Where: 163 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Mall #03 – 11, Singapore 247933 2. Hypnobirthing classes at Thomson Medical

Conversely, positive feelings can encourage relaxation, which reduces tension, which reduces pain, which reduces fear. Taken together, Miller argues, this gives a better chance of having a positive birth. Tommy’s Pregnancy Hub describes hypnobirthing as “a method of pain management that can be used during labour and birth, involving a mixture of visualisation, relaxation and deep breathing techniques.” Basically, it uses hypnosis to take on labour pain, helping mums re-frame pain and to see childbirth as a positive process. The general idea is if you can reduce the fear factor that comes with birth, your body can relax and produce endorphins rather than the stress hormones that can cause your muscles to tense up, which should make birth a little bit easier. What are the benefits of hypnobirthing? In this book, The Positive Birth Company’s founder Siobhan debunks common myths about hypnobirthing and explains why she believes it can make every type of birth a better experience - from a water birth at home to an unplanned caesarean in theatre. Hypnobirthing teaches relaxation, visualisation and self-hypnosis skills to help mothers-to-be create a calm and relaxing environment during labour. Some of the benefits of this technique include a shorter, more comfortable labour without the need for pain relief. It can also lead to a more positive birth experience. To help make sure you get your information from a trusted, respected source, we’ve combined the knowledge and real-life experience of our Mumsnet users with expert sources to help us research the best hypnobirthing books and tools to buy right now, those which can be read alongside the best pregnancy books and top-rated parenting books to help you prepare for labour and the years afterwards. Presented by mum-of-two and hypnobirthing coach Clare, the Hypnobirthing Podcast is a series looking at the positive effects of hypnobirthing.

Do you push during hypnobirthing?

There are some useful points, such as birthing positions, importance of relaxation and breathing, and explanation of the different stages of labor, but the author keeps repeating the same things over and over often using the exact same wording. There are at least 2 chapters that don't contain any new information. I found the book very repetitive. Siobhan manages to completely demystify hypnobirthing, making it accessible and relevant to all women and all births. This book will be a complete game changer and I will be recommending it to mums-to-be from now on' Sarah Turner, author of The Unmumsy Mum In this review, I'd like to share the contents of this book to give an idea to those who are interested in reading it as well. At the start, Siobhan Miller explains the science behind hypnobirthing, how the body works, and why it's so important for mothers to be relaxed. This first chapter describes how the uterus needs blood and oxygen for the muscles to work effectively. I also learned the importance of one of the happy hormones, oxytocin, during labor and birth. I think it is essential to understand how the system works because being frightened about the birthing process proves to be unhelpful. I especially love how the author constantly reminds us that what we see on TV or in movies doesn't represent a real birth experience—because that's what most of us imagine how it would be.

My wife is having our baby in a few months, and having read this book, it's clear that I knew almost nothing about what to expect and how to help her when she gives birth. Nothing, of course, except what I've seen on TV: lots of screaming, shouting of "push!" and a sense of danger and urgency. As a man, I recognise the TV father helplessly spectating, comically fainting, or sitting outside an operating theatre chewing his nails. In the second chapter, Siobhan Miller begins to share the toolkit that includes: two breathing techniques, visualizations, light-touch massage, guided relaxations, positive affirmations, and the art of creating shortcuts to achieve relaxation. I like the breathing techniques and visualizations best so far and want to try doing them to help me relax through the different stages of labor. These techniques are supposed to help mothers relax and release any tension experienced during labor and delivery—allowing the body to do what it's naturally meant to. Aside from that, the author also provides a list of positive affirmations that can be read by birth partners to empower and encourage birthing mothers. I love how readers can freely choose the techniques they want to practice according to their personal preferences and which one feels most effective. I also find the various testimonies about birth experiences shared in this book very inspiring because each person birthed their babies in different circumstances and they all had a positive birth experience with the help of hypnobirthing. If you’re giving birth at Thomson Medical, then you can book the hypnobirthing classes on offer at the Thomson Parentcraft Center. They offer weekday and weekend group classes, as well as private classes upon request. Classes are taught by qualified hypnobirthing childbirth educators and complement the antenatal course offered at the hospital. A Mumsnet favourite, the book Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better by Siobhan Miller is the best hypnobirthing book to buy right now. It explores hypnobirthing, common myths and provides useful information to help women prepare for all kinds of childbirth.Finally, to help us work out which products to recommend, we make a special note of any products that have received industry awards and recognition from trusted sources. Why you should trust us Created by author and midwife Tracy Donegan, the GentleBirth app is a helpful tool for mums during pregnancy and labour. I then did the The Nurture Nest Essentials course later in the pregnancy which I found really practical for actually planning my birth and I liked some of the MP3s. She also has a podcast called 'The Hypnobirthing Podcast' which has so much info you might not feel like you need to pay for a course in the end! I bought her course purely because I wanted to support her as the podcast is so good!” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Justdeciding) Our verdict

