Tag: induced for post dates

One of the questions I’ve been asked most often is: “Can I use hypnobirthing during an induction?” The answer is YES!

Hypnobirthing (or mindful hypnobirthing) is an invaluable skill during an induction. In my opinion, hypnobirthing techniques are even more important and useful during an induction than during a straightforward birth! As inductions become more and more common, more parents-to-be are wondering how best to face a change of plans.

How can hypnobirthing help during an induction?

Inductions can be challenging because your body and hormone levels often aren’t quite ‘ready’ yet. Induction usually involves closer monitoring and potentially less privacy, which can slow down your oxytocin flow. Hypnobirthing can help you and your body feel more ready, allowing oxytocin to flow more freely.

Oxytocin is the hormone of love, labour and lactation. It gives you contractions during labour, and it’s a ‘shy’ hormone that your body releases when you feel relaxed, safe and loved.

Remember! Your hypnobirthing techniques are very versatile. If you’re frightened about an induction, your fight-or-flight response may kick in, and your body may tense up and work against the process. But if you can accept what is happening, use your techniques and work with the process, it becomes a lot easier.

It’s especially important to know that, once you’ve agreed to an induction, staying as calm as possible and focusing on your breathing is likely to have a positive effect on your and your baby’s wellbeing. Decision tools such as STARR (from Mindful Hypnobirthing – affiliate link) and BRAIN will help you navigate your informed choices. Learn about your local options, and discuss them with your doula and care provider.

Affirmations can help you get ‘in the zone’ – find out how to write your own affirmations here, or download my free positive birth affirmations.

Preparing for a hypnobirthing induction

When you’ve practised your techniques and are mentally prepared to use them, you condition your body to respond positively to cues in your environment, such as music, smells (aromatherapy), touch and mental images. Practice is key! You can prepare by reading a book or two, attending a class or taking an online course. Choose a practitioner whose voice, accent and tone you like and can easily relax to.

A strong, calm birth partner can make a huge difference to an empowered birth experience, so prepare your partner too. The better they understand how hypnobirthing works, the more they can support you. You might also consider a doula, friend or family member to support you both. Read more in Teaching about induction.