Hypnosis can reduce the length of labour by 2-4 hours, according to research published in the Journal of Family Practice in 2001. In addition, the research found that women who had hypnosis in pregnancy had less complications in pregnancy, lower levels of pain relief in labour, and higher rates of normal, unassisted births.

I have seen these results and more, in my experience of using hypnosis to prepare women for labour and birth. I have been using hypnosis to prepare women for labour and birth for the last four years, having qualified through the London College of Clinical Hypnosis.

I offer the hypnosis as part of our care because I have seen how effective and beneficial it has been. Women are having shorter labours with less interventions and more of them are staying at home to give birth. And women are coping much better when interventions are needed, and their recoveries have been shorter.

How does it work?

I believe the hypnosis taps into the innate knowledge of each woman to labour and give birth instinctively. She is empowered to trust her body to instinctively know what to do, as she relaxes and lets the natural process take over. It also allays fears, develops her self-confidence and creates a positive state of mind which makes a tremendous difference to how the events of labour and birth are perceived. Building on each woman’s self-confidence to labour and give birth in her own right way leads easily into confident motherhood.

Hypnosis and midwifery care

The hypnosis is incorporated into my usual care in pregnancy, starting in the third trimester. Women are taught self-hypnosis and various techniques that they practice. Numerous positive suggestions are made and reinforced throughout the hypnotic sessions. Through the use of hypnosis they learn how to relax more easily and gain self-confidence in their ability to labour and give birth naturally.

Through the practice of hypnosis, I have come to have a deeper understanding of the strengths and abilities of each woman. This information can then be utilized in her care in labour, as well as all the relaxation she has practiced being reinforced

Hypnosis only in pregnancy

I also offer hypnotherapy sessions only to pregnant women not booked with me for midwifery care. I recommend a minimum of 4 sessions starting between the 28th and the 36th week of pregnancy. I charge £50 for a 50 minute session and ask women to book 1½ sessions for the first consultation.

Hypnotherapy for Other Conditions

Hypnotherapy can also be used to successfully treat many other conditions including phobias, body image and weight problems, smoking cessation, and sleep disorders. Again, I charge £50 per session, asking new clients to book 1½ sessions for the initial consultation.