Seven reasons to use hypnobirthing
/
Having a baby is an amazing experience. Being well prepared and informed about what to expect in labour can go a long way to making that experience a positive one. That’s where hypnobirthing comes in. This approach to childbirth offers women and their partners a chance to have an empowering and serene birth, which can be a far cry from the experience shaped by fear, discomfort and anxiety that so many people have.
What is Hypnobirthing?
Put simply, hypnobirthing enables women to put themselves into a state of deep relaxation in labour, through techniques they have learnt and practised during their pregnancy. This allows women to tap into their innate abilities, fostering a deep connection between mind and body. These skills include breathing, visualisations and affirmations, and utilise trigger words, phrases, touch, imagery and colours. Hypnobirthing embraces the belief that childbirth is a natural and joyful process, rather than a painful and fearful event.
Why choose to hypnobirth?
Understand the birth process: a hypnobirthing class will teach you all about what happens during labour, which can take away some of the fear of the unknown. Fear slows down the natural birthing process, and the course will help you to understand how and why this happens, and give you tools to release fear, reduce anxiety levels and promote a calm state of mind. Having a better understanding of the powerful impact of the mind-body connection can really help you to explore what will help and hinder you in labour, and so approach your birth with a greater sense of confidence and trust in your body, leading to a more positive birthing experience.
Grow in confidence: hypnobirthing encourages you to trust your body and the birthing process. This in turn enables you to work with your body, rather than against it, and to welcome the process of labour as something to be excited about rather than fearful of. The techniques learned in hypnobirthing classes encourage the release of oxytocin in labour, the hormone needed to trigger and regulate contractions. Consequently, labour tends to progress more efficiently, so doesn’t tend to take as long. It can also reduce the need for medical interventions and interventions such as synthetic hormones or pain medications.
Reduce pain in labour: through hypnobirthing, you learn to induce deep relaxation at will. This enables your body to release endorphins, nature's own pain-relieving hormones. Consequently, you are more likely to experience a comfortable, maybe even pain-free, birth.
Enhance partner involvement: hypnobirthing is very much designed for couples to do together. When your partner learns the techniques, they feel empowered to support you in a meaningful way through your labour. The practice that is required in the weeks leading up to the birth can help to bring you closer together, fostering a deeper connection between you, and promoting a sense of teamwork and support. Your partner can become an invaluable source of reassurance and comfort, facilitating a positive birthing environment. If you are a solo mum, then whoever will be supporting you at your birth can be your hypnobirthing partner.
Take ownership of your birth: a hypnobirthing course will help you to understand and explore your rights in childbirth, and the choices you have available to you. It will give you and your partner tools to help you to advocate for yourselves, and help you to make decisions based on facts rather than assumptions, and your personal situation rather than generalisations.
Encourage faster recovery: as hypnobirthing supports a gentler birth experience, it usually results in a quicker recovery time for you. By minimising the need for medical interventions and reducing the levels of stress hormones, your body is more likely to bounce back swiftly after childbirth. This leads to a smoother transition into the postpartum period, allowing you to focus on bonding with your newborn and enjoying your new role.
Benefits to baby: your baby is more likely to be alert when they are born, as they are less likely to have been impacted by drugs and medication in labour, which can sometimes make them sleepy or jittery after birth. This then helps them to respond to and bond with you.
Hypnobirthing offers a holistic and empowering approach to childbirth, allowing women to harness the natural strength and wisdom of their bodies. By embracing relaxation techniques, positive visualisation, and self-hypnosis, expectant mothers can experience a transformational birthing journey, marked by reduced fear, enhanced relaxation, and a greater sense of control. The benefits of hypnobirthing extend beyond the birthing experience itself, contributing to faster recovery times and stronger bonds between partners. As we continue to explore innovative approaches to childbirth, hypnobirthing stands out as a remarkable method that empowers women, nurturing a positive and joyful transition into motherhood.