Using a range of techniques, including self-hypnosis and visualisation, the book can help you feel more calm and confident during labour, leading to less chance of intervention and reduced pain. How we chose our recommendations Recommendations from parents Hypnobirthingwill change your mindset towards birth and give you the tools needed so that you can navigate your birth - and any twists and turns - with confidence, feeling calm and in control throughout. There are currently 62 episodes, with two new ones released every month. For anyone wanting to research and learn more about hypnobirthing and how it can be put into practice, this is a great place to start. Combining hypnobirthing, mindfulness, breathing techniques, meditation and affirmations, the GentleBirth app is suitable for all kinds of births. The app sends daily recommendations to help you feel more calm and relaxed, and prepare you for childbirth. This includes playlists to help you sleep and manage anxiety and the app can also be used to support you during labour and even after your baby is born.Expert hypnobirthing teacher and founder of The Positive Birth Company Siobhan Miller has made it her mission to change the way we approach and experience birth. Through her teaching she seeks to educate and empower parents - and their birth partners - so that they can enjoy amazing and positive birth experiences, however they choose to bring their babies into the world. I should caveat that massively with I know birth without pain relief isn’t something to aspire to or brag about. Quite frankly, as long as a baby comes into the world healthy, and mum is safe and healthy too, nothing else matters. All mums are absolute champs, pain relief or not. But for me, not being so terrified of the whole birthing experience and thinking about the pain element differently was such a game-changer. Baby number 2: incoming! It is Marie F. Mongan’s mission to empower women to believe in their bodies so that childbirth doesn’t have to be a painful and distressing experience.

There were some really good takeaways from this book, and I particularly liked the science behind the labour. I also enjoyed that it explained different birth types and so even if things don't go to plan, the relaxation techniques can be put to use e.g. staying calm for an unplanned caesarean and how you may want it to be. Having worked with celebrities including Fearne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher, Hollie de Cruz is a renowned hypnobirthing coach. There’s really no set time for this so it’s totally up to you. Obviously, the more time you give yourself to learn the techniques the better - especially if you plan on doing a course - but you can start as early as say six weeks or as late as 34 weeks, or even later. Also, there are claims such as "Birth is not supposed to be painful!". This can make women who experience a painful birth (the majority !!) feel like they are doing something wrong and it's their fault. Breathing and relaxation are important, but I remain skeptical that by "making the birth room feel like a spa" and "use your 5 senses to relax" I can have a pain-free labor. Last hilarious thing is the advise to ask the surgeon to dim the lights and use a small light during a cesarean birth! I am not going to interfere with a surgery and tell a doctor how to do their job, and honestly would feel much safer and relaxed knowing that they can see well!

Can you teach yourself hypnobirthing?

Whether it’s on a ward or birthing centre, the guided audio has been designed to help women practise self-hypnosis to help you overcome a fear of labour and feel more calm and relaxed. Using the sights, sounds and smells from a hospital the audio puts in place triggers so your mind knows what to do when you go into labour. Pregnancy and parenting books can be a great source of advice, guidance and comfort. From books for first and second-time mums to guides on hypnobirthing, water births, breastfeeding and the fourth trimester, and books written for dads-to-be, there’s a huge variety on the market. Baby with Bee offers hypnobirthing classes catering for Eastsiders with classes in Katong; there’s also the option of Thomson Medical Center too. All classes are on the weekend for these courses, and there’s group and private options too. Don’t fancy leaving home? There are also online-only classes! The course comes with a copy of the ‘ HypnoBirthing– The Mongan-Method‘ book, two CDs to practice your relaxation at home, plus pre- and post-birth support options!