When a mother chooses to learn hypnobirthing techniques, she reaches a state of self-hypnosis.

Kim Young, hypnobirthing childbirth educator, explained a mother reaches a state very close to daydreaming. “You are fully conscious and aware. Couples are guided to a deep state of relaxation, also called hypnosis, for at most 30 minutes in class. Most of the practice is done in their own time at home.” According to Kim, 95 % of women are physically capable to give birth comfortably.

Birthing comfortably

“This does not necessarily mean pain-free, although many women experience a pain-free birth. HypnoBirth should make the labour manageable without medication. Because a mother is fully conscious and aware during hypnosis, distractions can disrupt a mother’s concentration. She is in a state similar to daydreaming, but is perfectly capable to communicate if asked a question. With practice, she can return to the same relaxed state in seconds.”

Benefits of HypnoBirthing for the Mother

The benefits of hypnobirthing for the mother include being relaxed and calm during birth. It allows the mother control over her body and to enjoy the experience and work with her unborn child.

Other benefits include:

• pre-natal bonding
• improved sleep and health through pregnancy
• informed choices about birth
• shorter labour
• reduces the need for pain-relief or intervention
• calmer babies
• faster recovery
• fewer cases of post-natal depression

Benefits of Hypnobirthing for the Baby

The baby will be received into a calm and relaxed environment and therefore experiences less stress than a baby who had to endure a traumatic birth.

The endorphins released during a relaxed labour are the body’s own natural relaxant and have a calming effect. These endorphins are small enough to pass through the placenta to the baby. When the mother learns to breathe more deeply, she increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which is beneficial for both her and the baby.

Kim said most women who have had a hypnobirth reported that their babies were exceptionally calm and relaxed infants.

Involve Your Partner

Hypnobirthing allows for the close involvement of a birthing partner. The birthing partner will be the “project manager” of the whole process and support the mother throughout. The birthing partner will also liaise with hospital personnel and maintain the surrounding environment to stay calm and relaxed.

Hypnobirthing can be practiced anytime from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards. It can lead to a calm and relaxed state of mind while giving birth, giving the woman full control of her body and working with her unborn baby. - Jana Engelbrecht