Women’s experiences of using hypnobirthing

A qualitative study has explored women's experiences in using hypnobirthing during childbirth.

​A qualitative study has explored women's experiences in using hypnobirthing during childbirth.
Norwegian researchers explain that, “Hypnobirth is a technique that incorporates elements from hypnosis and is used to prepare women for birth."

"It aims to promote a normal birth and create a positive birth experience by equipping women with knowledge and tools to reduce fear, anxiety, and pain during labor.”
“The women reported that the knowledge they gained in the classes led to new perspectives and changed their view of childbirth."

"...as a result of the classes, their experience of labour changed from it being a potential risky event to an existential meaningful experience and transformation.”
“The women reported developing a new holistic perspective, where they considered pregnancy and childbirth a natural state for the female body. This increased their confidence in their own ability to give birth."

"They gained new insight into their inherent resources, and through active participation they developed ownership of their own childbirth. The knowledge they acquired made them more conscious of their rights and co-determination, and allowed them to critically assess and influence their own labour.”

"In our study, all the women thought that mental preparation should be an integral part of the antenatal classes offered by the public health service. Their positive experiences with the technique made them want other women to also have the best foundation for a good birth experience."

"The antenatal classes made them aware of the potential challenges they might face. Coming to terms with the inevitable uncertainty of childbirth can bring a sense of peace and thereby an acceptance that what happens, happens. Women can then start working on strengthening their belief that they will be able to cope with what happens."

(Uldal et al 2023)
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You can read the full study at:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/.../pii/S1877575623000800