HypnoBirthing® Information For Care Providers

 

What is the impact for the NHS?

The NHS sees antenatal education as an opportunity for health promotion messages which fits with the HypnoBirthing® model of teaching skills which are beneficial throughout life as explained below using key areas highlighted by the NHS.

 

The use of positive language

 

HypnoBirthing® embodies a positive approach to the natural ability of women’s bodies and their instinctive ability to birth by removing negative or frightening language and replacing with empowering words that utilise a woman’s own strength and ability. 

 

Confidence building

 

Any willing participant can benefit from HypnoBirthing®.  Mothers are taught that by controlling their mind they can control their body.  The skill of deep relaxation is a skill for life and can affect mental health (e.g. improve ability to control emotions) as well as physical health (e.g. reduce blood pressure).  Learning to relax and develop self-control are valuable parenting skills.  HypnoBirthing® is an inclusive educational course relevant to all walks of society.

 

Adopting a strength based approach

 

Whatever the method of birth, the relaxation skills and education about physiology and the birth process generally leaves women feeling satisfied and empowered by the outcome.  ‘Special Circumstances’ (‘complications’ in medical language) are not viewed as negative and do not have to be dis-empowering.

 

Promote positive parent child attachment

 

Developing a strong mother – baby – companion bond is an important component of HypnoBirthing® and skills to support this are at the heart of class work and the CD of affirmations. The birth companion is given an active role to aid bonding, relaxation and preparation for birth. 

 

Promoting a positive attitude to self

 

By assuming from the outset that a woman’s body is capable of carrying and birthing a baby, HypnoBirthing® builds an empowering image of a woman’s ability and capability throughout the course which extends far beyond the birth itself empowering her as a mother in the long term.

 

Individual development within the context of mixed influences including media, family and peers.

 

HypnoBirthing® has been in existence for over 20 years and was created to counteract the negativity surrounding birth. Classes offer opportunities to discuss and consider personal views towards birth with the aim of exploring individual attitudes and developing a positive approach.  Women do not have to rely on family or peer experiences of HypnoBirthing® because it is relatively new so it can be offered within the context of a ‘clean break’ educational approach.

 

Opportunistic brief intervention

 

For vulnerable women and their families HypnoBirthing® may provide the opportunity to articulate problematic areas in their lives.  HypnoBirthing® could provide a vehicle to reach out to vulnerable women beyond traditional methods.

 

What is the financial impact of HypnoBirthing® for the NHS?

HypnoBirthing® could provide dramatic cost savings for the NHS in a number of ways:

*Reducing the length of labour, interventions and duration of hospital stay

*Reducing antenatal complications and admissions by improving mother-baby bonding,
  responsibility for health resulting in improved growth and birth weight

*Reducing postnatal admissions due to improved natural birth outcomes and faster recovery

*Increasing breastfeeding rates so reducing neonatal admissions

*Improving the long term health and well being of mothers and babies impacting on health and
   social care budgets with associated effects on educational attainment and social standing

 

HypnoBirthing® could be the fastest way of improving birth outcomes whilst reducing cost for the NHS.

HypnoBirthing® is already offered on the NHS in some areas.