by Emma Burton of Purely Pregnant. Emma teaches HypnoBirthing, Pregnancy, Post-Natal and Mum and Baby Yoga.

HypnoBirthing is a method of birth preparation that equips you with a toolbox of techniques which allow you to remain calm and confident in the labouring process. There are different types of techniques, they include breathing, relaxation and visualisation. The tools can be used wherever and however you choose to give birth, for example they can be used in a home setting in water as well as in an emergency c-section/ abdominal birth, and everything in between. What makes for a positive birth is not how you do it, but more about how you feel in the experience. The goal with HypnoBirthing is to feel calm and in control, as well as informed around your choices and options in every possible path to bring your baby earthside.

The toolbox also helps you to manage the sensations of birth, we would never say that birth is pain free, however, we try to reframe the sensations in a way where they manageable. The techniques are key to meeting the sensations of labour so that you can ride the contractions in a controlled way.

HypnoBirthing includes birth partners too, since it takes two to tango and conceive a baby, we see birth as a family event. There are techniques that you do together and we equip partners with a checklist of practical measures that will help mum to birth. For example, in order to remain calm in labour the atmosphere needs to be conducive to this, partners can do so much to create a serene environment to help mum feel safe, secure and supported.

How does it work?

The HypnoBirthing toolbox is based on a thorough understanding of what happens in the body during birth, this includes the nervous system (your hormones) and the uterine muscles. The tools are designed to help you work with your hormones and muscles so that birth feels as comfortable as possible and progresses nicely. Some studies show that due to making the best of every single contraction, HypnoBirthing allows for shorter and more comfortable labours.

A simple breathing technique to try

The calm breath is used in between contractions, it’s designed to bring you to your calm place, it’s really very simple.

• As you inhale feel your belly expand like you have a magnificent balloon in there

• As you exhale feel your belly soften

• As you inhale and expand, add a count of four to the breath - 1, 2, 3, 4

• As you exhale and soften, add a count of six or eight to the breath - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

This technique works wonders for both partners to remain steady in birth. It can be used in both vaginal and c-section/ abdominal births. It can also be used in parenting to maintain a steady composure during the trials and tribulations that come with new parenthood.

Births where parents feel centred, in control and able to make informed decisions that affect the outcome of labour will be positive. It is not about how you do it, but about how you feel. There is no right or wrong way to do it and there is never any judgement around interventions. All births are equal and miraculous in their own way. Enjoy the process!

Click here to sign up for free online monthly HypnoBirthing taster sessions at Purely Pregnant.