Hypnotherapy for birth trauma When should I start hypnobirthing? Birth anxiety, and Tokophobia, are they real? Should I be concerned? 17 pregnancy symptoms you shouldn't ignore 10 ways to get the most out of your hypnobirthing preparation Antenatal anxiety - How to reduce it in 3 easy steps Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing anxiety in labour 10 most common myths about hypnobirthing Hypnobirthing, does it work? How do I choose a childbirth education class?
Bringing your child into the world is perhaps one of the most profound and life-changing experiences you’ll ever go through. For expectant mothers and parents, it is natural to seek ways to make the birthing process as comfortable, empowering, and positive as possible. Hypnobirthing is a fantastic approach that aims to do just that. In this blog post, we will explore the world of hypnobirthing, providing insights into the classes, the methods, the benefits, and what it entails.
Hypnobirthing is an approach that embraces the idea of a calm and gentle birth by combining techniques from hypnotherapy, deep relaxation, visualization, and positive affirmations. Through learning about labour and birth and what to expect, expectant mothers are empowered to connect with their bodies, release anxiety, fear and tension, and welcome their baby into the world with confidence. Hypnobirthing allows women to tap into their natural birthing instincts, facilitating a more relaxed and comfortable birthing experience. Women have been sharing the magic of hypnobirthing for generations, and now the essence of the tools and knowledge that help women prepare for a positive birth have been defined and given a formal description.
Hypnobirthing, as the name suggests, is a combination of using hypnotic tools for birth. There is a common misconception that using hypnosis means the birthing person is not conscious and under some form of mind control. Many people (including some birth professionals), assume that in a state of hypnosis the mother will not be able to move, and will not remember events from the birth. However, this is so far from the reality. Let’s clarify some common misconceptions about hypnosis. Hypnosis in hypnobirthing refers to a state of deep relaxation, focus, and heightened awareness. It is not about being controlled or manipulated but rather about being in tune with oneself and the birthing process. Hypnobirthing techniques assist women in reaching a state of deep relaxation, which allows their bodies to work more efficiently during labour. Interestingly this state is commonly reached by women in labour without any formal training or knowledge.
Hypnobirthing involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various techniques and practices to prepare expectant mothers for a positive birth experience. At A Focused Birth we aim to prepare families so that feel informed, inspired, and confident for what’s ahead. Here are some key components of hypnobirthing:
Hypnobirthing classes provide expectant mothers and families with valuable education and knowledge about the birthing process. It’s important to understand the anatomy of the body, the changes that happen, and the various stages of labour. Understanding what is happening within their bodies at each stage gives women confidence about their capabilities and also helps them feel empowered to make informed decisions during labour and the birthing journey.
The ability to feel calm is so important during labour, all the birth hormones are enhanced when the mother is in a relaxed state of mind. These hormones play a dynamic role in supporting the process of birth. Research clearly shows that the opposite of relaxation - stress and fear, inhibit the key birth hormones and therefore have an influence on a woman’s birth experience. Meaning that relaxation lies at the core of hypnobirthing. Through relaxation techniques, expectant mothers learn to release tension, fear, and anxiety associated with childbirth. Deep relaxation enables the body to work efficiently during labour and promotes a calm and peaceful state of mind.
Proper breathing techniques play a vital role in hypnobirthing. By practicing slow, deep, and rhythmic breathing, women can create a sense of calm and focus. Breathing techniques help to reduce stress, increase oxygen flow, and maintain relaxation throughout the birthing process.
Visualization is a powerful tool used in hypnobirthing. Expectant mothers learn to visualize positive images and outcomes, creating a mental environment that supports a smooth and comfortable birthing experience. Visualizations can include imagining the birth as a beautiful journey, envisioning the baby descending easily, and visualizing the body working harmoniously.
Positive affirmations in hypnobirthing are statements that empower and inspire. During labour women repeat one or several positive affirmations to reinforce a positive mindset, and confidence in their body’s ability to birth. Alternatively, they can listen to a hypnobirthing audio track reciting positive affirmations. Affirmations are used to replace any negative thoughts or fears with positive and empowering beliefs.
Hypnobirthing encourages the active participation of birth partners, whether it be a spouse, partner, family member, or friend. Birth partners gain all the same knowledge about the birth process, they learn techniques such as massage, guided relaxation, and providing emotional support during the birthing process. Their involvement strengthens the bond between the mother and her birth partner, creating a supportive and nurturing environment for the birthing experience. Team work enhances a positive birth experience.
Hypnobirthing emphasizes the importance of creating a birth map or plan. A birth plan is a written document that outlines the mother’s preferences and wishes for her birthing experience. It includes details such as pain management options, environment preferences, and the desired level of medical intervention. Many expectant mothers find that having a written birth plan can help them communicate their desires clearly to the healthcare providers and feel more in control of their birth journey. A Focused Birth provides a fully customizable birth preference template to participants.
Hypnobirthing classes are structured programs designed to educate and prepare expectant mothers and their birth partners for a hypnobirthing birth. These classes provide comprehensive instruction on the various techniques, practices, and principles of hypnobirthing. Attending hypnobirthing classes offers numerous benefits, including: Learning the techniques and tools of hypnobirthing from experienced instructors. Receiving guidance and support throughout the birthing journey. Connecting with other expectant parents and building a network of support. Gaining confidence and knowledge about the birthing process. Creating a space to address fears, concerns, and questions. Hypnobirthing classes typically cover topics such as the physiology of childbirth, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, visualization, affirmations, birth partner involvement, and creating a birth plan. The classes are interactive, engaging, and tailored to meet the specific needs of expectant parents.
