Hypnobirthing

noun

a method of managing pain and anxiety during childbirth, involving various therapeutic relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualisation.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a method of managing pain and anxiety during childbirth, involving various therapeutic relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualisation. Through these gentle breathing exercises, visualization, and positive affirmations, hypnobirthing teaches mothers and birth partners to release fear and tension, allowing the body to work harmoniously during labour and delivery for a calm, confident birth. A common misconception about hypnobirthing is that women lose control of their thoughts and actions in a hypnotic state. In fact, women who learn hypnobirthing use it to be less aware of external stimuli. They also learn to have a more focused attention and responsiveness to verbal or non-verbal suggestions. Using these skills will make you feel safer, more relaxed and comfortable.


Hypnobirthing is rooted in the pioneering work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read nearly 100 years ago. His groundbreaking insights illuminated a fundamental truth: that much of the pain experienced during labor—up to a staggering 95%—stems not from the physical process itself, but from the gripping clutches of tension and fear. Central to the philosophy of hypnobirthing is the liberation from this fear-tension-pain cycle. By delving into the depths of relaxation and fear release, hypnobirthing empowers the laboring woman to sink into a state of profound serenity. In this tranquil sanctuary, time flows gently, distractions fade into the background, and the body responds in kind—softening, opening, and surrendering to the natural rhythm of birth.

Using hypnobirthing techniques, childbirth transforms from a daunting ordeal into a harmonious collaboration with the body's innate wisdom. By aligning with, rather than resisting, the body's innate processes, hypnobirthing allows hormones to flow freely, facilitating labour as nature intended. Hypnobirthing is suitable for any type of birth and will give you the confidence and understanding to make informed choices throughout your labour.

What are the benefits of Hypnobirthing?

Studying Hypnobirthing allows couples to release their fears of childbirth, enabling a more calm and relaxed pregnancy and birth.

  • Hypnobirthing can reduce the need for pain relief during labour and birth.

  • It can also reduce the length of labour.

  • Hypnobirthing gives couples the confidence to ask health professionals questions and become more informed about interventions that may come up. This enables them to feel that they have more control over the process.

  • It is wonderful for partners- giving them useful ways of supporting the mother, making them feel part of the process so that they don’t feel like a ‘spare part’ during labour and birth.

  • Hypnobirthing gives a much greater likelihood of a calm, unmedicated birth, resulting in alert and calm “Hypnobabies”.

  • It teaches a wonderful skill for life! The ability to quickly become relaxed and at ease, which is useful in a wide variety of situations.

All about the course…

Where: Plymouth Wellbeing Centre

When: Two days

(2 weekend days in the month)

Time: 10am - 3pm

Find upcoming course details below

Cost: £1̶5̶0̶

Special Offer £99

2 Spaces on the course

Comprehensive course handbook

Accompanying audios for use before and during your labour

Free refreshments

You can sign up to a Hypnobirthing course at any stage of your pregnancy from 15 weeks onwards. Most people start between 20 - 30 weeks. When it comes to hypnobirthing, the more you know and the more you practice the techniques, the better.

Day One

Introduction to Hypnobirthing

Can you influence pain?

The fear - tension - pain cycle

How the mind works

How you can create a positive birthing mindset

Learning from how other mammals birth

Working with your birth hormones

How the uterus works during birth and working with it

Relaxation and Hypnobirthing techniques

Encouraging the most optimal position for baby

Preparing your body for birth

Relaxation time

Day Two

The importance of practice

What is meant by informed decisions and how to make them

BRAIN questioning - benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, + nothing

Interventions in childbirth

Hypnobirthing for all births

The stages of labour and what to expect

Birth breathing and positions for birth

Your environment

Your options

Writing a birth plan / preferences

Birth partners role

Relaxation time

Upcoming Group Courses

  • January 2025 course

    Sunday 19th January

    Sunday 26th January

    10am - 3pm

  • March dates coming soon!

    Dates coming soon!

    10am - 3pm

Questions?