It’s normal to experience some nerves and anticipation when thinking about an upcoming birth, usually centred around the not knowing when and how birth will unfold and the intensity of the experience. Many choose some form of childbirth education to prepare for birth and during the research process, the term ‘Hypnobirthing’ often comes up… but what’s it all about? For some the term may conjure up images of swinging clocks, burning incense and tranced out Mummas but this is far from the truth.
So, What IS Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a form of independent childbirth education and preparation, ‘independent’ meaning it has been designed and delivered outside of the hospital system. There are many brands of Hypnobirthing and courses available on the market, in Australia, the most popular course is ‘The Positive Birth Program’ from Hypnobirthing Australia™.
The Hypnobirthing philosophy is that birth is a normal, physiological process and womens bodies are perfectly designed to do the job. We know that natural birth has short and long-term benefits for mother and child however if and when a medical need arises, we have access to phenomenal medical care. Above all else, the Hypnobirthing focus is on POSITIVE birth.
The term ‘hypnobirthing’ is somewhat misleading, the course is not just about hypnotherapy, rather it is just one of many tools which is taught to prepare parents for a calm and positive birth experience. Hypnobirthing combines ancient birthing wisdom, modern theory and evidence-based techniques for an empowered and positive birth experience (regardless of the circumstances faced).
The Benefits of Hypnobirthing Education
Research has shown some exciting findings when it comes to the impact of hypnobirthing on birth, mother and child such as;
– Reduced induction rates
– Reduced requests for pain relief
– Reduced rates of medical intervention including emergency cesareans
– Shortened labour
– Increased birth satisfaction
– Higher infant Apgar scores
– Faster postpartum recovery
The program is also a great way for mother and birth partner to connect in a deep way as they prepare for parenthood. The techniques taught in the program are not just for birth but for life!
What topics are covered in a Hypnobirthing Class?
The Hypnobirthing Australia™, Positive Birth Program covers all aspects of birthing based on 4 main pillars;
Knowledge
The Mind+Body connection, the physiology and hormones of birth, what to expect, bonding with baby, special circumstances, understanding and navigating the hospital system, human rights in childbirth, choices and options in care.
Tools
Creating and maintaining a positive mindset, releasing fears, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, affirmations, visualisation and mental rehearsal, movement, massage, touch, acupressure, robozo and self-hypnosis.
Support
The role of our caregivers and personal support team, how to effectively communicate and advocate for yourself and your birth preferences and importance of birth environment.
Preparation
Conditioning the body to relax and release oxytocin and pain relieving beta-endorphins, optimising babys position for birth, pregnancy health and wellbeing, routines and techniques for practice.
Hypnobirthing Education v’s Hospital Birth Education
Over the last 2 decades, we’ve seen an increase in birth interventions without a positive impact to maternal or infant mortality rates. What’s more concerning is the increase in ‘birth trauma’ and women’s dissatisfaction in their birthing experience.
Hospital birth education courses are often built around hospital policy rather than mother centred, evidence based birth and World Health Organisation recommendations. Courses are shorter in length and usually don’t include coping techniques for birthing mother or supportive techniques for birth partners.
On the contrary, Hypnobirthing education provides unbiased, non-judgemental evidence-based birth education shown to reduce the need for interventions and increase birth satisfaction.
Hypnosis Myth Busting
There are so many misconceptions when it comes to Hypnosis (thanks to movies and stage shows), so let’s clear a few of these up for you pronto!
1. You can’t be forced into hypnosis Rather, hypnosis is a choice! If you want to experience the benefits of hypnosis then it’s available to you.
2. You can’t get stuck in hypnosis, you are always in control As above, it’s a choice, you are free to withdraw from the experience whenever you please.
3. Hypnosis is a super-concentration It provides the mind with focus and intention with suggestions on ways one can achieve the goal, in this case a calm and positive birth experience that supports physiological birth.
Class Options
There are in person group classes available for you to connect with local likeminded people, online learning options for those who would rather learn when and where they want and there are also options for private face to face education for those with a tricky schedule or those wanting to have a more tailored and supported touch.
What Parents Say…
Amandine and Andrews story:
We booked into Kate’s Hypnobirthing class for our second birth after a not so great first birth and as hoped for, I had the birth I dreamed of. The hypnobirthing techniques were so useful for the last and intense surges when I thought I wouldn’t make it. Andrew jumped in with our anchor touch and talked me through the surges to keep me limp and floppy. What an incredible experience!
Indigo and Reds story:
My birth was the most challenging and rewarding thing I’ve ever accomplished. Due to preclampsia, the water birth I’d hoped for wasn’t possible. I was hooked up to so many cords it was a challenge to move around. Thanks to the class I was equipped with all the tools to help me breath my way through days of heavy surges without pain relief and remained positive despite nothing turning out as I’d imagined.
Ruby and Johns story:
I had an incredible birth and experience in the hospital. My son was born after 6 hours of labour in the water, I got to have the exact birth I had planned and used all the techniques we learnt. One of the first things I said once my son was born was “that was amazing, I want to do it again!”
Would You Like to Learn More? Head to our services page to learn more or you can head to Kate’s dedicated Hypnobirthing website at www.mindbodyfertilityandbirth.com.au
