Hypnobirthing - myths and facts

Hypnobirthing - I didn't know what to believe or think when I was first introduced to it. It wasn't something I'd previously given much thought to and all I knew about hypnosis what what I'd seen on TV.

Some of the common myths I hear all the time are 👇👇👇

Myth: You are under hypnosis and not in control.

Fact: Hypnotherapy aims to help people utilise deep relaxation, breathing, and self-hypnosis to experience birth in a way that is better for them. You are not under any one else’s control as hypnobirthing is really about deep relaxation and being able to get yourself into such a natural, relaxed state that you cope better with whatever path your birth takes.

Myth: It promises you a pain free labour and birth - if you don't get this, it hasn't worked.

Fact: The aim is to enable you to have the skills to work with your body to reduce and manage pain. Using natural pain management techniques alongside an understanding of what can worsen labour pain, you will have a better chance of a more comfortable birth. Some people report that they still felt intense sensations but were able to cope far better.

Myth: It's only for home birth, I can't use this if I'm having a c section or high tech birth.

Fact: Although hypnobirthing is a fantastic tool for home birth, it can be used anywhere, whether you birth at home, in hospital, at a birth centre. You can even use hypnobirthing techniques for high intervention births or c section. Its all about creating a positive birth experience.

Myth: My partner won't do the course or will hate it.

Fact: Some birth partners to be can be quite skeptical about hypnobirthing classes at the start, but often turn into the biggest fans. The tools that are taught are common sense, effective, practical and very easy to use The other great benefit for partners is they find it gives them a clear role during labour. Most birth partners find they end up enjoying the course!

Myth: It will all go out the window.

Fact: Hypnobirthing is not set in stone or a set plan to do this or that and the baby will be breathed out and all will be fine. If it was, I can see how you'd think it's gone out the window when you end up asking for an epidural or needing intervention. However, it's about learning how your body works in labour, how to help yourself, how to work with what labour brings. It's about coping techniques, understanding your choices and options. It's about learning some of the best ways to deal with whatever labour brings so it feels more positive no matter how it happens.

Claire