What does the ‘hypno’ in hypnobirthing actually mean?

And how can hypnobirthing help during labour?

This is the part that everyone worries about. They often make assumptions that hypnobirthing will be weird and ‘out there’ based purely on the name and in particular the word ‘hypno’. I’m here to help you realise that actually, the ‘hypno’ part is so beneficial for you during pregnancy and labour.

Let’s get straight to it, hypnobirthing does use hypnosis but not the type you are thinking of…

Let’s start by defining hypnosis, what is it?

There are many definitions out there but this one I believe is most appropriate when we are talking about self-hypnosis:

“A state of hypnosis in which the subject's physiological responses are the same as during complete relaxation.” - Oxford reference of neutral hypnosis.

This is exactly what we are aiming to do when using hypnobirthing, achieve a deep state of relaxation. If we can completely relax the mind by using Hypnobirthing techniques such as deep breathing and listening to hypnosis tracks, then the body will be relaxed too.

Let’s not get this confused with the type of hypnosis we see on TV, this is NOT what hypnobirthing is about. The type of hypnosis used in hypnobirthing refers to self-hypnosis, you get yourself into this deep state of relaxation, and it’s nothing to do with me. I will provide you with the tools to achieve this state of self-hypnosis but I won’t be taking control of your mind.

So, it’s actually really simple and makes lots of sense…

The more relaxed the mind is, the more relaxed the body is.

Half the battle during labour is allowing the body to do what it needs to do to birth your baby. By achieving a state of hypnosis or complete relaxation, there is no resistance when contractions appear, you simply allow them to happen.

It all starts with the mind

Roger Bannister once said, “where the mind leads, the body follows.’ We can apply that to birth. If the mind is tense and anxious and worried, then the body will also be tense, anxious and worried. Holding tension in your body during labour can make things more painful and more uncomfortable. In simple terms, if the muscles of the uterus are tense, then they are going to be working against resistance, you will be fighting your own body. If the muscles of the uterus are relaxed, they can do exactly what they need to do to birth your baby, you will be working with your body.

In order to relax the body, we first need to relax the mind and we do that by using self-hypnosis.

But, it’s not always that easy to ‘just relax…’

When was the last time, you really felt relaxed, like completely switched off? There aren’t many of us, in this busy day and age that can say they totally switch off. So, we have to develop this skill of relaxation (self-hypnosis) over time. It takes time and it takes practice, this is why it’s always best to start your hypnobirthing course sooner rather than later. Start building your confidence for birth, understand the process of birth, get your birth partner to know how to support you and start practising all the relaxation techniques that you are taught in your course.

So, that’s the ‘hypno’ side of hypnobirthing, it makes complete sense and if anything is totally rational and logical.

The birthing side provides you with all the knowledge that you need about labour, such as what is happening to your body during contractions, what stages of labour you will encounter, what pain relief options are available to you, how to decide what things might be suitable for you such an induction, where to give birth, birthing your placenta and much more.

Combine the ‘hypno’ and the ‘birthing’ and you have a complete antenatal course that will help to prepare your mind and body for labour.

Why not take a look at how hypnobirthing can help to reduce pain:

Hannah x