Hypnobirthing, often dismissed as mere “hippy shit,” is actually a science-backed approach with a geeky twist that appeals to rational thinkers. By incorporating evidence-based techniques and focusing on the natural, physiological processes of birth, hypnobirthing offers a unique perspective that resonates with expectant parents, sceptics, and those seeking a grounded and empowering birthing experience.
It may also surprise you to know that it dates back to the 1950s, although popularised in the 80s, it’s not a “new fad” like many think.  Further reading around ‘Grantly Dick Read’ and ‘Marie Mongan’ will help your hypno history.

So, let’s delve into the world of hypnobirthing, debunking myths, and shedding light on how this method can be a valuable tool in your birthing journey.

Hypnobirthing: Beyond the Hippy Image

When people start a course with me, I usually like to set some expectations and apologise for the fact that I’m not wearing a long white linen dress, with my long-tousled hair dangling, whilst chucking lavender about… just setting the scene whist I’m standing there in jeans and some sort of birth motto top. Actually, one dad gifted me a bunch of crystals because he was disappointed in my lack of “hippy gear”… a brilliant and hilarious present. They were even on brand colours!

(NB. You must know that I have ZERO issues towards crystals, hippies, spiritualists, bohemians, naturalists and all the glorious likes. If anything, I adore them. They are the shakers and shifters of the world and without them we wouldn’t know anything).

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing has evolved over the decades, but today you’ll find a mix of traditional breathwork and visualization techniques that act as a method of pain management during pregnancy, labour, and life. They distract your conscious mind so that your natural levels of oxytocin and endorphins can rise and maximise (ooo that rhymes).

It usually involves using a mixture of music, relaxation scripts, visualisations, positive mindset work, and affirmations to relax and control your breathing. By reducing anxiety and fear the perception of pain decreases and consequently the birthing process and recovery can become a manageable physiological process. This practice doesn’t promise a ‘perfect’ birth but aims to give mothers a more positive and controlled birthing experience. It’s never about rejecting medical intervention or advice but about being informed and feeling empowered to make choices that are right for you and your baby.
Most courses, like mine, teach you how to have conversations with medical professionals so that you can get all the information you need to make decisions. This is especially important should your birth preferences begin to deviate.

“When I was in labour with our son our original plan was that we wanted a home birth. However, after a couple of days in labour we started chatting about “maybe he was in a funny position” and even though we were both OK (me and our baby) I was getting tired, so we decided to transfer into the hospital. But this is where things changed quickly, our experience moved from a “hands off”, space giving, patient, environment straight into conversations with immediate intervention. Seriously, the Consultant walked in rubbing his hands together saying “Right, how are we getting this baby out?”… didn’t even introduce themself.
Therefore, our doula and my husband found a new gear of action and were proactively asking questions and gathering information, not only to push back but also negotiate on my behalf. If it wasn’t for hypnobirthing our experience would have been completely different. I’m convinced I would have had a c-section within minutes. All our boy needed was a couple more hours and he was born. No pain-relief, I was empowered, and we were off to a good start.”

The birth of Ted

Debunking Hypnobirthing Myths

I flippin’ LOVE a sceptic. Mostly because both me and my husband were one too.

I mean, we were SERIOUSLY judging the book cover. It was only because we had complete strangers tell us to do hypnobirthing that we went for it.

The misconceptions around hypnobirthing often deter sceptics from considering it, especially when EVERYONE (including your internet algorithm) tells you to sign up to NCT.

One common myth is that hypnobirthing is only for those who desire a home birth and/or vaginal birth. But speaking frankly, hypnobirthing techniques can be applied to any setting, hospitals, homes, cars, fields, toilet seats… wherever! It proves beneficial regardless of how birth unfolds because the courses are created for the flexibility and unpredictability of birth. It’s for ALL births, vaginal and abdominal (c-section).

Another myth is that hypnobirthing is solely for eliminating pain. While it does aim to reduce pain (and statistically very good at it), its primary goal is to empower women/couples with knowledge and techniques to manage their birthing experience positively.

Additionally, some believe hypnobirthing is anti-science or against medical intervention, which is SO far from the truth. Hypnobirthing simply provides tools to complement medical care, not replace it, and encourages informed decision-making in collaboration with medical professionals. It also helps you navigate conversations to not feel pressured though coercion and achieve a birth experience that is tailored to you as an individual. You can help medical professionals see the bigger picture rather than “let’s get this baby born”.

