This blog post discusses who should consider doing a hypnobirthing course, and why. The range of beneficiaries might be broader than you think: mums, dads, babies, first, second, third pregnancies, those planning to give birth in a hospital, a birth centre or at home.

Hypnobirthing, a technique that teaches relaxation and self-help skills for birth, can be learned through various methods, including self-study or online courses. However, there are distinct advantages to choosing to learn hypnobirthing in person, within a group of like-minded individuals who are on a similar journey.

When many people think about hypnosis, the image that often comes to mind is of someone on stage being asked to do something silly, such as cluck like a chicken. They appear to be under someone else’s control, powerless to affect what they are being asked to do. It is meant to be entertaining, amusing, but it is at their expense, which can sometimes make it seem a bit alarming. Hypnobirthing could not be further from this image.

I work as a birth doula. I support couples through their labour and birth, on an emotional, physical and mental level. I see birth partners, in all sorts of birth situations, being the best support person they can possibly be for the woman they love.