At NappyLuxe, we are dedicated to assisting parents in every aspect of their journey to parenthood, which is why we’ve created this informative guide about hypnobirthing.

Here we explore the concept of hypnobirthing, along with a comprehensive directory of hypnobirthing Australia instructors to aid you in finding one.

Opting for a hypnobirthing labour experience, much like the choice to use cloth nappies with your baby, means first learning and understanding, enabling you to make an informed decision.

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing helps those who are pregnant deal with any anxieties or fears around the process of giving birth, and arm them with the tools they need to get through the birth.

It is effectively a method of pain management that can be used during the labour and birth.

It involves using visualization, relaxation, deep breathing, and mindfulness techniques to help pregnant women focus on their bodies and the birth of their baby. 

Hypnobirthing is taught by a qualified instructor, usually over the course of multiple classes, either one-on-one or as a group.

It teaches self-hypnosis to help expectant mothers manage anticipated fear and pain during labour. 

It is a tried and proven technique that guides and prepares a woman in giving birth in a peaceful and positive way. 

The techniques focuses on the mental and physical well-being of the mother, birth partner, and newborn, and promotes mutual respect for the birthing family and healthcare providers.

It is all about empowering mothers to believe in themselves and the capabilities of their body to birth a baby.

It enables mothers to take control of their birthing experience and advocate for the birth they want.

Many pregnant individuals who search for hypnobirthing Australia classes, do so because they have a preference for a natural, intervention-free birth.

That being said, many hypnobirthing techniques can still be used for births that require medical interventions.

How does hypnobirthing work?

Hypnobirthing teaches expectant mothers the skill of self-hypnosis, providing a positive mindset and tools to overcome the anticipated fear and pain of labour. 

The technique aims to change how the expectant mother perceives pain, by altering conscious awareness and becoming responsive to suggestions. 

Hypnobirthing works in a variety of ways, including:

• Learning - A hypnobirthing instructor helps educate expectant parents about the process of labour and birth. This may be done as one-on-one consultations, group classes, or virtually over a video or webinar. The material can include presentations, speaking, playing annotated birth videos, the sharing of downloadable resources, and more.
• Mindset change - a hypnobirthing instructor works closely with the pregnant individual and birth partner to shift to a positive mindset for the pregnancy, labour and birth. This can include positive affirmations, visualisation techniques and meditation. The purpose is to switch from a fearful mindset to a confident one that believes that the body will be able to birth the baby. The concept is all about mind over matter.
• Physical techniques - including breathing and relaxation strategies, and suggestions for the physical birthing environment. This is where the birthing partner can be heavily involved by way of massage, controlling the music, and other environmental factors.

Hypnobirthing is based on the belief that pregnant individuals can train their brains to elicit a deep relaxation response, making labour and pain more manageable. 

Hypnobirthing provides tangible tools and knowledge to help parents stay calm and present, even if a medical intervention becomes necessary.

How to do hypnobirthing

To learn the skills of hypnobirthing effectively, it is recommended to engage a qualified hypnobirthing Australia practitioner. Below is a brief summary of just a few of the steps you’ll learn during a hypnobirthing Australia course: 

1. Educate yourself: Gain knowledge about the birthing process and learn about the principles and techniques of hypnobirthing. This will help you understand how to apply them effectively during labour and birth. Consider reading a good quality antenatal book to understand the basics, then attend some local hypnobirthing classes.
2. Relaxation techniques: Practice relaxation techniques throughout pregnancy such as deep breathing, visualization, and meditation. These techniques help you relax your mind and body, reducing fear and tension associated with childbirth.
3. Positive affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce a positive mindset about childbirth. Repeat positive statements about your body's ability to give birth and visualize a calm and peaceful birthing experience.
4. Partner involvement: Involve your birth partner in the process. Practice anchors and scripts together to create a supportive and calming environment during labor and birth. Ideally your partner attends your hypnobirthing course with you to ensure you’re both on the same page with how you plan to approach your labour.
5. Pelvic floor exercises: Perform pelvic floor exercises a few times a week to strengthen your pelvic muscles, which can aid in a smoother labour and faster recovery.
6. Perineal massage: Start practicing perineal massage 2-3 times a week starting around 34 weeks. This can help stretch and prepare the perineum for birth, potentially reducing the risk of tearing. Purchasing a quality perineum massage oil can help.
7. Create a birth plan: Make a birth plan that reflects your preferences and desires for the birthing process. Discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure your wishes are known and respected during labour and delivery.

Remember, consistent practice is key to mastering hypnobirthing techniques.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can increase your chances of experiencing a calm and empowering birth.

When to do hypnobirthing

It is best to start practicing hypnobirthing in the second or third trimester, but it can be started anytime during pregnancy. 

Ideally you start practicing hypnobirthing regularly during pregnancy to reap its benefits, as it requires time and practice before labour begins. 

Hypnobirthing is a complete birth preparation program that teaches women how to have a positive and less painful birth experience. 

It involves techniques such as relaxation, visualization, self-hypnosis, deep breathing, mindfulness, and affirmations. 

By replacing fear with trust in the body, releasing body shame, avoiding negativity, and practicing self-hypnosis, hypnobirthing can help women have a more satisfying and less intervention-heavy birth.

Your Hypnobirthing Australia directory

Below is the Hypnorthing Australia directory that we've compiled, categorised by main cities.

Please note that we have not independently evaluated or endorsed the services of the Hypnobirthing instructors listed in this directory. This list is provided solely as a resource and does not constitute a recommendation from us. If you are considering engaging their services, it is your responsibility to decide whether a hypnobirthing instructor is right for you, and to ensure that they align with your requirements and preferences.

Hypnobirthing Melbourne / Victoria

My Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing With Megan

The Mindful Birth Movement

Hypnobirthing Brisbane / Queensland

Mother Moon Hypnobirthing

Mother Down Under

Your Sacred Space

Hypnobirthing Adelaide / South Australia

My Private Midwife 

Hannah Willsmore

Cathryn Costa

Hypnobirthing Sydney / New South Wales

The Birth Collective

The Bare Birth Co

The Hypnobirthing Mum

Hypnobirthing Perth / Western Australia

Perth Hypnobirthing Co

The Birth Nest

Bright Mums

If you are a Hypnobirthing practitioner and would like to be listed in our directory, please get in touch with us.

Meet the Author

Natalie Lassen

Natalie, Founder of NappyLuxe, is an eco-conscious mother and entrepreneur who discovered the benefits of cloth nappies for her family and the environment. With a mission to create the ultimate cloth nappy, she spent years researching and testing various designs before launching NappyLuxe - a range of high-quality, easy-to-use, and ultra-absorbent cloth nappies. Natalie is passionate about sharing her experience and expertise, helping parents make informed decisions and embark on their own sustainable parenting journey.