Should I do a Hypnobirthing Course?

When you’re pregnant, especially if it’s for the first time, life can seem very complicated.

Lots of ‘should do this’ and ‘shouldn’t do that’ - just where do we start?

Perhaps with a hypnobirthing course?

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a holistic technique taught to expectant parents to prepare them physically and mentally for a more self-controlled and relaxed journey through pregnancy and birth.

Expectant parents usually begin a hypnobirthing course during the second trimester and will learn about -

●  Healthy eating, nutrition, and body tone

●  Controlled breathing and relaxation techniques

●  Mindfulness meditation and visualisation

●  Positive words and affirmations

It sounds great, but is it for you?

Hypnobirthing Pros

Hypnobirthing teaches expectant parents the skills needed to focus on creating a calmer, more positive birth experience. Feedback from midwives and new parents alike has indicated that hypnobirthing really does work.

Many expectant mums approach childbirth with stories of pain and fear ringing in their ears, resulting in mum being tense and stressed before she even begins to push.

In contrast, some of the benefits of hypnobirthing that you can look forward to include -

●  Mum feels more relaxed, in control, and better equipped to cope if things don’t go according to plan.

●  Because mum is more relaxed, she can naturally manage the pain with less need for medicinal intervention.

●  Reports have indicated that the actual labour and giving birth is shorter, with a reduced need for medical interventions such as caesareans.

●  The Apgar score has been noticeably higher in newborns with hypnobirthing techniques, which means healthier newborn babies.

●  New parents have said that their babies are generally more content.

●  The shared hypnobirthing experience helps create a stronger bond between the new parents and their baby.

●  The hypnobirthing techniques aren’t just a short-term solution to managing pregnancy and childbirth but are a long-term method of coping with stress and tension into the future.

Hypnobirthing Cons

Hypnobirthing sounds like a dream come true, doesn’t it? Every expectant parent’s answer to the pain and fear that has accompanied pregnancy and birth for so long.

Well, there are a few cons, but not many!

●  Hypnobirthing doesn’t promise to banish the pain of labour and childbirth forever. Instead, it offers a way of relaxing into the process so that the pain becomes more manageable.

Science tells us that stress results in the body producing adrenaline, which in turn inhibits the production of the birth hormone, Oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions. If a mum is stressed and tense, labour will be more difficult without this essential hormone.

●  Hypnobirthing courses don’t offer much information about alternative pain management, such as pain relief medication, which still may be required depending on the individual.

●  Parents run the risk of feeling a failure if, ultimately, they need medical intervention during childbirth.

●  Hypnobirthing courses are only available privately and can be pricey, so be prepared to pay.

Conclusion

Should I do a hypnobirthing class?

There are many professional endorsements, from qualified, experienced midwives, to the National Childbirth Trust, on the benefits of hypnobirthing classes which focus positively on the zen it creates. The relaxation techniques learned are subsequently valuable for managing stress long after birth is over.

The pros of a hypnobirthing class far outweigh the cons, but it is a very individual choice. If you’re still unsure, why not take advantage of the free telephone consultations or taster sessions many hypnobirthing teachers offer?

Photo by Ömürden Cengiz on Unsplash