Is hypnobirthing scientifically proven?

If you've asked whether hypnobirthing is scientifically proven, that probably means you're an analytical person and evidence is important to you. Many of our HelloBirth students and their partners are analytical people. This question is just another way of asking, "does hypnobirthing actually work?" Which is absolutely a fair question if you're about to make an investment of your time and money.

When Lindsey Vick and Jenny Bennett set out to create HelloBirth in 2021, one of their top priorities was to develop an approach that people who are very busy with their jobs and families could easily implement into their daily routines.

They developed the techniques to be as effective as possible in the least amount of time. The 4-class format is complemented by an accessible listening schedule, so that students can listen to sessions in between classes for about 20 minutes a day and be fully prepared and excited to give birth using these skills. And it can happen as quickly as 30 days, or even faster if you need an accelerated schedule.

There are a number of studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of hypnobirthing as well as hypnosis for pain management in general. You can read a few of them HERE, HERE and HERE.

One thing to know is that when analytical people first begin to learn hypnosis for birth, all they have to do is simply sit back and listen to the words they are hearing.

What does the science say about hypnobirthing?

If you didn't have a chance to read the studies linked above, the gist is that hypnosis is effective for reduction of anxiety during pregnancy (first link), suggestions for analgesia can control pain in a large majority of the general population (second link), and people who participated in hypnobirthing training had on average shorter labors, lower rates of intervention, and higher rates of birth satisfaction (third link).

Are hypnosis and hypnobirthing forms of mind control?

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. In hypnotherapy we use the term "suggestions." Think of this literally: these are options we are presenting and you get to decide if (and how) it's useful for you. And the best news is that if your thoughts wander off in a different direction, it just means that you're taking a "brain break." You'll naturally come back to the session whenever you're ready. So no, the person who is reading you the hypnosis script is merely your guide. It's actually impossible for them to make a suggestion to you that would cause you to act in a way that you would not already be open to on a conscious level.

Will I be quiet and "zen" while giving birth?

Hypnobirthing is not a particular type of birth: some hypnobirths are very quiet and calm. Others are loud and powerful. The one thing hypnobirths have in common is that the birthing person spent some time during pregnancy listening to hypnosis sessions. These sessions focus on teaching new skills, as well as providing a big confidence boost, reminding you that birthing a baby may involve intensity, power, and at times, discomfort, but that it doesn't always have to involve pain.

Does hypnobirthing replace the need for pharmaceutical pain relief?

You can both decrease your need for drugs while simultaneously having every option available to you.

Pharmaceutical options should of course never be withheld from people experiencing pain who need these drugs or other treatments.

• In HelloBirth classes, you'll learn specialized hypnosis techniques specifically designed to increase your comfort level.
• You'll also learn our signature PICTURE Birth Method to help you envision the very best birth for you.
• Most likely, you'll also enjoy using at least one other form of birthing support, such as doula care, hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, or all of the above.
• You can still use pain medicine or an epidural if you need it!

But with your HelloBirth skills and techniques, you may find you don't need anything else at all. What you need comes from within.

It's always good to see more high-quality scientific evidence on hypnosis, but you don't always need it for the techniques to be successful for you.

What is a hypnobirthing session like? What will I experience?

You are going to experience an enjoyable time of relaxation and gentle, pleasant feelings. Hypnobirthing is a creative exercise. You get to use your imagination in allowing visualizations and repetitive language to work powerfully for you. It's pretty fun!