What is Hypnobirthing?

When I was pregnant with my first child back in 2013, I had read in a magazine that Kate Middleton had used hypnobirthing for George’s birth. I was intrigued and wanted to know more, so I looked into it. I’m someone who has always been open minded, along with having a medical background myself, so I decided to book. I can honestly say it was the best money I have ever spent for so many reasons and changed my complete outlook. I went on to have two fabulous and empowering births because I was in the driving seat! Hypnobirthing taught me how to use a toolkit that can be used for all births, along with really understanding what your body is capable of. Also what influences the birth process and how understanding your options can really make a difference in the path your birthing journey takes. This is not just about self hypnosis and using calm techniques, it is so much more than that! My Hypnobirthing courses are evidence based and help to stack the odds in your favour of having the birth experience that you want. 

What the mind believes the body achieves

(quote by Napoleon Hill)

 

 The best part is that everything you learn can be applied to so many other aspects of your life. It can be used in times of stress, when aiming for a particular goal, for job interviews, for clarity around what you are wanting in life and much much more. These are skills for life!

My passion for hypnobirthing came from the transformation that it gave me from feeling ‘scared to prepared’ in a short space of time. It was different from the hospital antenatal classes which didn’t arm me with all the techniques that this had done. Since having my two children I have wanted to shout from the rooftops about just how wonderful hypnobirthing is. Recently I have left my NHS podiatry job to pursue private practice, and to concentrate on developing my hypnobirthing business. I have recently trained with Love Your Birth which is an accredited antenatal teacher training course. I also have previously trained as a birth and postnatal Doula. I want to help you and your birth partner really explore how you feel about birth, and how I can help you get super prepared and rocking this experience! Remember that Knowledge is power. You only get one chance to birth this baby, make it count, as those feelings after birth will last you a lifetime.

Love Soph x

Whenever and however you give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life

(Ina May Gaskin, midwife)

 

What are the benefits of a Hypnobirthing Course

 

  • It really helps with being able to bond with your baby and allows you dedicated time as a couple to focus on your little ones arrival

  • It enhances the experience of being pregnant, and helps you to feel calm, positive and excited

  • Helps you to realise that there are certain aspects of birth that you really can control and you can be in the driving seat

  • Helps to reduce any fear or worries that you may have about the birth

  • Relaxation techniques in pregnancy have found to decrease the amount of cortisol (The stress hormone)  found in your babies brain whilst in the womb. Now that’s a big deal for when your little one comes into the world!

  • Gives your birthing partner an active role, and research has shown that if there is good continuous support during labour, there is less need for pain management

  • Confidence is gained in the ability to cope during labour which studies have shown results in a reduced pain perception

  • Reduces the need for an epidural- 14% of women using hypnobirthing needed one, compared with 40-95% of non hypnobirthing women *

  • Reduces the need for Caesarean - Using hypnobirthing, there was a 4% C-section rate compared with 15-25% without hypnobirthing *

  • Reduces the need for a non instrumental birth by 20% *

  • Reduces levels of pain - 53% of women reported non or slight pain compared with 6% of non hypnobirthing women *

  • Reduces postnatal depression rates as a calmer birth reduces birth trauma

  • The course allows you to discuss any concerns each week and there is support up until your baby is born if needed

  • All techniques can be used after birth to help with your transition into parenthood and beyond.  I have used hypnobirthing techniques myself for job interviews and even to help my children at school. There are so many benefits that can be utilised in everyday life

 

*statistics released by Wolverhampton NHS Trust when looking into the effectiveness of hypnobirthing

 

Please feel to read my FAQ’s covering more in depth questions about hypnobirthing and how it can help you and your partner