Hypnobirthing – Fearlessly into the birth
Many midwives swear by it, Angelina Jolie used it, and Duchess Kate allegedly relied on it for all three of her births: hypnobirthing is praised as a miracle cure for a beautiful and painless birth. In this article, we will reveal to you what hypnobirthing actually entails and what advantages this form of childbirth preparation offers. Additionally, we will answer the most important questions on the topic, and Jill from shares her birth stories with and without hypnobirthing.
How did hypnobirthing originate?
The hypnobirthing concept is based on the findings of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read (1890-1959). According to the English gynecologist, childbirth does not necessarily have to be associated with pain, as this is primarily caused by that arises. Fear triggers tension in women before and during childbirth, which then leads to the birth canal becoming tense. According to Dick-Read's theory, this cycle of fear – tension – pain must be broken. Since he believed that fears are often rooted in ignorance, they should be alleviated through comprehensive education so that women can approach childbirth confidently and fearlessly. Marie Mongan further developed this approach in her 1989 book "Hypnobirthing: A Celebration of Life." To this day, many hypnobirthing courses are based on Mongan's method.
What are the goals of hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing aims to support women in approaching without fear. Through intensive education about the birthing process and a better understanding of their own bodies, women should learn to follow their own sensations during labor and thus give birth intuitively and autonomously. Additionally, breathing and relaxation techniques are taught. The feeling of entering labor confidently and well-prepared helps many women stay relaxed and, in this way, break the cycle of fear mentioned. Ideally, hypnobirthing can lead to a shorter labor, less pain, and a quicker recovery after birth. However, the use of hypnobirthing techniques is not a promise that you will experience a pain-free birth.
Will I then not notice anything from the birth because I am hypnotized?
The word component Hypno- evokes stereotypes associations: In everyday use, hypnosis is often associated with loss of consciousness, manipulation, and esotericism. However, it is actually a form of deep relaxation. Even when you are completely engrossed in a book and indulging in daydreams, you are in a kind of hypnotic trance state. Essentially, self-hypnosis techniques are exercises that allow you to achieve especially deep and comprehensive relaxation. Throughout, you maintain full awareness and control.
How does hypnobirthing work?
Although the name suggests otherwise, self-hypnosis is just one of many techniques that are part of the hypnobirthing concept. Hypnobirthing relies on various relaxation methods, breathing techniques, and mental strategies that promote a positive mindset to prepare women for childbirth. Thus, they are Contractions for example as Waves designates, since the term Contractions already implies pain and consequently brings negative thoughts with it. To the Birth History to support the mind, visualizations are also used, for example the image of a blooming flower, which represents the opening of the cervix. In addition, imparting knowledge about the course of labor is an important pillar of hypnobirthing.
The partner or trusted person who is present during the birth plays a significant role in hypnobirthing to actively support relaxation. This can, for example, be done through a so-called "Light Touch" massage, where the pregnant person's back is gently stroked to induce goosebumps. Many women find this to be pleasant and relaxing.
By regularly practicing the techniques at home during the weeks and months before the birth (perhaps also with your partner or the person accompanying you during the birth), you will be able to recall them automatically later and return to a state of relaxation. Just try out which techniques work best for you, as not every method works equally well for all women.
Many women appreciate gentle and calming music as a companion to breathing and relaxation exercises. To support you during hypnobirthing, we have a suitable playlist for you on Spotify. Just listen in and relax. :)
Experience Report: Birth with Hypnobirthing vs Birth without Hypnobirthing
Jill accompanies expectant mothers as a psychologist, certified trainer, and coach with online courses, her book, and the Kugelzeit Coaching Podcast throughout pregnancy. On you will find all offerings related to a worry-free pregnancy, an anxiety-free birth, and mental preparation for your new role as a mother. What can you expect? "In all my coaching sessions and offerings, I support expectant mothers in navigating their pregnancy with more ease and confidence, making this unique time the most beautiful waiting period in the world," says Jill.
