What is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is as much a philosophy as it is a technique – it’s a rewarding, relaxing, stress-free method of birthing based on the belief that babies and mothers can have a gentle, calm, and joyful birth experience.
Hypnobirthing prepares mother and her partner physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally for an easier, more comfortable, stress-free birth.
Through a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, self-hypnosis, special breathing techniques, visualizations, affirmations, and physiological education, Hypnobirthing returns to a woman the art of birthing in a way that allows her to summon her natural birthing instincts and to birth her baby safely and with ease.
Our Birth Harmony class also provides evidence based birthing education with couples bonding support.
When does the next Hypnobirthing Class begin?
At this time, our Hypnobirthing Class, Birth Harmony is self-paced w/support.
And that means you can take this class at your own pace, on your own time, and get the support you need via email. Check out the details here.
How far along in my pregnancy should I be to take this course?
If you have 30 days, you’re golden to start preparing your hypnobirthing journey. That said, for ideal time-line, it’s best to begin this course in your second trimester (14 to 26 Weeks) for optimal preparation time.
Begin the Self-Paced Course is HERE!
How is Birth Harmony different from HypnoBirthing International?
Our HypnoBirthing Class, “Birth Harmony,” is not a classical HypnoBirthing International Course, though heavily emphasizes the power of hypnosis for birth preparation, as the instructor (yours truly), is a Board Certified HypnoTherapist.
I’ve created custom hypnotracks, preparation workbooks, and exercises to support you and your partner for confident birth preparation.
The ways our course differs from HypnoBirthing International is:
1. We offer a few more tools for attuning our brain frequencies to receive the positive affirmations in our relaxation practice.
2. We bring in tactical exercises for partner bonding using tantric principles (i.e. witness consciousness tools), meditation, and non-violent communication frameworks to support preparing your partner bond before baby’s arrival
3. We offer week-by-week assignments to reduce the overwhelm that comes with researching and preparing for the birth of your baby, including postpartum suggestions.
Hypnobirthing has become an increasingly popular path to birth preparation among expectant parents looking for a more natural and calm birthing experience. But what exactly is hypnobirthing, and how does it work?
This article aims to answer the most common questions about hypnobirthing, and providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how hypnobirthing could support your birth journey from the lens of a seasoned holistic doula and board certified hypnotherapist.
How Does Hypnobirthing Work?
Hypnobirthing works by teaching expectant mothers how to enter a state of deep relaxation and focus, no matter what’s happening in the environment.
This is achieved through:
– Self-Hypnosis: Guided visualizations and affirmations help create a positive mindset and reduce fear and anxiety.
– Breathing Techniques:Specific breathing exercises help manage pain and keep the body oxygenated.
– Relaxation Techniques:Progressive relaxation helps release tension in the body, promoting a more comfortable birthing process.
What is a Successful Hypnobirth?
Relaxation techniques in birthing aren’t new, and it’s my belief that many mothers use many of the tools taught instinctually. But a positive birthing experience is defined uniquely by every mother.
With that said, I’d define a successful hypnobirth as one where you felt the Hypnobirthing tools helped you achieve a positive outcome; whatever that means for you.
If I could describe what I’ve seen as a positive outcome is in the 100+ births I’ve attend, I’d describe births where mom was able to stay connected to her experience and move through labor without fear or external interference; where she felt supported by her mind, and the environment honored her choices and autonomy.
What are the Benefits of Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing offers numerous benefits, including:
– Reduced Pain: By promoting relaxation and reducing fear, many women experience less pain during labor. The magic is in the practice. If you can spend at least 2-30 days learning to focus your mind on physically relaxing, even in the occurrence of physical discomfort during labor, you will be successful in hypnobirthing.
– Shorter Labor: Relaxed muscles and efficient breathing can lead to a shorter, more efficient labor.
– Fewer Interventions: Hypnobirthing can decrease the likelihood of needing medical interventions such as epidurals, which ultimately reduces the risk of C-section.
– Positive Birth Experience: Many women report feeling more in control and having a more positive and empowering birth experience.
Is Hypnobirthing Effective for Everyone?
Hypnobirthing can be beneficial for all expecting mothers, but it’s helpful to consider:
- Openness to Hypnosis: Ifyou’re open to the idea of hypnosis and willing to practice regularly, hypnobirthing can be very effective.
- Commitment: Successful hypnobirthing requires commitment to practicing techniques regularly throughout pregnancy, generally 15-30 mins a day for a recommended 28 days minimum for optimal results.
- Medical Conditions: If you have certain medical conditions or a history of psychosis, it’s essential to discuss hypnobirthing with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you.
Hypnotherapy for Pain Management: How It Works
- Changing the Pain Experience: Hypnotherapy can help change how the brain interprets pain signals. By entering a state of deep relaxation and focused attention, individuals can be guided to reframe their experience of pain. For example, a hypnotherapist might suggest that a burning sensation feels cool or that a sharp pain feels dull.
