Perhaps you’ve heard of HypnoBirthing in the news – the Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) used it as she welcomed all three of her children, Meghan Markle did it as she prepared to deliver baby Archie or maybe like me you watched A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby this past holiday season and saw Queen Amber practicing HypnoBirthing.  Although it may seem like the latest craze HypnoBirthing has been around for over 30 years! Yes, 30! It’s a tried and proven child-birthing method.

So What The Heck is HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing is a childbirth education program that combines the fundamentals of giving birth and the instruction of breathing, relaxation and visualization techniques.  This 5-week course is taught in 2.5 hour classes and leaves you and your birth partner feeling confident and capable as you prepare for the birth of your child. Your Certified HypnoBirthing Educator will discuss available options during pregnancy and possible decisions you might make during labor and post delivery.  HypnoBirthing is structured around evidence-based information so that you can confidently choose what’s right for you and your family.

• HypnoBirthing considers the physical and emotional well-being of the birthing person and partner.
• It can be used wherever you choose to birth – whether that be at a hospital, a birth center or at your home.
• This birthing method can be used with any type of labor and delivery – unmediated, medicated or cesarean.

The Benefits of HypnoBirthing 

• It empowers moms and their birthing partner with techniques to achieve their ideal birth experience
• You’ll learn about deep levels of relaxation to eliminate the fear that causes tension and pain
• Students learn breathing techniques that help keep oxygen supplied to baby during birthing
• It reduces and often eliminates fatigue during labor, leaving mom alert, fresh and with energy to bond with her baby following the birth
• It gives the birthing partner an integral role in the birth experience

I Love HypnoBirthing!

That’s right.  I love HypnoBirthing. I’m a Certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator and HypnoBirthing Mom. Here are some reasons why I love this childbirth education class: 

1 :: HypnoBirthing offers different tools and several techniques — parents are then free to decide which works best for them.  Think of it like getting “tools in the tool bag” as opposed to having a prescribed program. HypnoBirthing allows you to explore various options but you and your partner have the freedom of choice.

2 ::  With HypnoBirthing the birthing person is encouraged to move around, using various positions in combination with the hypnosis/relaxation to achieve comfort.  You’ll learn about different comfort and laboring positions that you can use throughout your labor.

3 :: The meditation and visual techniques you learn can be used whether you’re pregnant or not.

4 :: Throughout the HypnoBirthing course you’ll focus on your relationship with your birth partner which allows for bonding time with your spouse/partner before the baby’s arrival. 

5 :: You’ll bond with your baby in utero. When we connect with the baby in the womb, we offer love, association, positive energy and the feelings of being secured.  Many people think that bonding can only happen after the birth but the truth is that you don’t have to wait till your baby is born to start making a beautiful connection.  Throughout the 5-week course you’ll have the opportunity to bond with your baby before they are even born! The nurturing and positive relationship you create prior to the baby’s arrival allows you to form a new relationship as a family.  Getting to know your baby can be a magical experience for the whole family!

Why I teach this exceptional childbirth education course

One of the reasons I teach childbirth education classes is to let all moms and their partners know that there is no wrong way to give birth. Whether you have a medicated birth, a C-section (emergency or planned) or if your birth simply doesn’t go the way you’ve envisioned it, HypnoBirthing provides you the tools to have a mindset to be prepared. 

So that’s HypnoBirthing.  As I mentioned before, I am a HypnoBirthing Mom as well; read about my HypnoBirthing experiences here. 

Is HypnoBirthing for you?

Share with us, leave your thoughts in the comments below or in our private Facebook group. I would love to hear about your experience with finding a lifestyle that fits your needs.  

Authored by Sharita Thompson, M.Ed, HBCE