If you have been looking into Hypnobirthing, you have probably noticed that teachers will all share a common statement: "we are here to support expectant parents to have a positive birth experience". But what are we talking about? Is this not meant to be the most painful and challenging time of our lives?
Well, it certainly can be challenging if you are not prepared. After all, would you try running a marathon* without training your body and mind for it?
* An Olympic final sprint is a more appropriate metaphor for some, but the endurance race will feel like a good comparison for most…
Childbirth is an incredible physical achievement that requires focus and energy, but women and birthing people have done it successfully for millennia, and guess what? Some will look back and remember it as the most empowering experience of their life. The good news is that you don’t have to get up at 5am every morning to put on your trainers and go for a run in the rain, you won’t have to stop indulging on cake (or whatever your pregnancy cravings are), and the reward will be far better than a token medal!
So what do I mean by preparing? First, find the Hypnobirthing teacher that is right for you. And yes, I believe that the human experience of a live course compared to a recorded video on an app will give you the best learning experience, and the best chance to achieve the birth you deserve. A good Hypnobirthing Teacher will be able to answer all your questions and should also offer on-going support beyond the course itself.
Then, choose the format of the course that works best for you (evenings, weekends, private, group, online or in-person, etc.). Complete Hypnobirthing programmes are generally covered over 8 to 12 hours of tuition.
Finally, practice, practice, practice! Hypnobirthing techniques require short but regular practice in order to become second nature at the birth. Practicing breathing, positive mindset, and guided-relaxation techniques is also very beneficial for mum and baby during the pregnancy and will stay with you beyond the birth. And this, along with a few more tools, is basically all you’ll have to do, not bad hey?
And then what? Then you can start celebrating the time and commitment you are giving to yourself and to your baby to prepare for a positive birth experience, remembering that all you will have to do when the time comes to welcome your baby earthside is to surrender and embrace the process. All you'll have to do is to let your body do what it has been designed to do, and trust that all the strength you need is within you. The knowledge you will gain from the course will help you understand what this means; how to access that life changing state of self-belief and relaxation, and how to navigate calmly any bumps that you might find on the road.
You've got this!
Photo by Monet Nicole Photography