Hypnobirthing is primarily the mind/body connection with birth which incorporates self-hypnosis to eliminate negative thoughts around birth, predominantly the fear of birth itself and the pain experienced. Hypnosis is quite simply deep relaxation which instils a feeling of total control, deep relaxation and calmness during birth. This
calmness brings with it a clear mind for staying in control as well as being aware of the changes in the birthing body and being able to make decisions when required. The mind/body connection with birth has long been established and used in many cultures. Dr. Grantley Dick-Read, an obstetrician in the 1920s and 30s, who is often referred to as the Father of Natural Childbirth, acknowledged the connection between fear and pain as far back as 1933 in his book ‘Childbirth Without Fear’. He initiated a theory about the connection between fear and the pain of childbirth and found that birthing women who were free of fear had easier births. The aim of a Hypnobirthing course is to teach couples the importance of replacing fear with confidence during birth. They learn how fear and tension can work against the birthing body, making the birthing process often more difficult. Being confident in the birthing body will enable it to work easily and more efficiently. This, together with self hypnosis and relaxation, massage and breathing techniques ensures couples remain calm and relaxed, promoting a positive, gentle and calm experience of birth for the woman, birthing partner and baby. I am a registered Midwife and qualified Hypnobirthing Practitioner. I completed my midwifery training at Canterbury Christ Church
University where I achieved a First Class BSc Hons. Since then I have predominantly worked in a hospital setting, caring for women antenatally, during birth and in the postnatal period. I occasionally work as a community midwife
which I find extremely interesting and diverse. I became interested in Hypnobirthing having seen it within practice and was amazed at how gentle, calm and relaxed the whole experience was for the woman, her partner and also the baby. I wanted to find out more so studied Hypnobirthing in London where I qualified as a full member of the Association of Hypnobirthing
Midwives (AHBM). I now run group and private courses throughout West Kent, covering Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas.
