What Are The Benefits and Risks of Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a technique that changes your mindset during labour. It challenges common fears and anxiety surrounding childbirth and replaces our deep-rooted beliefs that are often based on myths with facts. A hypnobirthing class will often teach you about the process of labour and what might happen throughout it. You will learn what to expect at the different stages, understand the pivotal role your hormones play in naturally relieving pain, and realise how your birth environment can have a major impact on how everything pans out.

You can take a hypnobirthing course in person or online, or you could also read a book about hypnobirthing. All of these methods will provide you with the tools you need to give birth with confidence. Sadly, lots of hypnobirthing courses tell women how they should give birth, but no one ever has the authority to instruct you on this! You and you alone should be at the helm of your birth plan. The Butterbean course takes your lead, arming you with the information you need to make choices that facilitate your plans. We help you get to grips with the process of labour and what to expect from your body, as well as the nuances of the maternity system, your options when it comes to medical interventions, and the various forms of pain relief. This means that when the time comes you won’t have any nasty surprises and can stay in control throughout. 

The approach known as ‘Hypnobirthing – The Mongan Method‘ originated in America under the guidance of Marie Mongan, founder of The Hypnobirthing Institute.

Marie Mongan’s inspiration for developing this method stemmed from her own calm and natural birthing experiences of her four children in the mid-1950s, influenced by the teachings of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read. Drawing upon her expertise as a master hypnotherapist and her background in counselling, Marie crafted the hypnobirthing program initially for her daughter and two close friends. The births were groundbreakingly successful and attracted the attention of numerous hypnotherapists who wanted to learn from her practice.

The programme attracted interest from medical professionals and childbirth educators everywhere, leading to its widespread recognition. By the early nineties, hypnobirthing had taken on a life of its own and spread in popularity across Canada, Australia and the UK. Today it is taught all over the world!

Hypnobirthing decreases stress and fear during childbirth. By keeping your mind focused, adrenaline isn’t allowed to barge in and interrupt your precious pain-killing hormones. It’s been linked to a shortened first stage of labour, better infant Apgar scores (a health test given to newborns shortly after birth), fewer emergency C-sections, and the reduced use of pain medication during labour. 

Although hypnobirthing isn’t a magic bullet, it’s highly likely to increase your perception of birth. Ultimately, this improves your mental wellbeing and boosts your confidence, which in turn can reduce stress and anxiety.

Hypnobirthing is rooted in the science of our brains. To ensure a positive birth experience, we need lots of oxytocin and endorphins. The production of both of these hormones is encouraged by hypnobirthing, and making labour progress smoothly and quickly.

Essentially, hypnobirthing enables our perception of birth to shift from being overwhelming and scary to manageable and optimistic. This gives your brain the chance to produce lots of your pain-killing hormones, which are 10 times more powerful than morphine in reducing pain! It also keeps our enemy adrenaline at bay.

The power of hypnobirthing also applies to c-sections. Improved mental wellbeing boosts how you feel about labour regardless of how you give birth, and helps you feel confident and in charge. This has a knock-on effect for the postpartum period too, and reduces the chances of postnatal anxiety, stress and depression. 

Self-confidence and empowerment

Hypnobirthing empowers mothers by giving them a sense of control and an active role in their birthing process. Through the education involved in hypnobirthing courses, mothers can gain a deep understanding of their bodies and the physiological changes that occur during labour. Knowing what to expect can help eliminate the fear of the unknown. This knowledge, along with relaxation techniques, helps build confidence which allows women to trust their bodies and their ability to birth their babies. Feeling empowered contributes to a more positive mindset and an overall sense of fulfilment and accomplishment during birth.

Reduced fear and anxiety

One of the primary benefits of hypnobirthing is its ability to reduce fear and anxiety surrounding childbirth. Through dedicated practice, women learn techniques to induce deep relaxation and develop a calm state of mind. By letting go of fear and tension, the body can work more efficiently, allowing the natural birthing process to unfold with greater ease. It’s amazing what a mother’s body can do when given the chance!

Pain management

In the 1920s, the British obstetrician we learned about earlier – Grantly Dick-Read – described what has become known as the ‘fear-tension-pain cycle’. He suggested that fear causes a mother to become tense, and that tension increases pain. The increased pain then increases fear, and the cycle repeats.

Dick-Read suggested interrupting this cycle in two ways:

1) Reduce fear by educating those who are about to give birth about what actually happens during childbirth.

2) Reduce tension by promoting relaxation, thus reducing the pain.

While hypnobirthing may not eliminate all pain, it provides women with techniques to manage any discomfort and reduce tension, creating a more positive birthing experience overall.

Creating a positive birth environment

Close your eyes and envision your birth. What does it look like? What does it sound like? Who are you surrounded by? Creating a positive birth environment is essential for a peaceful birthing experience, and hypnobirthing emphasises the importance of a peaceful and supportive atmosphere. Partners and birth attendants are encouraged to help create an environment without distractions and unnecessary interventions. Dimmed lights, soft music or hypnosis tracks, and encouraging words can help to create a soothing ambiance, allowing the labouring mother to relax deeply and focus on her body’s innate ability to bring life into the world.

Shortened labour duration

Research suggests that women who practise hypnobirthing may experience shorter labour durations. The deep relaxation induced by hypnobirthing techniques allows the body’s natural birthing process to progress effectively and efficiently. When fear and tension are minimised, the body can work instinctually and in harmony, potentially leading to smoother and shorter labour.

Enhanced bonding and breastfeeding

Hypnobirthing fosters a deep connection between a mother and her baby, contributing to enhanced bonding. When mothers are relaxed and at ease during childbirth, their bodies release oxytocin, often called the ‘love hormone’. This hormone facilitates bonding and helps initiate successful breastfeeding. 

Postpartum wellbeing

As you enter into motherhood and surround yourself with other mothers, you may hear stories of negative birth experiences. Birth trauma can greatly impact someone’s postpartum journey as they try to physically recover from birth, care for their newborn, and mentally process the events of giving birth. But a positive birth experience through hypnobirthing can have a lasting impact on postpartum wellbeing. By reducing the potential for birth trauma and increasing satisfaction with the birthing process, women are better equipped to transition into the postpartum phase and have a decreased risk of developing postpartum depression symptoms.

The only time that hypnobirthing might be dangerous is when you have a teacher who pits you against the maternity system. This can be harmful because it can lead to women refusing help when it might be genuinely needed. You should always think of the knowledge you get from hypnobirthing as a way of working with staff, not against them. If you do have a member of staff present who is being unhelpful, then always know the freedom to ask for someone else to provide your care. 

Ultimately, hypnobirthing is an incredible tool that is relevant for all births. It aims to put you at the helm of your own birth story, and help you navigate your journey into motherhood with confidence and clarity. For more information about the butterbean hypnobirthing course and how it can benefit you, click here.