If you’ve heard the term hypnobirthing and thought, “That sounds interesting… but where do I actually begin?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I hear from expectant parents – and the good news is, getting started is simpler than you might think.
What is hypnobirthing, really?
Let’s clear something up straight away: hypnobirthing is not about being hypnotised or having a “perfect” natural birth. It’s a modern, practical approach to birth preparation, rooted in science and psychology. At its core, hypnobirthing helps you understand how your body and mind work during labour – and how you can support them with the right tools and mindset.
It’s about reducing fear, building confidence, and learning how to stay calm and in control – whatever kind of birth you’re planning.
So, where do you start?
There’s no one “right” way to begin, but here are some helpful first steps:
📚 Read a book
A great way to dip your toe in is by picking up a well-known hypnobirthing book. Three favourites are:
- “The Hypnobirthing Book” by Katharine Graves
- “Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better” by Siobhan Miller
- “The Calm Birth Method” by Suzy Ashworth and Liz Stanford
These books explain the philosophy behind hypnobirthing, introduce core techniques, and share inspiring birth stories.
🎧 Listen to hypnobirthing tracks
Relaxation scripts and guided visualisations are a key part of hypnobirthing. You can find tracks on Spotify, YouTube, or through specialised apps. Even listening for a few minutes a day can start to build a more positive mindset around birth.
👶 Join a course
This is where hypnobirthing really comes to life. Whether you choose a group course or 1:1 support (in person or online), a good course will cover:
- How the body works during labour
- Breathing, visualisation and relaxation techniques
- How to work with (not against) your body
- The role of your birth partner
- How to create a positive birth plan
- Tools for all types of birth – not just unmedicated or home births
Is it ever too early or too late to start?
Not at all. Some parents begin at 20 weeks, others at 34. While starting earlier gives you more time to practise, even learning a few core tools close to your due date can make a real difference to how you feel on the day.
Final thoughts
Hypnobirthing isn’t about aiming for a textbook birth. It’s about feeling informed, calm and in control – however your journey unfolds. And every parent deserves to feel that way.
If you’re curious about how hypnobirthing could support you, or you’re not sure where to begin, I’d love to help. Feel free to get in touch or explore the hypnobirthing courses I offer.
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