Hypnobirthing is a way to prepare for childbirth using relaxation, breathing, visualisation and self-hypnosis techniques. It helps you work with your body, not against it, reducing fear and tension so birth feels calmer and more positive.

Ideally between 20 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, as this gives you plenty of time to practise and build confidence. That said, it is never too early or too late. Even if you are close to your due date, the techniques can still be hugely beneficial.

Not at all. Some people start at 35 or even 38 weeks and still find it valuable. The key is committing to regular practice. Even a short time can make a big difference if you stay focused and use the tools daily.

Not in the way you might imagine, it's not like stage hypnosis. Hypnobirthing uses self-hypnosis, which is a state of deep relaxation and focus where you remain fully aware and in control. It is more like being calm and absorbed than being unconscious or switched off.

Hypnobirthing works by helping to break the fear–tension–pain cycle. When you’re scared, your body tenses up, which can make pain feel worse. By reducing fear and encouraging relaxation, hypnobirthing helps your body work with the natural flow of labour, often making the experience more comfortable. That said, pain is very personal and everyone feels it differently, so it can’t promise a pain-free birth. Many people do feel more relaxed, in control and empowered when they use these techniques. The more you practise, the more natural they become during labour.

Hypnobirthing works well in all birth settings – whether hospital, midwifery-led centre or home – and with all types of birth, including vaginal or caesarean (planned or unplanned). The techniques can be used on their own or alongside other pain relief options like gas and air or epidurals. Ultimately, hypnobirthing is about helping you feel calm, informed and confident throughout your birth.

Yes, definitely. Hypnobirthing is for every kind of birth. If you’re induced or have interventions, the techniques can still help you stay calm, centred and in control. They help you make informed choices and respond confidently, even if things change unexpectedly.

Definitely. Birth partners are so so welcome and play such an important role in supporting you and using the techniques during labour. Your birth partner could be anyone you trust – your partner, mum, sister, friend or doula. What matters most is that they’re there to help keep things calm and positive. Birth partners are included in the price of the course, so they can join without any extra cost.

You’ll learn practical tools like breathing, visualisation and relaxation, plus a clear understanding of how birth works. This includes what your body does during labour and how to work with it. The course prepares you emotionally, physically and mentally for birth. A comprehensive course overview is available here.

My course combines full antenatal education with hypnobirthing techniques all in one. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in science communications, I explain how your body works during labour – including hormones, the nervous system and muscles – in a clear, practical way. I’ve used these techniques myself and had two really positive births (one at home). I can honestly say I enjoyed both experiences. You’ll also learn how to stay calm and focused. This means you don’t need any extra antenatal classes unless you want to.