What is Hypnobirthing really, and what does it do?

When women hear the word Hypnobirthing, many first think of stage hypnosis. Of someone on a stage snapping their fingers, and suddenly someone is clucking like an enchanted chicken and remembers nothing afterwards. And along with that, the promise of a guaranteed pain-free birth.

Honestly: Hypnobirthing has little to do with either.

In this article I want to tell you what Hypnobirthing really is, what it can do, what it can't do and who it's worthwhile for. No magic tricks. But with a lot of conviction.

What exactly is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a form of mental birth preparation. The name sounds like hypnosis at first, but don't worry: nobody puts you in a trance or makes you do anything you don't want to. You are awake and present the whole time.

At its core, Hypnobirthing combines three things:

• Knowledge: You understand what happens in your body during birth and why.
• Relaxation and breathing: You learn techniques that help you stay calmer during surges and support your body.
• Mental work: You look at what might be frightening you and learn to work with thoughts, images and words that strengthen you.

The idea behind it is simple: fear makes us tense. When we're afraid, our body tightens, and that can make a birth harder. But when you know what's happening and you feel safe, your body can let go more easily.

What does Hypnobirthing really do?

I see it again and again in my classes: women go into their birth calmer and with more clarity. Not because everything suddenly becomes easy, but because they know what they can do.

This is what Hypnobirthing can give you:

• Anticipation instead of fear: Many women go into their birth with a completely different feeling. Not with dread, but with curiosity and sometimes even with anticipation.
• A more positive mindset: You learn to replace thoughts that unsettle you with images and words that strengthen you.
• Your own toolbox: Breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques that you can use in very concrete ways during birth.
• More trust in your body and in yourself.
• Less fear of the unknown, because you understand what's happening.
• A birth partner who knows how to support you, instead of standing helplessly by.
• The ability to make decisions more consciously, even if things go differently than planned.

And this is especially important to me: Hypnobirthing is not a plan you have to work through. It's a toolbox. What you use from it during your birth is something you decide in the moment.

What Hypnobirthing is not

Hypnobirthing is no guarantee of a pain-free birth. Nor is it a promise that your birth will be natural, quick or free of interventions. Anyone who promises you that is putting you under pressure.

A birth can't be controlled. What you can influence, though, is how you meet it. And that's exactly where Hypnobirthing helps.

An epidural, a C-section or a birth that goes completely differently than you'd hoped doesn't mean you have “failed”. You still have the techniques. Breathing, calm and knowing that you're allowed to make decisions will help you then too.

Who is Hypnobirthing for?

In short: for every pregnant woman who wants to prepare for her birth consciously.

• For you, if you're having your first baby and don't yet know what to expect.
• For you, if you've already given birth and want to do some things differently this time.
• For you, if you're afraid of giving birth or a previous birth is still on your mind.
• For you, if you're planning a C-section and still want to go into it calm and strong.
• For you, if you simply want to experience your pregnancy more consciously.

You don't have to be into anything esoteric, meditate for hours or plan the perfect birth. You can come just as you are.

What happens in a Hypnobirthing class?

In my classes I combine solid knowledge about birth with very practical exercises. We talk about the stages of birth, your options and rights, breathing, relaxation and how your birth partner can support you. And we take time for your questions.

So that your preparation fits your life, I offer different formats: the full course over several sessions, Hypnobirthing Compact as a 3-hour introduction, taster sessions to get to know the method, online options and individual 1:1 support. You can find all current dates on my hypnobirthing page.

When should you start?

Many women start sometime in the second or early third trimester. That leaves enough time to try out the exercises at home and let them become familiar. But even if your birth is getting closer, preparing is still worth it. Better compact than not at all.

Frequently asked questions about Hypnobirthing

Is Hypnobirthing hypnosis?

Not the way you know it from TV. You are awake, clear-headed and in control the whole time. It's about deep relaxation, conscious breathing and how you can work with your thoughts. Some women experience it as a very calm, focused state.

Does Hypnobirthing promise a pain-free birth?

No. And honestly, I would be wary of anyone who promises you that. Hypnobirthing can help you handle the surges in a more relaxed way and fight against them less. As a result, your birth may well feel easier and less painful. But nobody can promise you how your birth will turn out just because you took a particular class.

Can I use Hypnobirthing for a hospital birth?

Yes. Hypnobirthing isn't tied to a place of birth. You can use the techniques at home, in a birth centre and in hospital, including with an epidural.

Can I use Hypnobirthing with a C-section too?

Yes. Even with a planned or unplanned C-section, breathing, relaxation and your inner images help you stay calmer and feel stronger. You can use the techniques beforehand, during the operation and in the first days and weeks afterwards.

Does my partner have to come to the class?

No, but it's often worth it. Your birth partner learns how to support you in very concrete ways during the birth. But you can just as well do the class on your own.

My conclusion

Hypnobirthing won't give birth for you. But it gives you something nobody can take away from you: knowledge, tools and the trust that you can go your own way. Even if that way looks different than you imagined.

If you'd like to find out whether Hypnobirthing is right for you, have a look at my Hypnobirthing classes in Düsseldorf and online or book a no-obligation get-to-know-you call. I look forward to hearing from you.