Hypnobirthing methods refer to the specific techniques and approaches used within the practice of hypnobirthing. These methods are designed to promote relaxation, alleviate fear, and facilitate a positive birth experience. Here are some commonly used hypnobirthing methods:
Developed by an experienced Midwife and Clinical Hypnotherapist Justine Daly, the emphasis is on having a positive birth experience however it unfolds, rather than solely promoting a pain free birth without intervention. A Focused Birth recognises the ever-increasing rate of intervention for childbirth, with less than half of first-time mothers beginning labour naturally. Therefore, it’s important for families to know what to expect for a range of possible births and also the techniques that will reduce stress around complications and challenges. The focus is on providing evidence-based knowledge about a range of scenarios in a non-biased and non-judgemental way. The techniques and tools shared fully prepare families for natural birth, and birth with intervention, including Caesarean birth. In addition, because families focus is often only on labour and birth, this program includes sections on what happens after your baby is born. Information on breastfeeding, the fourth trimester and settling tips is also covered. The program includes audio tracks for pregnancy and birth, and techniques to help families have a positive mindset and mental focus during childbirth and beyond. As an experienced birth professional Justine offers ongoing support to help families navigate their choices after the classes have ended.
Developed by Marie Mongan, the Mongan Method, also known as HypnoBirthing®, is one of the most well-known and widely practiced hypnobirthing methods. It focuses on the power of relaxation, visualization, and positive thinking. The Mongan Method emphasizes the body’s innate ability to birth and advocates for natural childbirth with minimal medical intervention.
The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme is another hypnobirthing method. It combines self-hypnosis, education, and practical exercises to help expectant parents prepare for a calm and confident birth. The programme emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, empowering women to take an active role in their birthing experience.
Hypnobabies is a hypnosis-based childbirth program that aims to teach self-hypnosis techniques to expectant mothers.
Natal Hypnotherapy is a hypnobirthing method developed by Maggie Howell. It combines hypnosis, visualization, and deep relaxation techniques to empower women.
Hypnobirthing breathing techniques are an integral part of the hypnobirthing practice. These breathing techniques help women achieve deep relaxation, maintain focus, and manage sensations during labour. Here are some commonly used hypnobirthing breathing techniques:
Slow breathing involves taking slow and deep breaths, focusing on extending the exhale. This breathing technique helps to calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation.
Surges breathing, also known as breathing through contractions, is a technique specifically designed for managing the sensations during labour. It involves slow, deep breaths with a focus on breathing out slowly and audibly during contractions. This technique helps women relax their bodies and work with the natural rhythm of labour.
Golden Thread Breathing is a visualization technique combined with breathing. It involves imagining a golden thread extending while breathing out, it’s instantly calming.
During the pushing stage of labour, birth breathing techniques are employed to assist in the gentle descent of the baby. These techniques often involve low, deep, and vocalized breaths, allowing women to use the power of their breath to guide their baby’s birth. It’s important to note that hypnobirthing breathing techniques are not meant to replace medical guidance or pain relief options if desired or necessary. They are complementary tools that can be used alongside medical interventions or as the primary method of pain management, depending on the individual’s preferences and circumstances.
Hypnobirthing offers a multitude of benefits for expectant mothers, birth partners, and babies. Some of the key advantages include:
Hypnobirthing provides expectant mothers and birth partners with valuable tools and techniques to navigate the birthing process with confidence, relaxation, and empowerment. From deep relaxation and breathing techniques to visualization and positive affirmations, hypnobirthing offers a holistic approach to childbirth. By attending a hypnobirthing program, expectant parents can gain knowledge, support, and practical skills to create a positive and empowering birth experience.
So, if you are ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, connection, and empowerment during childbirth, consider exploring the world of hypnobirthing. Discover the magic of deep relaxation, the power of positive thinking, and the joy of bringing new life into the world through hypnobirthing.
Hypnotherapy for birth trauma
When should I start hypnobirthing?
Birth anxiety, and Tokophobia, are they real?
Should I be concerned? 17 pregnancy symptoms you shouldn't ignore
10 ways to get the most out of your hypnobirthing preparation
Antenatal anxiety - How to reduce it in 3 easy steps
Knowledge is power when it comes to reducing anxiety in labour
10 most common myths about hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing, does it work?
How do I choose a childbirth education class?
I have over 20 years experience as a midwife in the UK and Australia, working in both private and public hospitals. I have helped thousands of women in every scenario, from homebirths and water-births, births with complex issues, intervention, and caesarean births.
I am passionate about supporting women and families to be as relaxed and confident as they can be, whatever the circumstances. I have spent 20 years working in the Birth Centre and for the past few years have been an educator as part of the Child Birth Education Team. This means I am up to date with current research, policies and procedures when it comes to all things birth related.
In addition, I am a government accredited Clinical Hypnotherapist, with an Honours degree in Psychology. In my private practice I specialise in treating anxiety, trauma, fertility issues, pain management and phobias, as well as hypnobirthing techniques.
Bringing together these sets of skills, knowledge, and experience I can guide and prepare you to have the positive birth experience that you desire.
Next live course in Williamstown Melbourne starts Saturday Dec 14
Share
Follow me on
Justine Daly:
Midwife, Childbirth Educator, Strategic Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, NLP Practitioner
justine@afocusedbirth.com,
Melbourne,
Australia
Professional Member of The Australian Hypnotherapy Association
Registered with APHRA
ABN: 12633192393
Tel: 0414 072 344
I acknowledge the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation and their Elders past and present as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land where I live and work.
All are welcome