is hypnobirthing a helpful tool or an overhyped trend?

A mythical practice or something rooted in much more?

Hypnobirthing - is it worth it?

As a hypnobirthing teacher for the last six years, the conversation around the value and benefit of hypnobirthing is a common one!

In a world which likes to simplify information into hacks and short tips, its easy to see how what is actually a deeply useful tool whatever type of birth you’re having.

Like many nuanced and layered elements of antenatal education, hypnobirthing is a rich and rewarding method and tool to lean on for birth and parenting. It has, however, fallen victim to many people who feel that hypnobirthing alone will be everything they need for birth. This then ends up in social spaces where people say ‘it didn’t work’ when - insert systemic issues overrode their birth - happen.

Quickly after training as a hypnobirthing teacher, and then going on to be a birth doula, I realised that people need more than just hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing, delivered alongside a really robust and detailed antenatal course is a great way of feeling prepared. As I like to say ‘stacking the odds in your favour’.

Today I wanted to explore exactly what it is and how it works.

The Science behind hypnobirthing

Let’s start by digging into why hypnobirthing actually works. The science, if you will. Firstly - hypnobirthing is great for breaking the fear-tension-pain cycle.

First identified by Obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read (great name), this the cycle in which the body starts to release adrenaline into the blood stream. This redirects blood away from the uterus and into limbs, essentially a ‘fight or flight reaction’.

This adrenadline not only makes you feel tense, but the redirection of bloody supply also causes the uterine muscles to tense up, which increases physical pain.

Hypnobirthing works by helping you stay in a rest and digest state, also known as the parasympathetic state. This allows the body to produce both oxytocin and endorphins, key for a smoother and more comfortable labour.

What actually is hypnobirthing?

It’s easy to think after watching a couple of tiktok videos and instagram reels that hypnobirthing is just in the realm of some positive thinking and breathing but it’s so much more!

Hypnobirthing is best understood a the ultimate commitment to rewiring your brain. It is probably best understood in two pillars:

Pillar 1: Actionable tools such as controlled breathing techniques, visualisation, decision making and progressive muscle relaxation.

Pillar 2:Cognitive behaviour strategies which, with regular practice, can help create new neural connections in the brain.

Often people focus on pillar 1, not realising that they’re often useless on the day if you’ve not put the work in with pillar 2.

That’s not to say you can think your way to a positive birth - the system always adds a complexity to that, but you can build a mental resilience for whatever comes your way.

So it’s just for giving birth?

Hypnobirthing is actually an incredible tool for birth partners Largely, because it gives them active, specific ways to support you in labour.

It reminds them that they’re also a vital part of the process. Through the learning process, they build skills for advocating for you, cues and techniques to either prompt or deepen your relationship.

Ultimately using hypnobirthing can take your partner from a helpless bystander to an active participant.

So is it just for home births and water births?

At the root of hypnobirthing is practice is the intention to have a birth experience that feels calm, regardless of the medical path it might take.

So it can actually be a great resource for remaining calm and focused during the chaos of an unplanned section, or for helping you drop into your body during an induction.

It sounds great! How do I learn to do hypnobirthing with you?

I offer 1:1 antenatal courses with hypnobirthing and antenatal education woven together, or if you’re looking for a self-led option then download the My Pocket Doula App® for the full course and loads of wonderful extras like coaching and baby massage!