All of Unii’s Journeys are special, but our Hypnobirthing Journey will likely inspire a lot of questions from parents who’ve only heard about the practice. Whether the news came from a friend or through a duchess or two, they want to know more. Hypnobirthing is becoming more mainstream, and we feel it’s important to give you as much information as we have, including what inspired us to produce this Journey. So, we’re beginning our article series by addressing frequently asked questions directly.

What is hypnobirthing?

There is no official definition of hypnobirthing, but it is based on the principle that, while birth is a natural process, fear of birth results in tension and pain. Many expectant parents believe that childbirth will be one of the most painful experiences of their lives. Hypnobirthing experts counter that when we release fear and eliminate tension, the body relaxes, and we support the production of hormones that promote gentler, more comfortable births. Hypnobirthing may also shorten the time you spend labouring and can reduce your need for medication or intervention before and during labour and birth. Popular hypnobirthing techniques include self-hypnosis, meditations, mindfulness, positive affimations, and soothing visualisations.

Marie Mongan, the late hypnotherapist and counsellor, published a book on her Marie Mongan Method of hypnobirthing education in 1989, having given birth four times without medication. In addition to her professional training and experience, she was inspired by the theories of Dr. Jonathan Dye and Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, two pioneers in natural childbirth. The Marie Mongan Method is widely considered the original hypnobirthing teaching programme, though there are many others available today. Hypnobirthing teaching methods vary between providers and from country to country.

Which hypnobirthing method will I see on Unii?

We were approached by Tamara Cianfini, who was trained by Marie Mongan and is the creator of The Wise Hippo Birthing Programme. This article series is based on her book and course materials, as well as the original edits she’s made for us and some other credited sources. The video lessons in our Hypnobirthing Journey were filmed at our London HQ, and we also recorded seven relaxation sessions with her for you to download and practise with as you prepare for your baby’s birth.

How do I know which hypnobirthing course to try?

We recommend that you learn right here at Unii from Tamara. She is a mother of two, a qualified nurse, a hypnotherapist, and an experienced doula who has taught hundreds of people hypnobirthing. She is also the author of a book on the subject and has developed her own teaching programme, The Wise Hippo, based on her education and experience. However, you may prefer a local in-person or alternative online course or to take more than one course. Hypnobirthing is not independently regulated or taught in a way that is internationally or nationally standardised, but common elements include fear release, positive affirmations, breathing techniques, and soothing visualisations. Depending on the course methodology, your teacher may use distinctive affirmations, visualisations, and terminology from those you’ve come across elsewhere. It is worth checking out whether you like and are comfortable with these, if possible.

When is the ideal time to learn hypnobirthing?

There is no standardised advice on this. Unii Expert Tamara Cianfini says the perfect time to begin is after your 20-week scan. This gives you plenty of time to learn and practice the techniques. However, it is never too early to begin learning. Please note that Unii’s Journey is available to take and retake before, during, and after a pregnancy.

Does hypnobirthing work?

It depends on what “work” means to you. Benefits reported by participants in the limited number of studies available include confidence about labour and birth, a reduced need for intervention, and a gentler, more present birth than those previously experienced. Hypnobirthing is not evidence-based to the same extent as pharmacological pain relief. Some healthcare professionals have additional hypnobirthing training, but hypnobirthing is not a medical qualification. Information from hypnobirthing sources is never a substitute for medical advice, should you need it.

Will taking a hypnobirthing course prevent pain in labour?

Some women do report pain-free experiences through using hypnobirthing techniques (taking the course won’t be enough; you do need to practice what you learn), but we would never guarantee this for any Unii user. Further, we do not want to suggest that feeling pain during labour and childbirth means that you’ve done something wrong or that something is going wrong. There is some research that suggests that hypnobirthing can reduce pain during labour. Our expert Tamara reports that she had a pain-free birth with her second child thanks to the hypnobirthing techniques used.

Is it the same as the hypnosis that I’ve seen on television?

No, and media depictions of hypnobirthing can also be misleading. Self-hypnosis is just one part of the Unii Hypnobirthing Journey, but nobody will prompt you to cluck like a chicken or behave in any other unnatural way while you are in a trance, nor will they suggest that a midwife snap her fingers after you deliver your baby to “wake” you. Our expert, Tamara Cianfini, writes that her clients typically feel calm, focused, and in control when self-hypnotised. She compares the feeling of their trance-like state to daydreaming, allowing your mind to wander as you stare into a roaring fire, or how you’re not always fully present while driving when the route is extremely familiar. You’ll still be responsive to verbal and non-verbal suggestions throughout, including those given by your birth partner.

Who is hypnobirthing for?

Expectant parents! Hypnobirthing techniques can be used whether your pregnancy is "high risk” (not a term hypnobirthing teachers favour) or low, as well as to complement any birth plan. You can even practice relaxation before going into the operating theatre for your elective Caesarean. There is also hypnobirthing advice available for the birth partner. Interestingly, many people find their hypnobirthing skills are also life skills and useful for managing stress, getting centred after birth, and even in the workplace.

If you’ve experienced a traumatic birth or have significant fear or anxiety about labour and birth, hypnobirthing techniques can help.

Fear of one specific birth intervention, medical induction of labour, may also be reduced by learning hypnobirthing techniques, as they promote oxytocin production. Supporting oxytocin also prevents labour from slowing down, which can be very useful for drives to the hospital, your arrival in a clinical setting, or adapting to unexpected changes.

Can I still have a regular hospital birth?

Yes, though we understand why research may have made you think otherwise. Online videos often depict hypnobirthing as a technique used in the birthing pool. While it is generous and often moving for these mums to share their real-life experiences, a pool is not a necessity. You can use hypnobirthing techniques at home on the floor (for a midwife-assisted birth, we do not advocate free birth), in a freestanding birthing centre, in a midwifery unit attached to a hospital, or in a hospital delivery suite. You will probably find your medical team very supportive. Giving birth in the UK is mainly midwife-led, and hypnobirthing courses (including Unii’s) tend to align beautifully with the care you receive. Increasingly, midwives are themselves hypnobirthing-aware and/or trained. One of Unii’s amazing midwives even used hypnobirthing techniques to achieve her dream birth. In short, you can use hypnobirthing techniques to give birth wherever and however you feel safe.

Can hypnobirthing be effective if I use medication?

This depends on the medication used and how and when it affects you. A pre-delivery conversation with an anaesthetist or midwife will allow you to ask any questions about how your chosen pharmacological options are likely to take effect. You can also schedule practicing your hypnobirthing in advance of taking anything. You may even find that you don’t need the medication you thought you wanted because you’ve practiced hypnobirthing.

How much time does learning hypnobirthing require?

Did you ever participate in horse shows or ballet recitals as a child? If you did, you’ll probably know that success is more down to investing time in the saddle or at the barre than those expensive lessons. While class numbers and duration vary between providers, you’ll find mastering what you learn on any hypnobirthing course is really down to you (and your partner, if he’s keen!) regularly engaging with the material in a focused way, even for as little as 15 minutes daily.

So, why do we think you should try hypnobirthing? Well, fortune favours the prepared, and hypnobirthing, like a birth plan, pelvic floor exercises, and a Google-mapped route to the hospital, could be proactive, confidence-boosting steps towards achieving your dream birth, whatever that may be. You’ve got this! Unii is simply here to help guide you on your journey.

Why should I try hypnobirthing?

Unii’s Hypnobirthing Journey is for every parent-to-be!