“Hypnobirthing is centred on releasing fear and building confidence in the natural process of birth through practising relaxation techniques and asking questions about your care” -Katherine Graves.  

I used hypnobirthing as another tool in the toolbox to help cope with the experience of labour and birth. I was initially sceptical, coming from a medical background but understanding the science behind it and how important the mind-body connection is, was fascinating. My husband and I attended a one-day course, read a hyponobirthing book and listened to positive affirmation audios every night in bed to help prepare for labour. By the time I went it to labour at 40 weeks and 3 days, I felt calm, confident and ready and trusted in my body and that my baby knew best. Hypnobirthing gave me a positive focus in the weeks leading up to labour but also allowed me to let go of the need to control once my contractions started; I was 7cm by the time I reached hospital! Giving birth was a truly wonderful and empowering experience!  The book I read was by Katherine Graves. She also has free resources on her website