For this guest blog we asked local hypnobirthing instructor Kelly Geddes of Birth Positively to bust some hypnobirthing myths! Read on to find out why hypnobirthing is for everyone.

What Is Hypnobirthing Really?

Unfortunately, the name ‘hypnobirthing’ can make it sound like something it isn’t – a bit hippy, only for a certain type of person, birth etc. But did you know hypnobirthing is based on science and the fascinating way our bodies are actually designed to give birth?

I qualified as a hypnobirthing teacher 7 years ago after my own experiences with hypnobirthing. I was transformed from a someone who was terrified about the prospect of giving birth, to being genuinely excited about everything that was to come in just a few short weeks! How is that possible? Hypnobirthing!

Not convinced? Read on to hear some common hypnobirthing myths , and I might just change your mind!

Myth 1: Hypnobirthing Is Only for Home Water Births

If you search hypnobirthing videos on YouTube, you will no doubt find loads of births filmed at home, often in the water. The most likely reason for this is because people at home are more comfortable filming their births and uploading them onto YouTube, not because hypnobirthing doesn’t work for anyone else. The techniques you learn in a hypnobirthing course can be used for hospital births, inductions and even caesareans. It could even be argued that they are even more beneficial for these births as you won’t be utilising your lovely birth hormones in the same way.

Myth 2: Staying Relaxed During Labour Isn't Realistic

I agree, being relaxed during labour is a nice idea. But it is more than that. It is essential for labour to be efficient and effective. Your uterus is a muscle. If you are holding tension in your body, your uterus will also be tense which means when you are having surges (contractions) your body will essentially be fighting with itself. When you are able to relax fully and deeply, you will be able to work with your body, not against it, leaving you to crack on with birthing your baby!

Myth 3: Hypnobirthing Is Only for People Who Want a Drug-Free Birth

I’ll say it again for the people at the back – Hypnobirthing is for everyone! I’ll never tell you giving birth is pain free, but how you experience the sensations of birth is down to the individual. If you use hypnobirthing techniques during labour, you are actually less likely to reach for the drug-based pain relief options available to you, as you will have other techniques up your sleeve to support you. But if you do choose to have gas and air or an epidural, that in no way means you have somehow failed hypnobirthing! Hypnobirthing is all about choice and if you choose the drugs, that is of course absolutely fine (just make sure you know the benefits and risks of each one to help you choose which is best for you!).

Is Hypnobirthing Right for You?

Hopefully I have busted some of the common hypnobirthing myths that often stop people considering using hypnobirthing for birth. As well as using hypnobirthing for all 3 of my births, I have also worked with over a hundred couples and pregnant women and witnessed firsthand the impact it has. If you want to find out more or have any questions at all please do get in touch as I’d love to hear from you.

If you’re interested in hypnobirthing, get in touch with Kelly to find out more:

Email: kelly@birth-positively.co.uk

Instagram: @birthpositively