O V E R V I E W
What is Hypnobirthing?
A question that I am often asked by pregnant women. And a question I really love to answer as I could spend all day talking about the fascinating science behind it.
Hypnobirthing is not a type a pain relief or a type of birth. It is a skill set, which helps people to understand the science and psychology behind the “Fear, Tension, Pain” Cycle.
As humans and in today’s society, we are sadly led to believe that the natural process of giving birth is scary, anxiety-inducing and painful.
Now I don’t want to be that person who says “childbirth isn’t a painful process”, as “pain” is perceived differently by everybody. But Hypnobirthing will allow you to understand and process how the uterus works in labour and birth. This will help you to release any fears, tension and anxieties around birth.
What will I get from Hypnobirthing?
The aim of our Hypnobirthing courses is to encourage you to work with your body, helping you to achieve a positive and calming birth experience, however that may look to you.
You will learn about the very important “love hormone” oxytocin, which is the natural hormone released during labour (this is what creates contractions/surges). Natural oxytocin fuels contractions. You will learn about how when you are feeling fearful and tense, that adrenaline hormone is released. Adrenaline and oxytocin do not work well together. With less adrenaline, creates more oxytocin. Adrenaline being present, will only affect the release of oxytocin, thus making contractions less effective and more uncomfortable.​​​​
You will learn how to:​​
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Navigate the maternity system, understanding how to make informed decisions
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Use deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which is what you are encouraged to use during your labour/birth
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Stay focussed and calm during your labour and birth, even if things do not go according to plan
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Create an oxytocin fuelled environment to encourage a positive birthing experience
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Work with your birth partner and for them to understand how they can best support you in labour
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Feel positive, focussed and at ease around the topic of labour and birth​
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The benefits of Hypnobirthing:
Allows you to advocate for yourself
It will help you to understand and navigate the maternity system. We will discuss strategies to making informed decisions about your pregnancy such as understanding the “BRAIN” acronym and how this tool can be used to advocate for yourself.
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Instils confidence in you and your birth partner
The courses will also be a great way for helping your birth partner to feel prepared in a way that they can support you in the best way possible, giving you both the confidence to take on labour.
Less likely to need pain relief
This skill set isn’t an alternative pain relief, however, from research we know that people who use Hypnobirthing techniques and are consistent with practice in pregnancy, are less likely to opt for pain relief in labour.