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Hypnobirthing

When it comes to pregnancy and the birthing process, unfortunately, many expectant mothers are conditioned by external influences, such as the media and stories given to them from family members and friends, to view birth as daunting and overly medicalised. This can undermine their confidence in their body's natural ability to give birth with calmness, strength and assurance. 

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These fears often reside in the subconscious part of the brain which will inevitably impact upon the birthing process. 

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If this is or could be your experience, the good news is that it doesn’t need to be this way. You do have the capability to birth your child(ren) in a more natural, relaxed and controlled way.

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Hypnobirthing is a proven method that can be helpful:

  • Through all stages of pregnancy 

  • 1st Trimester – can assist with anxiety, morning sickness, the control of blood sugar and cortisol (stress hormone) levels

  • 2nd Trimester – can assist with anxiety regarding things such as hospital visits, scans, tests, fears/phobias

  • 3rd Trimester – can assist with troublesome ailments such as heartburn and backache, managing the ‘waiting game’ leading up to birth, alteration of the perception of contractions when giving birth, involvement of birthing partners

  • Throughout the birthing process – proven to reduce anxiety, helps promote calmness which allows you and your birth partner to remain informed during the birthing process, enabling you to be able to make informed decisions and choices. By learning specific exercises and strategies, fear and pain can be minimised, potentially decreasing the need for medical interventions.

  • Post-birth – can assist with the baby’s sleeping patterns, remaining calm, better sleep and connection

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Knowledge is power and hypnobirthing sessions equips you and your birthing partner with all the knowledge you need to empower you to navigate the birthing process according to your preferences whatever path you wish to choose.

How can Hypnobirthing actually help?

Clinical research (see sources below) has shown that for women using hypnosis for birth there is a:

  • Reduction in length of labour - studies showed a reduction from 9.3 hours to 6.4 hours for first-time mums and from 6.2 hours to 5.3 hours for second time mums

  • Less reported pain – Mothers gave an average of 6 on a self-scoring model of 1-10, with 10 being the highest

  • Reduction in medical intervention and use of forceps/ventouse – Studies reported an 84-99% rate of spontaneous, non-surgical deliveries

  • Reduction in caesarean rate – Studies reported caesarean rates of between 5-8% compared with the national average of 24%

  • Reduced need for pharmacological anaesthesia/analgesia – Studies reported a 55-79% rate of non-medicated births

 

Benefits of Hypnobirthing for the Expectant Mother

  • Can assist with better sleep therefore higher energy levels during birth

  • Can assist with letting go of old beliefs and learning to welcome the birth as a normal and natural process of life

  • Labour often begins spontaneously and can therefore lead to less need for an induction

  • Birthing stages may be shorter, and it has been known to be pain free under deep self-induced trance.

  • Can contribute to better post-natal recovery

  • Can lower blood pressure

 

Benefits of Hypnobirthing for the Baby/Babies

  • The calmer mum is during birth, the baby will receive greater levels of oxygenation and lowered levels of stress hormones

  • Bonding has started during pregnancy and then continues in a calm, natural way after birth

 

Benefits of Hypnobirthing for the Birthing Partner

  • Automatically takes an interactive, supportive and constructive role before, during & after birth.

  • Learns how to apply trance to help calm their partner during birth

  • Remains in control and provides strength and direction during labour and birth

  • Contributes to a calmer experience and takes time to consider all options.

  • Enhances the unity and connection between themselves, partner and baby

  • Learns techniques that can be used after the birth to help calm the newborn

Hypnobirthing FAQ's

What is hypnobirthing using solution-focussed hypnotherapy? 

Hypnobirthing utilises solution-focussed hypnotherapy to enable expectant mothers to undertake self-hypnosis, relaxation, controlled breathing, and positive affirmations to create a calm and empowering birthing experience. By reducing fear and tension, it helps regulate stress hormones, allowing the body to work more efficiently during pregnancy and all stages of the birthing process. It can also help post-birth. This method promotes natural pain relief through endorphins and oxytocin, often leading to a shorter birthing process, less discomfort, and reduced medical interventions. 

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Is hypnobirthing safe? 

Yes, hypnobirthing is generally safe when practiced under the guidance of a trained hypnotherapist. In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) acknowledges hypnobirthing as a valid method for pain management and relaxation during the birthing process. While it is not universally offered as a standard service, some NHS trusts provide hypnobirthing courses, and midwives may incorporate its techniques into antenatal care. The NHS recognises that hypnobirthing can help reduce fear, anxiety, and pain during the birthing process by promoting self-hypnosis, relaxation and controlled breathing.

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Can anyone use hypnobirthing with solution-focused hypnotherapy? 

Yes, hypnobirthing techniques can be learned and practiced by most expectant mothers, provided they are open to the process and willing to practice relaxation techniques.

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When should I start hypnobirthing sessions? 

Hypnobirthing can start at any point during pregnancy, but beginning earlier is recommended to allow ample time for learning and practicing the techniques.

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How many sessions of hypnobirthing are needed? 

The number of sessions needed varies for each individual and depends on personal preferences.

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Can partners be involved in hypnobirthing sessions? 

Yes, partners are encouraged to participate in hypnobirthing sessions to learn how to support the birthing process and provide additional relaxation cues.

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Is hypnobirthing covered by your insurance? 

Yes, I am recognised by Holistic Insurance who cover hypnobirthing.

Sources 

  1. Jenkins.M.W. Pritchard M.H. Aberdare District Maternity Unit, Mid Glamorgan, Wales Br J Obstet Gynaeacol, 1993 Mar; 100(3): 221-6. 

  2. Harmon T.., Hynan M.T., Tyre T.E., The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, J Consult Clin Psychol 1990 Oct; 58(5):525-30 

  3. Alice A. Martin, PhD; Pal G. Schauble, PhD Surekha H. Rai, PhD and R. Whit Curry, Jr MD, Gainsville, Florida, The Journal of Family Practice* MAY 2001. Vol 50. No. 5 General 

  4. Schauble P.G., Werner W.E., Rai S. H., Martin A., Counseling Center, University of Florida, Gainsville, Forida. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis, 1998 Apr; 40(4) 273-83 

  5. August, R.V. Obstetric hypnoanaesthesia. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 79, 1131-1137, 1960 and August, R.V. Hypnosis in Obstetrics. New York. McGraw Hill 1961

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