Can HypnoBirthing help with a cesarean delivery?

People often think HypnoBirthing is only used for natural, vaginal births, but what happens when that natural, vaginal birth doesn't go as planned - can it help with a c-section birth as well? 

The answer is: YES!!

The c-section rate in Australia is high - one of the highest in the world.  Women birthing in hospitals are likely to come up against hospital policies that increase the risk of interventions during labour. HypnoBirthing parents are taught how to navigate their way through these policies, they communicate with their care provider throughout pregnancy and discuss how they would 'prefer' their birth to unfold, it then becomes a written document. We call this their "Birth Preferences". 

Sometimes, however, even with the best thought through intentions, birth does not unfold as we would prefer and intervention is medically necessary for the safety of Mum and baby. This is when HypnoBirthing is most definitely needed! This approach to birthing is nothing new age or hippy-ish. It is an education about the negative effects of stress and how you can condition yourself during your pregnancy to stay grounded. You can learn how to greet whatever comes your way, rather than run away from it, meet it head on and be able to make important decisions in a stressful environment when things aren't going according to plan. This is especially important for birth partners. 

I encourage my HypnoBirthing couples to practice what they’ve learnt during classes in everyday life; in the supermarket, at work, in the car, with family etc. Being able to relax deeply in body and mind instantly with distractions going on around gives couples the ability to be able to call upon skills which are not only so beneficial to birth (however it unfolds) but also for parenthood - and life. 

Mums who use self-hypnosis techniques before and during surgery are calm, and confident which promotes a faster recovery and healing process. Self hypnosis can also help to minimise discomfort and pain during recovery, sometimes reducing the need for pain killers that are likely to pass through the breast milk to baby. 

This is exactly the situation that Elaine and Colin found themselves in during the recent birth of their son at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Kawana. Their son was born via c-section and they used what they'd learnt during their HypnoBirthing course throughout the 30 hour journey through labour and during her surgery. They faced several hurdles along the way, but they remained calm and ensured they understood the benefits and risks of the procedures that were suggested. They questioned if there were alternatives to try and requested space to think about their options. Elaine used her instincts throughout and with an open mind and heart, was prepared to meet the turns and twists. Elaine's husband kept her comfortable and safe and all the hospital staff involved respected their HypnoBirthing approach and were calm and supportive.

Congratulations to a beautiful new family. Carrie xx

Read her story here >>

HypnoBirthing does not promise a quiet, pain-free birth. You can use the techniques to achieve the best birth for you and your baby - however things unfold.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Mums learn how to do this with a qualified HypnoBirthing Practitioner (always check the practitioner has the Gold Seal and is affiliated with the HypnoBirthing Institute). Ensure you enrol on a course that is taught over a 5 week period in order to get the best outcome possible.

Carrie Jeff, Doula HBCE
Joymamma