- Distraction Techniques: Hypnotherapy can direct attention away from the pain and focus on empowering thoughts, reducing the intensity of the pain sensation. Techniques such as guided imagery can create vivid mental images that distract from the pain.
- Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety can exacerbate pain. Hypnotherapy promotes relaxation and reduces stress, which can, in turn, lessen the perception of pain. By calming the nervous system, hypnotherapy can help break the cycle of pain and stress.
- Addressing Fear: Fear of pain can make the sensations more intense. Hypnotherapy can help individuals confront and manage their fear, creating a more positive mindset towards pain management.
- Muscle Relaxation: Pain often leads to muscle tension, which can increase discomfort. Hypnotherapy can induce deep muscle relaxation, easing tension and reducing pain. Relaxation also helps promotes better blood flow and oxygenation of tissues, which can enhance the body’s natural birthing process.
How Can I Get Started with Hypnobirthing?
To get started with hypnobirthing, you can:
- Take a Class: Enroll in a hypnobirthing class, either in-person or online, to learn techniques from a certified instructor.
- Read Books: There are several excellent books on hypnobirthing that can guide you through the process. See our library here.
- Practice Meditation: Dedicating time each day to meditation with guided imagery can help you prepare your mind for a hypnobirthing practice. We love Deepak’s 21 Day Abundance Meditation on Spotify.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is generally considered safe, unless you have a history of psychosis. If you’re on any medications for mental health, consult your healthcare provider.
Birth Harmony Prepares Partners Too
And as an added benefit, Birth Harmony – our couples centered Hypnobirthing class – offers an opportunity to increase communication efficacy and prepare your partnership with setting expectations.
Having a prepared partner – one who knows what you desire and what you’re willing to budge on can greatly effect your partnership after the birth. It’s essential that partners are just as educated as mom and ready to advocate, especially in the hospital and even when a doula is present.
Doulas do not have the rights a partner has within a medical setting, so its essential the whole birth team is on the same page, as care providers are becoming increasingly restricted in mitigating risk in a way that fully honors consent.
Birth Harmony serves to support that partners are integrated into the care team and ready to advocate when and where it’s necessary.
What to Expect During a Hypnobirthing Class?
During a hypnobirthing class, like Birth Harmony, you can expect to learn:
- Relaxation Techniques: Methods to help you stay calm and relaxed during labor.
- Breathing Exercises: Specific techniques to help manage pain and keep you focused.
- Visualization and Affirmations:Positive imagery and affirmations to promote a positive mindset.
- Partner Involvement: Ways your partner can support and assist you during labor.
Hypnobirthing is a powerful tool that can transform the birthing experience into a more calm, positive, and empowering event. By answering these common questions, we hope to provide a clearer understanding of what hypnobirthing is and how it can benefit you.
If you’re interested in hypnobirthing, consider taking our self paced Birth Harmony course!
Want to learn more before signing up?
Feel free to schedule a time to chat! Email samantha@theaustindoula.com
“I took the Birth Harmony course on my 3rd trimester in preparation for my second baby.
Having had a traumatic birth experience with my first, I knew this time around I had to do things differently. So I opted for a home birth. This course was everything I needed to have the home birth I wanted. Not only did it teach me everything about hypnobirthing and how to use it while in labor (huge help!), but it went far beyond that. I can’t begin to explain how complete it is.
It covered every single topic a pregnant mama can ever think about, from amazing books and authors, online resources, tips for birth, postpartum, etc. It is so user friendly and Samantha has a beautiful and smooth way of walking you through it without making it long, boring or repetitive. I could hear her talk for days!!Thank you Samantha for creating such a gift for us expecting mamas. I can never thank you enough for helping me prepare my mind and body for what was the redeeming birth my soul needed and the best experience of my life.”
– Meg B.“I am so incredibly thankful and grateful that we had the privilege to work with Samantha. She brought such peace and calmness to my labor that I will forever be grateful for. Honestly, I am not really sure I would have achieved my goal of having a natural birth if it wasn’t for her. Her hypnobirthing classes and work on envisioning what I wanted my birth to be was so helpful. My partner and I tend to focus a little too much on details and research and needed a little help with emotionally preparing for what we wanted for our birth. She helped my partner and I work through labor in such a productive and calming way, it was amazing. She truly has a gift for this! It brings me great joy to think of her and the other doulas bringing such positivity and care to other mamas to be out there.”
– Valerie N.“Samantha is a joy to be around, and will brighten your outlook, no matter where you are in your journey. A huge part of her services is Hypnobirthing! We went through the course and both my husband and my outlooks on childbirth was changed. She helped me sort through my past C-Section trauma. I had hope for a VBAC! And even more so, I had an understanding of childbirth and a confidence in myself! Hypnobirthing is everything!”
– Lauren V.
