What is Hypnobirthing?

with Melissa Spilsted, founder of Hypnobirthing Australia

The word ‘hypnobirthing’ may sound a little ‘hippy dippy’ at first, but I simply describe it as a fancy word for a positive approach to birth!

There are a few different types of ‘hypnobirthing’ courses available out there, however I’m the founder of Hypnobirthing Australia (which is Australia’s most popular, widely used childbirth education course). We are very evidence-based and down to earth, and our program incorporates tools, knowledge, support and a method of preparation for birth.

We cover many tools, including breathing, massage, acupressure, movement, vocalisation, visualisation and the power of self-hypnosis (very deep relaxation). The ‘hypno’ part of hypnobirthing can help parents to reduce anxiety and fear. This is a very handy tool to have throughout pregnancy, birth, parenthood and for life in general!

 

What are Some of the Benefits of Hypnobirthing?

  • A calmer, more positive pregnancy and birth experience for the birthing mother and baby.
  • Less interventions in birth (click here for our amazing outcomes including a 52% reduction in non-elective caesareans, 32% reduction in epidural and a 40% reduction in morphine). Less interventions equates to quicker recovery and short and long term health benefits for mother and baby.
  • More partner involvement. The birth partner takes on a more important role through pregnancy and birth and it can be very bonding. Birth partners often become our biggest advocates because they can see first-hand how effective our tools can be through the intensity of birth.

 

How Does Hypnobirthing Work?

We prepare ourselves both body and mind leading up to birth – so by the time birth comes around, we go into ‘automatic’ mode. Our mindset is positive, and this has a physiological effect on our body (i.e. we are not as likely to go into that ‘fight or flight response’). Because we are calm and feel safe, we release a cocktail of wonderful hormones (including endorphins and oxytocin) that reduce discomfort and help labour move along with ease.

We have our birth partner totally on board – they know what to do and what to say, this allows us to release and let go.

 We’ve thought ahead regarding our birth preferences and discussed them with our caregivers and birth partner prior to the birth. This ensures that everyone is in the loop and we can just switch off our neocortex during the birth and get on with the most important job… bringing our baby into the world safely.

And then… we have the tools of hypnobirthing – which are just wonderful. These tools actually help reduce the intensity of labour and help keep us calm. Some of the tools we cover in the course are:

  • Breathing
  • Acupressure
  • Visualisation
  • Light touch massage
  • Hypnosis
  • Deep relaxation techniques
  • Movement
  • Vocalisation

 

What is the  Difference Between ‘Hypnobirthing’ and ‘Calmbirth’

The Hypnobirthing Australia program is a unique and very up-to-date program, different to Calmbirth and other hypnobirthing programs. It is a stand alone course which is written by a childbirth education specialist. Our results speak for themselves. 😉 

The training resources that parents receive when attending the course are high quality and relevant. We also complement the training with a wealth of online resources for further practice, this can be easily accessed by parents via an app.

We do not shy away from the hypnosis – as it is a wonderful tool to help reduce fear and reprogram our subconscious prior to birth. It comes in very handy during the intensity of birth.

Parents and educators who have attended other programs have often commented that our program resonates better with them. Perhaps it is because our emphasis is on a ‘positive’ birth above all else. Even when we do need medical intervention, we feel empowered to birth our baby on our terms. Some of us are quiet and others roar our baby into the world – but it is our terms as we draw on our empowerment, preparation, love and strength.

 

How Can People Learn Hypnobirthing Techniques?

Our program is very accessible (face-to-face, Zoom or online) and over the past decade we have grown to become Australia’s most popular childbirth education program. We are offered independently through childbirth educators throughout the country and also through many health services and hospitals. More parents attend our childbirth courses than any other in the country.

Head over to the Hypnobirthing Australia website to access lots of free resources and inspirational birth stories and videos.

We have face to face and online versions of the course for ALL types of birth. Our flagship course is the ‘Positive Birth Program’ and we also have our world first Positive Caesarean Course. We are unapologetically, unashamedly, all about POSITIVE birth regardless of how our baby comes into the world. 🙌

 

What’s the Secret?

How to prepare for a positive birth shouldn’t be a secret! The reason why our program has risen in popularity is – it works! Parents love the empowerment that comes with preparing well for birth. The Hypnobirthing Australia course is down-to-earth, do-able, relatable and everything we teach is backed up with current evidence. Knowledge is power. Caregivers (midwives, doctors, obstetricians) also recommend this course because they can see the difference it makes.

There is no more important investment that you can make into your preparation for birth than quality and effective childbirth education. If you buy the wrong style of pram or cot, you can simply sell it and buy a more suitable one… but you can’t re-do your birth!

 We, as mamas, want to know in our heart that we have given our baby the best, most positive birth experience possible with the circumstances that are given. No regrets. Birth should be one of the most empowering experiences of your life – and it can be. Let us show you how.

 Melissa Spilsted

Founder, Hypnobirthing Australia

 

More info:

Positive Birth Program

CLICK HERE to find your closest face-to-face class

CLICK HERE for our online course

Positive Caesarean Birth

CLICK HERE to find out more about the Positive Caesarean Birth course.

Website:      Hypnobirthing Australia

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/hypnobirthingaustralia/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/hypnobirthingaustralia/

YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/c/HypnobirthingaustraliaAu





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