How Does Hypnobirthing Work, and other Interesting Facts!
Hypnosis is a natural relaxed mental state, which we all experience many times a day. It is a time when your conscious, (analytical, rational mind) takes a step back and your subconscious (feelings, memories, emotions) comes more to the forefront. For example when you are day dreaming, reading a book and realising you have read the same thing over and over again, driving on a long journey and not remembering anything about the journey etc.
With intended or self hypnosis, which is what we teach in hypnobirthing, you purposefully take yourself into a daydream like state using music, soothing images and guided visualisation. Once the critical and analytical part of your mind relaxes, you become more receptive to positive suggestions and affirmations. As the mind does not know the difference between imagination and reality, the more times you give yourself positive suggestions and images of how calm you labour will be, the more real they become.
How Does Hypnobirthing Work?
Self-hypnosis taught in hypnobirthing uses the natural state of hypnosis, deep relaxation and the power of suggestion to enhance your pregnancy and birth experience. Using hypnosis, you tap into the subconscious to deal with fear, overcome anxiety associated with pregnancy and labour, to increase self confidence and trust in your body’s natural ability to give birth. Using and applying hypnosis techniques can therefore greatly reduce, if not eliminate the fear and tension which leads to severe pain during the birthing process.
The subconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and imagination, therefore through Hypnosis (similar to guided visualisation) you have the opportunity to "experience" a calm natural birth over and over again in your mind. In this way, once the actual birth begins, your body is familiar and comfortable with what is going to happen and so reacts accordingly. During the birth you remain relaxed, involved and feeling in control, being conversant and alert of the experience. You will be aware of your uterus contracting and will flow through the contractions using deep relaxation, breathing and your natural ability to tap into your body’s own pain killers (endorphins). Being able to enjoy the experience in a calm and relaxed way leaves no room for tension and fear which are the main causes of pain.
With intended or self hypnosis, which is what we teach in hypnobirthing, you purposefully take yourself into a daydream like state using music, soothing images and guided visualisation. Once the critical and analytical part of your mind relaxes, you become more receptive to positive suggestions and affirmations. As the mind does not know the difference between imagination and reality, the more times you give yourself positive suggestions and images of how calm you labour will be, the more real they become.
How Does Hypnobirthing Work?
Self-hypnosis taught in hypnobirthing uses the natural state of hypnosis, deep relaxation and the power of suggestion to enhance your pregnancy and birth experience. Using hypnosis, you tap into the subconscious to deal with fear, overcome anxiety associated with pregnancy and labour, to increase self confidence and trust in your body’s natural ability to give birth. Using and applying hypnosis techniques can therefore greatly reduce, if not eliminate the fear and tension which leads to severe pain during the birthing process.
The subconscious mind does not know the difference between reality and imagination, therefore through Hypnosis (similar to guided visualisation) you have the opportunity to "experience" a calm natural birth over and over again in your mind. In this way, once the actual birth begins, your body is familiar and comfortable with what is going to happen and so reacts accordingly. During the birth you remain relaxed, involved and feeling in control, being conversant and alert of the experience. You will be aware of your uterus contracting and will flow through the contractions using deep relaxation, breathing and your natural ability to tap into your body’s own pain killers (endorphins). Being able to enjoy the experience in a calm and relaxed way leaves no room for tension and fear which are the main causes of pain.
Will I be under someone else’s control?
No, you are not under anyone’s control apart from your own. At anytime someone in a hypnotic state can “come out of it” just like coming out of a daydream. In self hypnosis, there is still awareness of the surroundings. In fact you are probably more in control using hypnosis as you are letting your body labour instinctively when using self hypnosis. Your conscious mind will always protect you from anything that sounds / feels unsafe to you.
Can anyone enter self hypnosis?
Yes anyone can enter self-hypnosis, but they have to want to do it. Some people are able to experience a deeper relaxation and hypnosis than others, and it can certainly get better and more effective the more you practice it. The secret to a good birth is practice practice practice!
No, you are not under anyone’s control apart from your own. At anytime someone in a hypnotic state can “come out of it” just like coming out of a daydream. In self hypnosis, there is still awareness of the surroundings. In fact you are probably more in control using hypnosis as you are letting your body labour instinctively when using self hypnosis. Your conscious mind will always protect you from anything that sounds / feels unsafe to you.
Can anyone enter self hypnosis?
Yes anyone can enter self-hypnosis, but they have to want to do it. Some people are able to experience a deeper relaxation and hypnosis than others, and it can certainly get better and more effective the more you practice it. The secret to a good birth is practice practice practice!
