What Is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnosis has been used as a relaxation tool to rid the mind of fear and anxiety linked with childbirth and delivery. For some mums-to-be, it can be highly effective in the form of a technique called hypnobirthing during pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, it helps them prepare for the big day ahead. Let’s find out more about it.

What Is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing prepares expecting mums and their partners for childbirth through the power of hypnosis. A woman can reduce the fear of childbirth by practising regular hypnosis, visualization and deep relaxation techniques. Hypnobirthing is usually normally practised for having an unmedicated birth. The techniques can be used at birthing centres, home births and hospitals.

How Does Hypnobirthing Work

Hypnobirthing lets a mum-to-be empty her mind and breathes her way into birthing the baby. The method allows the body to relax to the point where the pain gets reduced.

The main aim of hypnobirthing is relaxation. However, all the contractions during childbirth make it difficult to stay calm. Here are some techniques that you can try-

Focus on Positive Thoughts
Focus on positive thoughts and words is a useful technique. Use positive words like “wave” or “surge” instead of using the word “contraction” to describe the tightenings during labour.

Focus On Controlling Your Breathing
You can try two different breathing techniques. In the first one, you breathe deeply in through the nose and then breathe out through the nose. Count to four when you breathe in and count to seven when you breathe out. In the second technique, you inhale to the count of seven and exhale to the count of seven. Breathing in this way gives you some calming vibes.

Guided Visualization To Relax

In guided visualization, where you might picture something positive and relax like a flower opening by using music and meditation to further relaxation. By using these techniques, you can:

• Be fully aware of what’s happening to your body and able to come out of it
• Feel more relaxed and keep your body out of the fear or stress that can be induced by the unfamiliar environment of a birth room
• Be more able to manage stress hormones through the release of endorphins and manage pain 
• Be able to prepare for the task ahead by controlling the pain and stress hormones

Benefits Of Hypnobirthing

Here are some benefits of hypnobirthing-

• Results in healthy babies
• Helps to shorten the first stage of labour. This stage involves active and early labour when the contractions become stronger, longer and closer together once the cervix opens.
• Lessens the need for interventions. According to a study, hypnobirthing may help to encourage a vaginal birth. 
• It helps to naturally manage pain so it’s suitable for those looking for med-free labour.
• It gives the mums-to-be a feeling of control which as result brings less fear about labour and birth to them.
• It helps women who have a fear of labour and child delivery.

Hypnobirthing might be suitable for mums who want a low-tech labour and delivery experience and avoid epidurals for pain or a C-section. However, the doctor will be able to take the best decision if any complications happen. 

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