all of your hypnobirthing questions answered:
Does hypnobirthing replace the need for pain relief during labour?
This all depends on what you want to use it for. Some people find they can use the breathing techniques and coping strategies all the way through labour. Others prefer to keep an open mind and use hypnobirthing strategies as far as they feel comfortable, opting for further pain relief such as gas and air in the final stages. There is no right or wrong attitude to have. If you want to avoid drugs completely, hypnobirthing will help you to do just that! But if you’re not yet sure, it will serve you well when there are no other options on the table: at home in the early stages, in the car, in the waiting room, in triage and whilst being assessed and waiting for a delivery room.
When SHOULD I use hypnobirthing?
At home when labour starts up, on the maternity unit, on the induction ward, in the car on the way to the hospital, walking from the car park to the unit, in the lift, in triage, whilst waiting for your delivery room and then, if you wish, continuing throughout your labour to help you to cope, relax and enjoy your birth!
Breathing techniques can also help with the discomfort of breastfeeding in the early stages as well as labour after-pains and the recovery process after stitches / a c-section. If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably go on to use your hypnobirthing strategies for every cervical smear test or dentist appointment. I’ve even had birth partners getting in touch to say they used the breathing techniques before job interviews to calm themselves down.
Does my birth partner need to attend hypnobirthing classes?
Ideally, yes! Birth partners should learn alongside you as they will be an essential part of your team on the day. They will also benefit from learning about the choices and options you have during labour, giving them the knowledge and confidence to be able to act as your advocate if needed. Don’t worry if your birth partner is sceptical - this is very normal for a hypnobirthing course! (Top secret: I was too, when I attended a course before the birth of my first child.) Explain that you’d like their support in something that is important to you and I’ll do all the hard work to win them over with the science behind it all!
HOW DOES HYPNOBIRTHING FIT IN WITH an NHS BIRTH?
Midwives are trained to recognise the benefits of hypnobirthing and some NHS trusts offer hypnobirthing as a paid extra. It speaks volumes that a hypnobirthing programme is offered free of charge in the Scottish Highlands to help people who live far from maternity services and support.
Hypnobirthing courses prepare you to remain relaxed and be aware of the options available to you - can you imagine how lucky your midwife will feel, presented with a calm individual who has a clear idea of how they’d like things to go… When I learnt about hypnobirthing during my first pregnancy, it felt very far apart from what was offered at the hospital. Imagine my luck at turning up to the St Mary’s Delivery Unit in Manchester, for the midwives to have a laminated sign that they stuck to the front of my door which said ‘Quiet - hypnobirthing in progress’. This was the first time I realised that they really appreciated it and made allowances to support it - just in time for my unplanned induction! Maternity teams across the North West will help you to put hypnobirthing techniques into practice in your labour, but they also understand the need for a good course in showing you how to do this in advance. Reading a book will not suffice - please be wary of any courses that are not face to face, offering feedback on the breathing techniques and practical demonstrations.
When should I book / attend a hypnobirthing course?
My hypnobirthing courses are taught in small groups so that I can give you the best possible personalised support. The classes therefore fill up quickly. I do advise that you book your slot early! I have taught people at 16 weeks who are particularly organised and those at 36 weeks who were not… (don’t worry - that was my style too) Whenever you’re joining me, I can assure you that you’ll find incredible value in the course. One of my favourite reviews came from a couple who gave birth the day after the course! It is never too late to learn!
Do I need to be planning to give birth in a birth centre to use hypnobirthing?
No! Birth centres can provide a lovely ‘home from home’ atmosphere in which to birth your baby, but they aren’t available to everyone! They also aren’t suitable for everyone - but hypnobirthing is! Whatever your birth preferences and medical history, hypnobirthing will help you with something: it can reduce anxiety and stress surrounding a c-section, help you to birth gently during a VBAC birth and it can even help you to deal with unexpected situations postnatally. Wherever you choose to give birth, hypnobirthing will be a valuable addition to your birthing toolkit.