As a mother of two, Jill shares her birth stories with us: For the birth of her first daughter in 2020, she prepared intensively with the help of hypnobirthing. For the birth of her second daughter, she went without the daily preparatory exercises. Jill told us how differently she experienced the two births – one with hypnobirthing, one without.
"During my pregnancy with my first daughter, I quickly developed uneasy feelings whenever I thought about the upcoming birth - thanks to negative birth stories and the typical portrayal of births in movies and TV. To prevent this fear from growing, I decided very early on to take an online hypnobirthing course. This method gave me a lot of courage during my pregnancy, so I was able to look forward to the birth and approach it completely fearlessly. Through daily practice of relaxation techniques and breathing exercises over two to three months, I was able to shut off my mind more quickly and fully focus on my body."
When the labor started, I was positively surprised by how much I was in tune with myself and my body, and I was full of confidence and anticipation. The labor lasted a total of 2.5 hours, the waves were very manageable, and it was an incredibly fulfilling experience, even though I gave birth to my daughter during the first lockdown without my husband.
During my pregnancy with my second daughter, I took the same course again, this time much less intensively.
On the one hand, because I had less time, and on the other hand, because I thought it was probably like riding a bicycle: you don't forget how to do it.
Once again, I went into the birth with no fear and full of anticipation, this time at the birth center.
When it started, I was initially surprised by the intensity of the waves. I didn't expect that, and because of this very different pain, I found it harder to shut off my mind. Instead of focusing on my body, thoughts raced continuously through my head, making it harder for me to relax. Only when I consciously found a short mantra that I could say with each wave and focused on deep diaphragmatic breathing was I able to better go along with the waves.
Even though the second birth also only lasted 2.5 hours, my perception of the waves was completely different, much stronger and more uncomfortable.
This insight makes me realize in retrospect how much hypnobirthing can achieve when practiced and applied regularly. Even though every birth experience is different, I recommend all my pregnant friends to take the time to train and apply the methods and exercises. Turning off the conscious mind and thus its thoughts and truly relaxing is a skill that needs to be trained and cannot be implemented overnight. But with enough practice, relaxation can achieve incredible things – not only for the birth but also for the pregnancy itself!
Can I also use hypnobirthing without attending a course?
Of course, you can also learn the appropriate breathing and relaxation techniques outside of a course. There are numerous books and online resources that introduce you to the concept of hypnobirthing and contain practice instructions, so you can also perform the exercises at home alone. However, attending a course has the advantage that you have a competent contact person—your instructor—by your side at all times, whom you can turn to with questions. Additionally, the techniques are practiced on-site and corrected if necessary, so you don't have to worry about performing them incorrectly. And last but not least, exchanging experiences with other expectant parents can be a great enrichment, as they will surely share many of your fears and worries.
Are the costs for a hypnobirthing course covered by health insurance?
So far, there is no general regulation regarding whether and to what extent the costs for a hypnobirthing course are covered by health insurance. However, it's worth simply asking your health insurance provider: many insurers cover half of the course fees if you have not yet participated in any other childbirth preparation course.
Is hypnobirthing also useful for me if I already know that a cesarean section is necessary?
Even if it is already certain that you will not have a , you can still apply hypnobirthing techniques. The exercises can help you achieve more calmness and relaxation even during pregnancy. Before or after the birth, they can serve as support, helping you stay calm even in unexpected situations. Many components of hypnobirthing, such as education and engaging with your own body, are not only relevant for women planning a natural birth. Therefore, many instructors also encourage women who are scheduled for a cesarean to participate in their courses.
Even our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi has had many positive experiences with hypnobirthing and recommends the concept to all expectant mothers. If you are interested in this alternative form of childbirth preparation, your midwife can certainly help you as well. However, you should keep in mind that hypnobirthing is not a guarantee for a pain-free birth and cannot ensure that you will avoid medical interventions. The declared goal is not a pain-free but a fear-free birth. Therefore, approach the birth as relaxed and open-minded as possible, without becoming too fixated on the idea that it must be without pain. One thing is already certain in advance: it will definitely be an unforgettable and impressive experience!