Common Misconceptions about Hypnobirthing

We understand that the word “hypnobirthing” sounds a bit out of the normal and hypnobirthing is a new concept for many. This can lead to a lot of misconceptions and questioning regarding who hypnobirthing is designed for and the legitimacy of hypnobirthing. We’re here to bust common misconceptions.

Misconception #1

In Hypnobirthing you will be unconscious or won’t remember your birth experience.

Think of the word hypnosis as deep relaxation or deep focus. There is a little bit of hypnosis in our Hypnobirthing Australia™ Positive Birth Program and online Hypnobirthing courses however, our hypnobirthing courses go much deeper than that. Our Positive Birth Program is a comprehensive and evidence-based childbirth education course.

You’re not going to sleep throughout your birth or be completely quiet. It is more of an instinct and mother-centered approach to birth. We train ourselves to tune out of distraction and tune into our bodies to bring our baby into the world calmly and safely. We use hypnosis as a way to condition our minds to think more positively about our birth. When walking into your birth with fear it’s going to make everything so much harder.

Misconception #2

Hypnobirthing is only for hippy or alternative people.

Hypnobirthing is designed for everyone and for all birthing scenarios. Hypnobirthing is not sage sticks and crystals. Our Hypnobirthing course is the most relevant, modern, and evidence-based childbirth education course available in Australia.

Hypnobirthing is as much a philosophy of birthing as it is a technique. When a mother and her birth partner are able to approach their birth without fear and with knowledge, good support, and tools for the birth – then their birthing can be a positive and empowering experience.

The ‘hypno’ part of ‘hypnobirthing’ refers to the hypnotherapy that we use during the program to release fears and condition ourselves to release endorphins at times during our birth. You can click here to check out the amazing evidence showing that hypnobirthing actually works!

Misconception #3

Birth will hurt no matter what; a Hypnobirthing course sounds like a waste of money.

Pain is a subjective word. The word “pain” has been largely associated with giving birth. ⁠Hypnobirthing does not promise painless birthing, though many hypnobirthing mothers do report having a relatively pain-free birth or one that they were able to manage more easily. ⁠

When the ‘fear of pain’ is eliminated, birthing can be accomplished in a shorter period of time and much more comfortably. ⁠A relaxed mother’s body will produce more endorphins – nature’s own relaxants. ⁠However, when we describe a sensation as “painful” what do you think you’re going to get?⁠

The word pain has negative connotations. Instead, we teach Hypnobirthing mothers to swap the word to intensity, pressure or tightening. ⁠When working with our bodies we are able to avoid the notion of ‘pain’ that is frequently spoken of by women who have prepared for their birth differently.⁠

Miconception #4

Hypnobirthing is only for vaginal, intervention-free, or home births.

Our Hypnobirthing courses are designed for ALL types of births. This includes natural births, caesarean births, home births, water births, hospital births, and medicated births. Regardless of how your baby chooses to be born, our goal is to prepare you with the knowledge, and tools you need to birth calmly and confidently.

We are about promoting POSITIVE birth outcomes and ensuring that birthing mothers and birth partners are prepared for whatever turn their birth may take.

You can learn more about our Hypnobirthing Australia™ Positive Birth Program here. To find a face-to-face class closest to you click here.