Hypnobirthing, a natural childbirth technique that uses self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to manage pain and anxiety during labour, has gained popularity among expectant mothers over the years. Not only is it a great alternative or addition to traditional pain relief methods, for many celebrities hypnobirthing is a must when preparing for childbirth.
Celebrities Hypnobirthing
Many high-profile celebrities have chosen to use hypnobirthing for their childbirth experience. Some of them include:
- Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge
- Jessica Alba
- Gisele Bundchen
- Fearne Cotton
- Angelina Jolie
“I had an incredible birth. I did a hypnobirthing course which enabled me to have a really natural and calm experience.” Fearne Cotton
“I did meditation classes and I did breathing classes, and I was able to keep my focus on my breathing and my children and my partner. And, fortunately, I had a great doctor who understood the whole thing and was really supportive.” Angelina Jolie
The Benefits of Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing has numerous benefits for both mother and baby. Here are some of the key benefits of hypnobirthing:
- Reduced Pain: Hypnobirthing techniques can help women manage pain and reduce the need for medical pain relief during childbirth.
- Reduced Anxiety: By using relaxation and visualisation techniques, hypnobirthing can help reduce anxiety and fear surrounding childbirth.
- Shorter Labor: Hypnobirthing can help women have shorter, more efficient labours.
- Increased Bonding: Hypnobirthing can help create a more relaxed and calm environment during childbirth, which can lead to increased bonding between mother and baby.
- Fewer Interventions: By using hypnobirthing techniques, women are less likely to need medical interventions during childbirth.
Kate Middleton said about her hypnobirthing experience: “I saw the power of it really, the meditation and the deep breathing and things like that, that they teach you in hypnobirthing, when I was really sick and I was trying to do everything I could to help myself, and that was hugely powerful. I actually quite liked labour, weirdly. I’m not lying there saying, ‘Oh, this is so painful, I’m dying.’ I know some people do have really, really difficult times, but for me it was an amazing experience.”
“I’m not going to say that William was standing there sort of, chanting sweet nothings at me. He definitely wasn’t! I didn’t even ask him about it, but it was just something I wanted to do for myself.”
“I found it very calming and peaceful. It takes a lot of the fear and misconception out of labor and childbirth, and focuses on the power of the mind, and the body’s ability to give birth without intervention.”
“The tools that we learned from hypnobirthing are transferable to other aspects of life, and they’ve been invaluable to me as a mother. It’s about understanding your body and your mind, and the incredible things they can do when they work together.”
“For me, it was hugely empowering to feel that I could give birth naturally and safely, without relying on drugs or interventions. I’m not saying that it’s the right choice for everyone, but for me, it was the right choice, and I’m really glad I did it.”
Does Hypnobirthing Work?
While the effectiveness of hypnobirthing may vary from person to person, there is evidence to suggest that it can be an effective tool for managing pain and anxiety during labor. In fact, a 2016 review of 10 studies found that hypnobirthing was associated with shorter labours, reduced pain, and fewer interventions.
Hypnobirthing may not be the right choice for everyone, but for those who are interested in natural childbirth and want to avoid medical interventions, it can be a great option. It’s important to note that hypnobirthing should always be practiced under the guidance of a trained hypnotherapist or childbirth educator.
Giovanna Fletcher, author, podcast host and wife of Tom Fletcher of McFly fame said:
“I am a firm believer in hypnobirthing. It doesn’t promise you a pain-free birth, but it does help you approach the experience in a calm and confident way. It teaches you how to focus on your breathing and release the tension from your body, and that’s what I did. I didn’t have any drugs, and I gave birth to my two boys in a birthing pool at home.”
“Hypnobirthing is all about finding the right headspace to help you relax and focus during labour. It’s not about making unrealistic promises, but rather giving women the tools they need to cope with the pain and uncertainty of childbirth. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is pregnant and wants to have a positive birth experience.”
“I think hypnobirthing is a fantastic tool for any expectant mother. It helped me to stay focused and relaxed during my labours, and I believe it helped to make them faster and more efficient. But more than that, it gave me a sense of control over the experience. I felt like I was an active participant in my own birth, rather than a passive patient.”
To join an antenatal hypnobirthing course near you, in the Reigate and East Surrey areas complete your booking below