Tina Gibbs

One of the most frequent questions before clients book my hypnobirthing classes is “Can I use hypnobirthing during an induction?” The answer is YES.

Hypnobirthing or mindful hypnobirthing is an invaluable skill during induction! In my opinion, mindful hypnobirthing techniques during an induction are even more important and useful than when having a straightforward birth experience! Since indcutions are becoming more and more common, more and more parents-to-be are wondering how to best face the change of plans…

Hypnobirthing tool during induction?

Inductions can be difficult because often you are “not ready” or your body and hormone levels aren’t quite there yet. Often, induction involves closer monitoring and potentially less privacy, which can slow down your oxytocin flow. Hypnobirthing can help you and your body to feel more ready to allow your oxytocin to flow more freely.

Oxytocin, the hormone of love, labour and lactation. Giving you contractions during labour. A “shy” hormone that your body releases when you feel relaxed, safe and loved.

Remember! Your hypnobirthing techniques are very versatile. When you are frightened about an induction, fight or flight may kick in, and your body may tense up and work against the induction process. However, if you are accepting of what is happening, use your techniques and work with the process it becomes a lot easier.

It is even more important for you to understand that if you have agreed to an induction, keeping yourself as calm as possible and focused on your breathing is likely to positively impact your and your baby’s well-being. Your decision tools, STARR (in Mindful Hypnobirthing) and BRAINS will help you navigate your informed choices. Educate yourself about your local options. Discuss them with your doula and care provider.

Try these affirmations to help you get “in the zone”. The product includes mp3s as well as scripts. You can also find out more about how to write your own affirmations here.

Prepare for your hypnobirthing induction

When you have practised your techniques and are mentally prepared to use your hypnobirthing techniques, you are conditioning your body to respond positively to cues in your environment such as music, smells (aromatherapy), touch, (mental) images… Practice is key for it to work! You can prepare by reading a book or more, attending a live class or doing an online course. Choose a practitioner whose voice, accent and tone you like and can easily relax to.

A strong, calm birth partner can make a huge difference in your empowered birth experience. Prep your partner. The better your partner understands how self-hypnosis or mindful hypnobirthing works, the more supportive they can be for you. Think about a doula or a friend or family member, who can support you and your birth partner!