Natural childbirth has become increasingly popular, and hypnobirthing is a method that many women, including celebrities, have used to improve their birth experience. Unlike the hypnosis shown on TV, hypnobirthing involves mind-body techniques for natural pain relief during labor.
As a mother of six, I’ve done a lot of research on natural birth, not just for myself but also for my clients as a doula. If you’re curious about hypnobirthing and whether it might be right for you, keep reading to learn more.
First-time moms often feel anxious when labor pains begin, having heard horror stories about childbirth. Hypnobirthing can help alleviate some of that anxiety. It teaches deep breathing, self-hypnosis, positive affirmations, and visualizations to promote relaxation and ease pain during labor.
The term “hypnobirthing” was introduced by award-winning hypnotherapist Marie F. Mongan in her 1989 book. Her method incorporates hypnotherapy principles and is inspired by the work of Dr. Jonathan Dye from Buffalo, New York, and English obstetrician Dr. Grantly Dick-Read. Mongan read Dick-Read’s book, Childbirth Without Fear, during her first pregnancy and used the techniques for a better birth experience.
Hypnobirthing encourages a positive mindset by changing how we refer to the birth process. Instead of “contractions,” it uses terms like “waves” or “surges,” and focuses on positive expectations to create a beneficial birth experience. While hypnobirthing is popular in natural settings, it can also be integrated with conventional medical care.
The original method by Marie Mongan empowers moms to choose their birth environment, using breathing techniques, relaxation, meditation, nutrition, and visualization to prepare the body for birth. There are variations of hypnobirthing, like those that use repeated positive affirmations to encourage a supportive atmosphere during labor.
Another method, Hypnobabies, teaches medical-grade hypnosis, said to be effective even for surgery without anesthetics. The Lamaze Method, developed in the 1950s by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, focuses on breathwork and positive expectations for labor. It has evolved over time but continues to emphasize breathing for pain relief. The Bradley Method, also known as “husband-coached childbirth,” incorporates prenatal nutrition, exercise, and deeper insights into all stages of birth, covering postpartum as well.
Hypnobirthing reduces stress hormones, which can prolong and intensify labor, and instead boosts endorphins and oxytocin, aiding in natural relaxation and pain relief.
Reported benefits of hypnobirthing include reduced pain compared to traditional methods, lower C-section rates, and fewer epidurals. Studies have found that those who practice hypnobirthing often feel more in control and confident in their birthing process. There are even indications that hypnosis helps alleviate postpartum anxiety and depression.
There are no real downsides to these methods; they all support the natural birthing process. You can access a wide range of resources to learn more, including books, podcasts, and online courses. Audiobooks and podcasts are particularly convenient for learning while multitasking. There are plenty of classes available online and even options for in-person sessions, where you can meet others who share an interest in natural birth.
Many women find hypnobirthing helpful for managing labor pain and stress. While it might not be the perfect fit for everyone, it’s a valuable tool that can lead to a more positive birth experience with less stress. Have you tried hypnobirthing or any relaxation techniques for childbirth? Would you consider exploring them?