The different approaches to hypnobirthing
Hypnotherapy has been used as a technique to support labour for many years, with the written records dating back to the mid 1800s. Over the past 15 years, more and more people have realised the link between body and mind during labour may have a bearing on the outcome of the birth and the term 'hypnobirthing' was born. This is now a term used generically to refer to hypnotherapy for childbirth and you will find that here are a ever growing number of different hypobirthing antenatal classes and approaches involving hypnotherapy for birth available. The best advice I can give is to find a hypnobirthing practitioner that you feel comfortable with, meet them and have a chat if need be. Some fears relating to pregnancy and birth can be intimate and personal; it is crucial that you feel comfortable and relaxed so it is easier to face and resolve your fears and ask lots of questions! Also find a course or workshop that is affordable and includes your birth partner, their role during the birth is really important and its paramount that you have them on board with your birth plans right from the start.
Books, CDs/Downloads, Courses
There are now a number of fabulous books about or including hypnobirthing available, For starters I would recommend to have a read of all or any of the following, which are my favourites:
- Dani Diosi (2020) 'Hypnobirthing - Breathing in Short Pants'
- Ina May Gaskin (2003) 'Guide to Childbirth'
- Maggie Howell (2009) 'Effective Birth Preparation'
- Sophie Fletcher (2014) 'Mindful Hypnobirthing'
- Suzy Ashworth (2016) 'The Calm Birth School'
I would also recommend the amazing book by Milli Hill (2017) 'The Positive Birth Book' because its full of really useful info on how to have a positive birth experience.
There are also a large number of hypnobirthing tracks on Apps, downloads and CDs available to listen to, and the good thing with todays technology is that you can listen to many samples for free before you buy to see if you like it and downloads are becoming more affordable all the time ...so if you don't like the music or voice on a track you can soon find one that you do!
Hypnotherapy has been used as a technique to support labour for many years, with the written records dating back to the mid 1800s. Over the past 15 years, more and more people have realised the link between body and mind during labour may have a bearing on the outcome of the birth and the term 'hypnobirthing' was born. This is now a term used generically to refer to hypnotherapy for childbirth and you will find that here are a ever growing number of different hypobirthing antenatal classes and approaches involving hypnotherapy for birth available. The best advice I can give is to find a hypnobirthing practitioner that you feel comfortable with, meet them and have a chat if need be. Some fears relating to pregnancy and birth can be intimate and personal; it is crucial that you feel comfortable and relaxed so it is easier to face and resolve your fears and ask lots of questions! Also find a course or workshop that is affordable and includes your birth partner, their role during the birth is really important and its paramount that you have them on board with your birth plans right from the start.
Books, CDs/Downloads, Courses
There are now a number of fabulous books about or including hypnobirthing available, For starters I would recommend to have a read of all or any of the following, which are my favourites:
- Dani Diosi (2020) 'Hypnobirthing - Breathing in Short Pants'
- Ina May Gaskin (2003) 'Guide to Childbirth'
- Maggie Howell (2009) 'Effective Birth Preparation'
- Sophie Fletcher (2014) 'Mindful Hypnobirthing'
- Suzy Ashworth (2016) 'The Calm Birth School'
I would also recommend the amazing book by Milli Hill (2017) 'The Positive Birth Book' because its full of really useful info on how to have a positive birth experience.
There are also a large number of hypnobirthing tracks on Apps, downloads and CDs available to listen to, and the good thing with todays technology is that you can listen to many samples for free before you buy to see if you like it and downloads are becoming more affordable all the time ...so if you don't like the music or voice on a track you can soon find one that you do!
Most people learn more and retain more information from attending a workshop rather than simply reading a book.. (have a watch of my recording explaining why!) it can also take a lot less time too! I think its obvious to most why its worth attending a course, but to quote a fellow practitioner, reading a book can be likened to watching a pop video of your favourite band and attending a course can be likened to going to see that band live, in the front row!
Hypnobirthing courses are designed as a structured but informal class format that teaches about the physical and emotional aspects of birth. You’ll learn about how self-hypnosis works, why your body does what it does, as well as how, and what simple things that you or your birth partner can do to help and manage the flow of birth. When choosing which course to go for you don’t have to analyse the full content of a hypnobirthing course but do question what the practitioner makes reference to, is it purely relaxation techniques which have been referred to as ‘hypnobirthing’ or is there a full explanation of the key principles of why hypnobirthing is so effective along with considering the empowerment of birth choices, as well as the hypnosis scripts which underpin the whole course?
