Putting the 'Hypno' into HypnoBirthing

Of all the techniques that make up the HypnoBirthing courses programme, the element that our mums and dads are least familiar with when they join the course is probably the 'hypno' part.

The 'hypno' part of what we teach is made up of 2 elements. The first of these involves guiding mum into a state of deep relaxation either by listening to the relaxation CD that we provide on the course, having a relaxation script read to her by her partner or, through practice, using her own skills to bring herself into a relaxed state. Once mum is relaxed and at ease, she repeats or listens to positive statements about her upcoming birth.

These suggestions include phrases such as:

I feel confident, I feel safe, I feel secure

I put all fear aside as I prepare for the birth of my baby

In a relaxed state, mum becomes more open to these positive statements. Her conscious mind, which is more analytical, rational and critical is quietened, and these suggestions (which she might normally find harder to accept) are received by her subconscious and begin to work their magic. Over time, what was just a suggestion, steadily develops into a belief that yes, a safe, comfortable birth is within mum's reach.

As the founder of HypnoBirthing, Marie Mongan explains, "When you change the way you think about birth, the way you birth will change." And it's through practices such as these that this change becomes a reality.