Hypnobirthing is essentially a mixture of breathwork, mindfulness, visualisations and relaxation techniques that can be utilised as pain relief during labour and birth. It is different from Antenatal education which gives you the knowledge and understanding of the processes that take place and how to support and prepare your body. I teach hypnobirthing techniques interwoven in my antenatal education course, because I feel it is this combination that is optimal for a more positive and calm birth experience.

Hypnobirthing doesn’t involve hippy trousers, crystals, and chanting- I mean it can do if that works for you, but it can also be adapted to suit every woman’s preference. Many women find hypnobirthing techniques helpful during labour and birth, the more relaxed you are in labour the more your body releases endorphins which are your body’s natural pain killers- we want LOTS of those in labour, so relaxation and calmness is key!

The power of breathwork, visualisations, the way we view the term pain, and your mind and body connection can be game changing in labour and birth. Believe me, as a practicing midwife I see the reality of these tools. With hypnobirthing the practice of relaxation skills taught is key so that when labour comes your mind and body naturally slot into utilising these techniques like they are second nature and without the need to overthink them.

Hypnobirthing and antenatal education classes are not designed to teach your body how to birth- it knows how to do that, and women have been birthing babies since time began. BUT it is convincing your mind that is the game changer in setting you up for a positive experience. What our minds believe our bodies, often, portray.