Hypnobirthing: Geekiness in Disguise

Hypnobirthing might sound like a new-age fad, but its roots are firmly planted in science. The techniques have been studied and supported by neurology, NLP, psychology, biomechanics, and obstetrics.
The process involves self-hypnosis, which uses deep relaxation and visualisation methods to alter the perception of pain, similar to meditation. This state of relaxation can decrease stress hormones, like cortisol (adrenaline), and increase the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller (300 times stronger than morphine… yep think about that for a second!)
Additionally, hypnobirthing practices can positively influence the labour process by potentially reducing labour time and the need for pain relief. Many studies have shown that women who use hypnobirthing techniques often report having a more satisfying birthing experience.
Because when expectant parents understand the physiological workings of birth, they can approach the process with less fear and more confidence, which can lead to better outcomes for both mother and baby.

Hypnobirthing: An Evidence-Based Geeky Approach

Hypnobirthing’s appeal to the geek-minded comes from its evidence-based approach. Research into childbirth has demonstrated that a woman’s state of mind can significantly impact her pregnancy and labour experiences. As mentioned earlier, the techniques can lower anxiety, which is known to reduce complications during birth and (research-based opinion alert! 🙋🏻‍♀️) having a doula MASSIVELY decreases complications and unnecessary medical intervention.

Furthermore, the emphasis on education in hypnobirthing empowers parents with a better understanding of the birth process, allowing them to make informed decisions. This knowledge is power, creating a sense of control and confidence, which also contributes to a positive birth experience. Hypnobirthing aligns with the principles of evidence-based medicine by integrating clinical expertise with the best available research and patient values.

Convincing the Sceptics

Swaying sceptics is admittedly fun, the witnessed lightbulb moments within session 1 is what keeps my boat afloat. Highlighting scientific evidence supports hypnobirthing. Sharing clinical studies and research certainly serves as a powerful tool to validate effectiveness too (which of course works for anything!).
For example, explaining how the relaxation techniques used in hypnobirthing influences the body’s physiological response to pain makes a compelling argument. By reducing the production of stress hormones (adrenaline) and increasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain and stress regulators, shows how hypnobirthing can facilitate a smoother labour.
Additionally, presenting data on the correlation between hypnobirthing and reduced labour times, lower rates of medical intervention, and improved neonatal outcomes can be pretty helpful to see.

So, when people realise hypnobirthing is framed within the context of evidence-based practices, it becomes harder to dismiss it as a mere alternative or fringe method. It’s about seeing hypnobirthing as a practical, scientifically grounded option for expectant parents.

Personal Anecdotes and Success Stories

Beyond the science, personal stories can be incredibly persuasive. Hearing from mothers and partners who have had successful birth experiences because of hypnobirthing resonates on a personal level and can break down scepticism.

When a mother shares that hypnobirthing gave her a sense of control and calm during birth, it illustrates tangible benefits. Success stories often include reduced fear, a more relaxed atmosphere, and a positive bonding experience with the baby for both parents, which can be compelling for anyone.

It means we have a human element to the data, showcasing the real-life impact of hypnobirthing on the birthing experience.

So, if you have a sceptical partner just know there’s plenty of shared experiences out there from partners who have supported a hypnobirth who often speak about the benefits of feeling more involved and helpful during the process. These stories can demystify hypnobirthing for sceptics and demonstrate its value in a way that statistics alone may not.

A Final Word for Pregnant Bold Birthers

To the pregnant parents weighing their options, hypnobirthing is worth considering. It’s not about prescribing a single path for everyone but about providing tools that can be adapted to your individual needs and circumstances. The goal of hypnobirthing is to empower you with knowledge and techniques that can lead to a more positive birth experience. Whether you’re drawn to the science, the success stories, or the promise of a more peaceful birth, it’s about making an informed choice that’s right for you and your family.

As you approach your birthing journey, remember that education and preparation can transform uncertainty into confidence. Hypnobirthing is one of many resources available to support you in that journey. Ultimately, the best birth plan is one that embraces flexibility, informed decision-making, and a belief in your body’s innate strength.

It’s easy for me to believe in you because I’ve seen it hundreds of times. Your body is phenomenal.

So… are you a geek like me?

Nicki x

Your Forever Birth Nerd at Bold Birthing

Further rabbit hole research for you:

About Grantly Dick-Read (yes he was a misogynistic racist who got sacked by his own practice so dick by name and nature – yet still part of childbirth history if you are interested) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grantly_Dick-Read

https://pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/84/4/955/35416/Who-Said-Childbirth-Is-Natural-The-Medical-Mission

About Marie Mongan https://hypnobirthing.com/marie-mongan-method/

“Hypnotherapy in management of delivery pain: a review” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767938/

Qualitative study on “women’s experiences with hypnobirth”  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877575623000800

The effectiveness of hypnosis for pain relief: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 controlled experimental trials https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763418304913#:~:text=Analgesic%20effect%20of%20hypnosis%20examined,benefits%20found%20for%20low%20suggestibles.

Effects of relaxation interventions during pregnancy on maternal mental health, and pregnancy and newborn outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis (at time of blog published this is an ongoing review) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38271440/