Most hypnobirthing courses are also a perfect complement to NHS/NCT antenatal classes as they cover areas that are not covered on the majority of these courses.
Lastly, whether you do a hypnobirthing course over 5 sessions, over a weekend or in one day, the emphasis should be on practice and simplicity. .. the secret to an effective hypnobirth is taking responsibility for what you have learned and applying it yourself by practicing A LOT!
Hypnobirthing with Better Birth & Baby
All ‘hypnosis for birth’ courses use professional hypnosis techniques to help couples prepare for the birth and all teach relaxation, however Better Birth & Baby workshops are specifically tailored to each participant. You and your partner are asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire when booking the course, so we can be made aware of any specific issues you’re concerned about. You will be given downloads of hypnosis sessions that are in the familiar voice of your practitioner. You’re encouraged to find the level of breathing which is most comfortable for you with the emphasis being on the depth and rhythm of breath, rather than any set patterns and timing.
Most importantly, you leave the course with the skills required to take yourself into self-hypnosis. Your partner also leaves with the skills to help you, if you need it and a huge dose of confidence that he or she has a very important role to play.
Midwives also welcome Better Birth & Baby workshops because they do not require a change of language (e.g. ‘surge’ instead of ‘contraction’) from those attending the birth. Women and their birth partners should be taught about hypnotherapy for childbirth in plain, simple language that is understandable and mainstream in its philosophy and practise; and this is exactly the approach I teach in my workshops.
I used hypnobirthing myself in preparation for giving birth to my two children. I believe the skills and techniques I learnt helped me to have the kind of birth I had hoped for. Previously to becoming a practitioner, I tried to convince my friends that there was a better way to prepare for birth, but it was all very informal. Now I have the tools, insights and techniques to really help pregnant women have the best birth possible. I love running hypnobirthing workshops and seeing the penny drop as each woman realises that they can do it; and their birth partner realises the extent of their important role.
Hypnobirthing courses are designed as a structured but informal class format that teaches about the physical and emotional aspects of birth. You’ll learn about how self-hypnosis works, why your body does what it does, as well as how, and what simple things that you or your birth partner can do to help and manage the flow of birth. When choosing which course to go for you don’t have to analyse the full content of a hypnobirthing course but do question what the practitioner makes reference to, is it purely relaxation techniques which have been referred to as ‘hypnobirthing’ or is there a full explanation of the key principles of why hypnobirthing is so effective along with considering the empowerment of birth choices, as well as the hypnosis scripts which underpin the whole course?
Most hypnobirthing courses are also a perfect complement to NHS/NCT antenatal classes as they cover areas that are not covered on the majority of these courses.
Lastly, whether you do a hypnobirthing course over 5 sessions, over a weekend or in one day, the emphasis should be on practice and simplicity. .. the secret to an effective hypnobirth is taking responsibility for what you have learned and applying it yourself by practicing A LOT!
Hypnobirthing with Better Birth & Baby
All ‘hypnosis for birth’ courses use professional hypnosis techniques to help couples prepare for the birth and all teach relaxation, however Better Birth & Baby workshops are specifically tailored to each participant. You and your partner are asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire when booking the course, so we can be made aware of any specific issues you’re concerned about. You will be given downloads of hypnosis sessions that are in the familiar voice of your practitioner. You’re encouraged to find the level of breathing which is most comfortable for you with the emphasis being on the depth and rhythm of breath, rather than any set patterns and timing.
Most importantly, you leave the course with the skills required to take yourself into self-hypnosis. Your partner also leaves with the skills to help you, if you need it and a huge dose of confidence that he or she has a very important role to play.
Midwives also welcome Better Birth & Baby workshops because they do not require a change of language (e.g. ‘surge’ instead of ‘contraction’) from those attending the birth. Women and their birth partners should be taught about hypnotherapy for childbirth in plain, simple language that is understandable and mainstream in its philosophy and practise; and this is exactly the approach I teach in my workshops.
I used hypnobirthing myself in preparation for giving birth to my two children. I believe the skills and techniques I learnt helped me to have the kind of birth I had hoped for. Previously to becoming a practitioner, I tried to convince my friends that there was a better way to prepare for birth, but it was all very informal. Now I have the tools, insights and techniques to really help pregnant women have the best birth possible. I love running hypnobirthing workshops and seeing the penny drop as each woman realises that they can do it; and their birth partner realises the extent of their important role.
