What Every Midwife Should Know About Hypnobirthing

🌿 What Every Midwife Should Know About Hypnobirthing

By Karina Jarnell – Hypnobirthing Educator, Holistic Counsellor, and Birth Advocate

In recent years, more and more women are walking into birth rooms with a new language, a deep sense of calm, and a quiet determination to birth their babies their way. They’re calling it hypnobirthing. And if you're a midwife, it's likely you've already encountered it — or you soon will.

So what exactly is hypnobirthing? And what do midwives need to know to support families who are choosing this path?

Let’s explore.

💫 Hypnobirthing is Not Just About the Birth — It’s About the Whole Journey

At its core, hypnobirthing is a philosophy and toolkit designed to support a woman’s innate ability to birth. It blends modern science (such as neuroplasticity and the physiology of labour) with ancient wisdom (like breathwork, visualisation, and deep relaxation). But most importantly, it empowers women to trust their bodies, release fear, and make informed choices.

As a midwife, understanding hypnobirthing means recognising that it’s not a fringe trend or a passive approach. It’s not “just lying there in silence.” In fact, hypnobirthing mothers are some of the most prepared, educated, and engaged clients you will work with.

They’ve done the research.They’ve practiced the techniques.And they’re entering their births with intention.

🧠 The Mind Plays a Central Role in Birth

Hypnobirthing teaches that the mind and body are deeply connected — something that science has long supported. When a woman feels safe, supported, and relaxed, her body produces oxytocin and endorphins, which are vital for progressing labour and managing sensations.

But when she feels fear, doubt, or stress, her body produces adrenaline — which can slow or stall labour, increase pain perception, and sometimes lead to interventions.

This is known as the fear-tension-pain cycle. Hypnobirthing helps break that cycle by working with the subconscious mind to reduce fear before birth, and teaching tools like breathwork, affirmations, and self-hypnosis to remain calm during birth.

🧘‍♀️ It's Not Hypnosis Like You've Seen on Stage

The word “hypnobirthing” can cause some hesitation. You might wonder: Is it safe? Is it real hypnosis? Will she be out of it?

Here’s the truth: hypnobirthing is a form of deep, focused relaxation — like a guided meditation with intention. Women are fully aware, present, and in control. They’re often more connected to their bodies and babies than ever before.

As a midwife, you won’t need to “snap them out of it.” In fact, many hypnobirthing mothers are quietly focused, breathing steadily, and beautifully in tune with the process of birth.

🗣 Language Matters — A Lot

One of the most powerful components of hypnobirthing is language.

Words have energy. They affect the subconscious mind. Hypnobirthing encourages the use of positive, calm-inducing words like:

• “Surge” instead of “contraction”

• “Birth breathing” instead of “pushing”

• “Birth journey” instead of “labour”

This isn’t just semantics. Words can influence how a woman feels in her body — especially in altered brainwave states common during labour. The more you adopt this gentle language, the more supported and seen she will feel.

🤝 You Don’t Have to “Do” Hypnobirthing — Just Support It

Many midwives worry that they need special training to work with hypnobirthing clients. While further education is always a beautiful asset, simply being open and respectful to a mother’s preferences is the best place to start.

Here’s what hypnobirthing mothers deeply appreciate:

• A quiet and calm birthing space

• Being asked before being touched or spoken to

• Encouragement to use breath and movement

• Trust in her ability to follow her body

• Support in advocating for her birth plan

Midwives are the guardians of physiological birth. When you combine your clinical knowledge with a mother’s deep inner preparation, it’s magic.

🧰 Hypnobirthing Tools Are Your Allies

Rather than seeing hypnobirthing techniques as “extras,” think of them as powerful tools in your birthing toolkit:

• Breathwork: Can reduce the need for pharmacological pain relief

• Visualisations: Support hormonal balance and confidence

• Affirmations: Keep the mind focused and positive

• Deep Relaxation: Helps soften the cervix and increase flow of oxytocin

• Anchoring Techniques: Provide grounding during transitions

Many midwives who work with hypnobirthing clients report smoother births, fewer interventions, and more empowered birthing families.

🌸 It's Okay to Ask Questions

If you're new to this world, be curious. Ask your clients what they’ve learned. Watch how they breathe. Read their birth plans with an open heart. Many mothers are thrilled when their care team wants to understand their approach.

You don’t have to agree with everything. But being willing to explore opens up a deep level of trust — and often makes your job easier.

🕊 A Final Word: You Are So Needed

As a midwife, you already do so much. You hold space in one of life’s most sacred transitions. By learning even a little about hypnobirthing, you amplify your impact.

You help a woman not just birth, but birth with joy, autonomy, and reverence.

You help her partner feel calm and connected.

And you help a baby enter the world in peace.

In many ways, hypnobirthing isn’t something new. It’s a return to what we’ve always known: that birth works best when it’s supported with love, presence, and belief in the body’s wisdom.

Thank you for all that you do. May we walk this path together — midwives and mothers, side by side.