Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better

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An accredited Royal College of Midwives hypnobirthing teacher, Siobhan looks at how the techniques can be used in all types of birth, whether you’re at home or on a labour ward - helping women and their partners to prepare for all eventualities. This is an ideal read if just the sight of your positive pregnancy test sends you into a spiral of panic about giving birth. Baby with Bee offers hypnobirthing classes catering for Eastsiders with classes in Katong; there’s also the option of Thomson Medical Center too. All classes are on the weekend for these courses, and there’s group and private options too. Don’t fancy leaving home? There are also online-only classes! The course comes with a copy of the ‘ HypnoBirthing– The Mongan-Method‘ book, two CDs to practice your relaxation at home, plus pre- and post-birth support options! I must say, however, that I found some parts obnoxious and I would find myself incredibly self conscious telling medical professionals I want them to use the word 'surges' instead of contractions. Just as I would telling them to speak to my other half and not talk to me, who would surely just pass on what they're asking or saying anyway? I would therefore take some parts of this book with a pinch of salt! The book teaches you how to understand the changes in your body so you can make informed decisions, as well as practising relaxation skills, mindfulness and meditation so you stay focussed and calm during labour. This has helped readers feel less anxious about giving birth. So, what is hypnobirthing? Essentially, it's a form of antenatal education, an approach to birth that is both evidence-based and logical. Hypnobirthing certainly doesn't involve being hypnotised; instead, it teaches you how your body works on a muscular and hormonal level when in labour and how you can use various relaxation techniques to ensure you are working with your body (rather than against it), making birth more efficient and comfortable.

In this book, Siobhan debunks common myths about hypnobirthing and explains why she believes it can make every type of birth a better experience - from a water birth at home to an unplanned caesarean in theatre. A great option if you’d like a personalised class at home, the Inspire Mum & Baby sessions are delivered over five classes and can be tailored to you in terms of timing. Some of the content you can expect to learn includes how to assist, rather than resist, your natural birth instincts; optimal position for baby during labour and birth, and how to avoid artificial induction (where possible). In fact, when it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenting, a good rule of thumb is: never miss an opportunity to sleep. Once your baby is here you will come to appreciate every moment of sleep. Sleep is so important for your well-being." A Mumsnet favourite, the book Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better by Siobhan Miller is the best hypnobirthing book to buy right now. It explores hypnobirthing, common myths and provides useful information to help women prepare for all kinds of childbirth.There are some useful points, such as birthing positions, importance of relaxation and breathing, and explanation of the different stages of labor, but the author keeps repeating the same things over and over often using the exact same wording. There are at least 2 chapters that don't contain any new information. I found the book very repetitive.

Using a range of techniques, including self-hypnosis and visualisation, the book can help you feel more calm and confident during labour, leading to less chance of intervention and reduced pain. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from parentsCombining hypnobirthing, mindfulness, breathing techniques, meditation and affirmations, the GentleBirth app is suitable for all kinds of births. The app sends daily recommendations to help you feel more calm and relaxed, and prepare you for childbirth. This includes playlists to help you sleep and manage anxiety and the app can also be used to support you during labour and even after your baby is born. If you don’t want to fork out lots of money, but would like to learn the techniques of hypnobirthing, Maggie Howell has produced a CD for helping women prepare for birth in a hospital setting By enrolling on this masterclass, you’re helping to support the Guardian, and this allows us to keep our quality reporting open to all. Being pregnant for the first time, I was absolutely terrified about birth (aren’t we all?!). I usually (and still do) faint during a routine blood test. So the thought of bringing another human being into the world was beyond scary. For a while, I just avoided thinking about it; denial seemed to be a good default. That changed when a friend mentioned hypnobirthing. She was very much into yoga pre-pregnancy (I wasn’t), so I was a little sceptical that it would be for me. I thought it was really reserved for the wellbeing and mindfulness crew (not the chocolate and Netflix gang).