What is hypnobirthing?

When people first hear the term hypnobirthing, they often think of something that's a bit 'out there' and can be a bit put off. In reality, hypnobirthing is a practical, evidence based approach to birth that helps you to have a calmer, more positive birth however that birth may look like.

I truly believe that hypnobirthing can benefit every birth in one way or another and that comes through in the feedback I've received over the last 3 years.

It's not just for 'natural' births

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hypnobirthing is only for those planning a drug free or home birth. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Hypnobirthing is for all births: vaginal, caesarean, induced, water births, and everything in between. It gives you tools to stay calm and in control in any situation as well as feeling confident advocating for things, making decisions and asking questions. Whether your birth follows your ideal plan or takes an unexpected path, you can still benefit from hypnobirthing techniques to navigate things with confidence knowing you're making the best decisions for you and your baby.

Preparing for this by learning about the different options available to you, the maternity system and your rights can make a big difference in how you feel when faced with these decisions and how you feel about your birth afterwards.

Know your rights and options in the NHS maternity system

A vital part of birth preparation is understanding your rights and choices within the NHS maternity system. Too often, birthing people feel they must comply with standard protocols without knowing they have a voice.

You have the right to:

• Decline or accept any procedure or intervention

• Request a second opinion

• Ask for evidence behind any recommendation

• Choose where and how to give birth

• Be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect

In my sessions we explore how to ask questions using tools like the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing), so you can make empowered choices that align with your values and birth preferences.

What does a hypnobirthing course look like?

For a lot of hypnobirthing courses, like the Love Birth course, they also include your antenatal topics as well as focusing on the mind body connection so you can learn everything you need in one place. Or if you'd prefer you can focus on the hypnobirthing aspect of the course to complement another antenatal course you may have already taken.

It's important to choose the right course and instructor for you as they will all be different with different values and different content.

Hypnobirthing uses relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and visualisation among other things to build a positive mindset throughout pregnancy and help you stay calm during labour. It gives you evidence-based information to help you understand how your body is designed to give birth and how to work with it - not against it. You will have multiple tools and techniques to use on your own or with your birth partner to relax during birth and cope with the sensations of labour.

At its core, hypnobirthing helps to reduce fear and anxiety around birth. Fear triggers our body's stress response, which can affect the natural birthing process. By learning how to deeply relax and trust your body, you’re giving yourself the best chance of a smoother experience both physically and emotionally.

The Love Birth courses include a handbook with helpful notes and tips, affirmations to colour in, relaxation tracks to download, lots of recommendations, links and videos as well as my ongoing support for any time you want to chat or have questions.

Why Understanding Physiological Birth Matters

While hypnobirthing supports every type of birth, learning about physiological birth is a crucial part of the process. Understanding what happens during labour and birth, and what your body and baby are doing during each stage, helps to reduce fear or panic and make informed decisions.

When we are educated about the process, we’re less likely to panic when sensations change or labour intensifies. We can breathe through contractions, trust our instincts, and advocate for our needs with clarity.

Physiological birth education also helps to challenge the narrative that birth is something to be feared or "managed." Instead, it’s seen as a powerful, instinctual process that, when undisturbed, often unfolds beautifully.

Understanding all of this can also be helpful when making decisions when it comes to birth environment, birth partners and interventions.

Hypnobirthing is empowerment

Whether your birth is calm and quick, long and intense, straightforward or full of surprises, you deserve to feel informed, respected, and in control.

You don’t need to be fearless to have a positive birth, you just need the right tools, knowledge, and support. A positive birth looks different for everyone and so it doesn't matter what it may look like to others as long as it feels positive to you.

If you're curious to explore hypnobirthing and learn more about your birth options and rights, I'd love to work with you. Book a free call with me or send a message to find out more and ask any questions you have.

Emma x