Is hypnobirthing scientifically proven?
We're glad you asked!
This question is really just another way of asking if hypnobirthing works, am I right? If you've asked whether hypnobirthing is scientifically proven, that probably means you're an analytical person and evidence is very important to you. Many people who find success with hypnobirthing are this way. Although hypnotherapy is as much an art as it is a science, small studies do exist to demonstrate its effectiveness. You can read them 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 neutrally to the messages they are hearing. 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.
All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. It's a way of guiding you to be your best self.
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.
What does the science say?
If you didn't have a chance to read the studies linked above, the gist is that suggestions for analgesia can control pain in a large majority of the general population (first link). The second link says hypnotherapy shows a statistically significant decrease in pain and anxiety and a significantly lower risk of increasing pharmacological pain treatment. (This study looked at individuals with severe chronic diseases.)
Are there different degrees to which hypnosis can be an effective tool?
The research suggests, yes. More importantly, pharmaceutical options should of course never be withheld from people experiencing pain who need these drugs or other treatments.
Good news is, you can both decrease your need for drugs while simultaneously having every option available to you.
- In HelloBirth classes, you'll learn techniques specifically designed to increase your comfort level.
- 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.
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!
HelloBirth brings you:
- Language that builds confidence.
- A chance to involve your partner(s) directly in learning and applying the techniques to help increase comfort during the birthing process.
- Real, clear information about the birthing process and navigating childbirth as a consumer.
Although hypnobirthing has been around in some form since the 1970s, HelloBirth is a brand-new program launched in 2021 so it will take a little while to build up positive reviews from our participants. In the meantime, rest assured knowing our team is committed to bringing you a comprehensive program that includes scientifically proven, medical-grade hypnosis.