We still do not know exactly why labour starts, and it is helpful to remember that hypnobirthing techniques can be used almost anywhere and at any time, as well as during interventions. We’ve previously mentioned that you can practice your Waves of Relaxation if you feel Braxton Hicks contractions if these arise further into your pregnancy.

What if labour begins suddenly?

If labour starts suddenly and you feel frightened or out of control, remember to focus on your slow breathing in conjunction with taking your mind off to your relaxing place in nature.

Remember the following:

You are in charge of your mind and your thoughts. This is important to remember if surges arrive quickly and intensely with no warning.
Remember that you know how to take control of your breathing; therefore, you can cope with the sensations. As a surge begins, you can prepare with a 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 and relax your breath so that you are ready to begin your waves of relaxation as the surge develops.
Between surges, you can count down to your relaxing place until you feel that you’re getting there easily without counting. If available, your birth partner should assist with this.

How do I know labour has started?

This is far from a silly question! Many parents think it’s supposed to start dramatically, and while we’ve prepared you for a sudden start above, that’s not always the case. That “Hollywood gush,” as one midwife we know calls it, is very rare, and the breaking of your waters (which can just feel like you’ve wet yourself) is more likely to start after labour begins. Common signs of labour include surgest, your water breaking, lower back discomfort, your mucus plug coming out (a bloody show), or, in some cases, vomiting or a strong urge to move your bowels. We go into more depth on these signs in our Giving Birth Journey, led by senior obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr. Keith Duncan.

Many parents begin labouring at home, where you can play your hypnobirthing tracks in peace with the support of your birth partner.

As soon as your labour has begun, it is important to remain calm and relaxed throughout the process. Just carry on as you are and take things slowly. Even if you don’t feel you need to, as each surge comes in, you should close your eyes and breathe with your waves of relaxation. This will ensure your endorphins are stimulated right from the outset and set the stage for how labour progresses.

If labour does start speeding up, have your partner time your surges so that you can gauge when it’s time to call your midwife.

What if my labour begins in the daytime?

Keep going with whatever you’re doing as long as it’s comfortable for you, staying mindful of any signs that you need to relax. Immediately stop and relax if necessary.

Run yourself a hot bath.

While resting (outside of the bath), find a position in which you can be most comfortable. Relax through your early surges while listening to your favourite relaxation session.

You may like to consider using a TENS machine to help with endorphin release, if you have one at home.

Watching funny TV can be a great way to pass the time. Laughter relaxes your pelvis and can also help you focus on the downward motion you may be feeling within your body at this stage.

Enjoy the experience as much as possible. Your baby is on the way!

What if my labour begins at night?

It is important to get as much sleep as you can. Many first-time mums are surprised by how much shut-eye you can get in labour.
If you can’t sleep, put on the Sea of Serenity relaxation track available with this course and continue to relax in bed or somewhere else that’s warm and comfortable.
As this is a time when you would typically be sleeping, it’s important that you rest as much as possible. Try not to wake your partner unless you need them, as they will need their energy. If you’re both awake, you’ll probably be too excited to stay calm. Excitement can produce adrenaline, which we want to avoid in labour.

Hypnobirthing in Early Labour