirthing classes?

Hypnobirthing classes can take place in a group setting or a private setting.

Through interactive learning in a warm and welcoming environment you and your birth partner will feel comfortable to express any worries you may have surrounding the birth. You will learn how to reframe these thoughts into positive associations.

By carefully outlining the choices available to you, such as pain relief and birth place, you will be able to visualise what birth might look like for you.

As well as learning the breathing techniques and visualisations to reach a deep state of relaxation, you will also learn useful information around pregnancy and birth. Such as birth physiology, comfort measures, the language of birth, your birth partner’s valuable role, the stages of labour, how to create a positive and homely birth environment, how to write birth preferences, as well as resources to allow you to make informed decisions regarding interventions and special circumstances.

You will also learn valuable postnatal information including a recovery and care plan depending on your version of birth, and what to expect in the first few weeks when it comes to the power of hormones and breastfeeding.

Is hypnobirthing worth it?

Taking a hypnobirthing course empowers you by educating you in what your options and birth rights are. Our maternity system in the UK is over-stretched and this can lead to a conveyor belt of maternity care which leaves women and birthing people feeling out of control and that their bodies failed them if birth ‘doesn’t go to plan’.

Hypnobirthing is a full birth preparation course which will give you the confidence to assert your power in your birth space ensuring that you are making choices that are right for you and your family. This is what we mean when we talk about empowering you in birth.

Having a good birth experience is a priority for many women. Hypnobirthers have experienced positive outcomes such as the below:

• shortened time of labour
• a decrease in medical interventions.
• reduced sensations of pain.
• a positive and empowering birth experience
• a more relaxed, calm and happy pregnancy and postnatal period
• a calmer baby

The foundations of hypnobirthing consist of using hypnotherapy to feel more relaxed, and to use vocabulary which avoids intimidating language. Both of these concepts make sense in terms of how the body works. Studies have shown that being relaxed promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller, and gentler, more reassuring words will reduce the perception of pain.

This would suggest that hypnobirthing is worthwhile based on the importance many place on having a positive birth experience.

Advantages of in person vs online hypnobirthing classes

Classes which take place in a face to face situation provide a great opportunity to create connections and friendships with others to support each other through the journey of pregnancy and parenthood. Group classes also offer a fun dynamic to learning.

Hypnobirthing classes near me

Be Birth provides hypnobirthing classes at The Forge in Central Bristol and Windmill Hill City Farm in South Bristol. My Bristol hypnobirthing group classes take place on a regular basis and cost £295.