What is hypnobirthing?! 

An overview by our Women’s Health Physio Sarah Balbiano.

Hypnobirthing offers a holistic approach to childbirth preparation, focusing on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the birthing experience. By empowering expectant mothers and their birth partners with tools and techniques for relaxation, mindfulness, and empowerment, hypnobirthing aims to facilitate a positive and calm birthing experience, regardless of the specific circumstances of labour and delivery.

Here's what hypnobirthing typically involves:

1. Breathing Techniques: Breathing techniques play a significant role in managing discomfort and promoting relaxation during labour. Expectant mothers learn various breathing patterns, such as slow breathing, rhythmic breathing, or deep breathing, to help them stay calm and centred throughout the birthing process.

2. Mindfulness and Visualisation: Expectant parents practise mindfulness techniques to stay present and focused during labour. Visualisation exercises are used to mentally prepare for childbirth by imagining a positive and empowering birthing experience. Visualising a calm and smooth labour process can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of confidence and control.

3. Education and Empowerment: Hypnobirthing emphasises the importance of education and empowerment. Expectant parents learn about the physiology of childbirth, the stages of labour, common interventions, and their birthing options. Armed with knowledge, they can make informed decisions and advocate for their preferences during labour and delivery.

4. Partner Involvement: Birth partners are actively involved in supporting the birthing mother throughout labour. They learn how to provide emotional support, assist with relaxation techniques, and advocate for the birthing mother's preferences during labour and delivery. Partner involvement can enhance communication, bonding, and mutual support during the birthing process.

5. Positive Affirmations and Relaxation: Positive affirmations are used to replace fear-based thoughts with empowering realistic beliefs about childbirth. Expectant parents practice relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery, to promote a sense of calm and well-being during labour.

Informed decision-making and understanding various birthing options and interventions are essential aspects of hypnobirthing. Here's how the BRAIN acronym (Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, Nothing) fits into hypnobirthing:

1. Benefits: Hypnobirthing emphasises the importance of understanding the potential benefits of different birthing options and interventions. Expectant mothers are encouraged to explore the benefits of natural childbirth, including reduced medical interventions, shorter labour durations, and increased satisfaction with the birthing experience.

2. Risks: Similarly, hypnobirthing emphasises being aware of the risks associated with various interventions and medical procedures during childbirth. Understanding the potential risks allows expectant mothers to make informed decisions about their birthing preferences and advocate for their own and their baby's well-being.

3. Alternatives: Hypnobirthing encourages expectant mothers to explore alternative birthing options and interventions beyond standard medical practices. This may include considering alternative pain management techniques, birthing positions, or environments that align with their preferences and values.

4. Intuition: Hypnobirthing emphasises the importance of tapping into a mother's intuition and inner wisdom during childbirth. Expectant mothers are encouraged to trust their instincts and make decisions based on what feels right for them and their baby, in addition to considering medical advice and information.

5. Nothing: The "Nothing" aspect of the BRAIN acronym reminds expectant mothers of their right to decline interventions or procedures if they feel it's not necessary or aligned with their birthing preferences. Hypnobirthing empowers mothers to assert their autonomy and make choices that support their desired birthing experience.

Hypnobirthing is not about guaranteeing a pain-free or intervention-free birth but rather about helping parents manage pain, reduce fear, and approach childbirth with confidence and positivity. 

By incorporating the BRAIN acronym into hypnobirthing education, expectant parents gain a comprehensive understanding of their birthing options, interventions, and decision-making process. This knowledge allows them to approach childbirth with confidence, awareness, and the ability to advocate for their preferences while maintaining a calm and positive mindset.

Many women who practise hypnobirthing report feeling more relaxed, empowered, and satisfied with their birthing experiences. Their birth partners also report feeling more active involvement and preparedness within the birthing experience.  

If you're interested in hypnobirthing, consider attending classes or workshops led by certified hypnobirthing practitioners to learn the techniques and principles in more detail.

We love a local midwife Rosie Fitzclarence (formally of Geelong Born) and the great team at Berth in Geelong who run these courses monthly. 

The Positive Birth Company online course for hypnobirthing is highly recommended worldwide

https://thepositivebirthcompany.com/

Sarah is really passionate about Hypnobirthing and empowering women to know their bodies and give them the confidence they need for a positive birth, book in now to get her support for your pregnancy and birth!