Pregnancy and childbirth can come with a fair share of fear and anxiety. Your body is changing, your hormones are raging and you don't know exactly what’s to come. The pain that’s associated with childbirth can make moms scared to go through the process. Owner of The Nurture Nest, the episodes include useful information about preparing for birth, as well as interviews with authors and mums with their own positive birth stories. She also covers a range of different experiences, such as giving birth to a larger baby as well as provided some guided meditation to listen to. We keep the birth partner in mind during the sessions. Everyone in the birthing room has an important role to play. The techniques you learn will have you working together as a team; encourage you to be calm, stay focused or to ask the questions you need to with a deep-seated confidence. I'm a clinical hypnotherapist, doula and lecturer who also loves writing. My work relates to all areas of women's health. I'm always happy reply to questions and am interested in the process of change that happens internally as you learn about options and the power of your mind, rather than just giving people a set of techniques. This helps with resilience and flexibility which is especially important when it comes to individual experiences of pregnancy, birth, motherhood and peri-menopause.

There is a very subtle difference in the philosophy of this class that builds on my experience as a hypnotherapist, in clinic and as a doula in the birth room. I know what works! Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of hypnobirthing techniques in improving birth outcomes and parental satisfaction. Here are a few notable references: Our antenatal classes are very informal and relaxed. We also keep them small which allows for people to ask questions and feel comfortable. Over 90%* of mums who have taken this class* say that the techniques helped them with their birth. While it hasn’t been scientifically proven, lots of women find hypnobirthing an effective pain relief technique. Using a mixture of self-hypnosis, breathing techniques and relaxation, it can help women to feel more calm during labour. Research into hypnosis-based interventions has found that it can reduce fear and pain and enhance a feeling of self control. Your birthing partner will understand just how important their role is and rather than feeling helpless know what they can do to helpHypnobirthing teaches relaxation techniques that soften the body during childbirth. For some moms, this can help turn attention away from the intensity of labor, making the experience more positive and less frightening.

An accredited Royal College of Midwives hypnobirthing teacher, Siobhan looks at how the techniques can be used in all types of birth, whether you’re at home or on a labour ward - helping women and their partners to prepare for all eventualities. This is an ideal read if just the sight of your positive pregnancy test sends you into a spiral of panic about giving birth. Hypnobirthing is an approach to childbirth that combines self-hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and education to promote a calm and positive birthing experience. It aims to empower parents, providing them with the knowledge and tools to navigate childbirth confidently. Hypnobirthing techniques help to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress associated with labour, enabling parents to have a more relaxed and comfortable birth. Benefits of Hypnobirthing How do we do this? You’ll have to train to find out! But many couples who have done it have said it has completely changed their lives, giving them tools for parenting and life in general. Hypnosis, visualization and deep relaxation techniques can take weeks or months to master. Moms-to-be and their partners attend small weekly group hypnobirthing classes where moms practice the techniques with their partners. Students may also be asked to practice the techniques at home every day leading up to their due dates. Landolt AS, et al. (2011). The efficacy of hypnosis as an intervention for labor and delivery pain: A comprehensive methodological review .It is really important to note that all of the above are applicable to ALL birth scenarios. Yes, we encourage you to focus on your preference and visualise this as part of your hypnobirthing practice, however we also strongly encourage and guide you to consider and prepare for all birth scenarios. The main idea with this method is that severe pain doesn’t have to be a part of labor if the body is relaxed. Participants learn different self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques, including guided imagery and breathing. She doesn’t claim that a birth will be perfect but that it can be a positive experience for both mum and baby. Through Your Birth, Your Baby, Hollie’s aim is to build confidence in women so that they listen to their instincts during childbirth.