The Experience of Hypnobirthing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Experience, Outcomes and Impact of Hypnobirthing: A Mixed Methods Study in Wales.
IRAS ID
264116
Contact name
Alys Einion
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 1 days
Research summary
Summary of Research
In the current context of maternity care, high levels of fear regarding childbirth are prevalent alongside a drive to ensure that women can exercise choice and control over their birth experience. Hypnobirthing is a form of antenatal education that aims to reduce fear of childbirth and increase a sense of control in birth. Hypnobirthing uses a form of therapeutic self-hypnosis to encourage deep relaxation to promote an openness to suggestions. This is combined with structured education and aims to enable women and their partners to cope with labour and minimise fear and pain, which can negatively impact the birthing process.
The integrative literature review has identified a need for research regarding the experience of those using hypnobirthing in Wales, while also taking into consideration birth setting and the role of partners. This is supported by a recent Cochrane Review which identified the need for more research in this area (Madden et al., 2016). Existing studies do not explore the experience of those using the intervention. This kind of complex, psychosocial intervention requires further research to ascertain the value to the client and define appropriate outcome measures. A pilot study, of retrospective interviews, has informed the research questions.
The aim of this research is to explore the experience of using hypnobirthing for labour and birth, in both NHS and private classes. This will encompass the impact and outcomes of women and their partners as well as the midwives caring for them. It will take the form of a mixed methods exploration during 2020, using ethnographic observation of classes and births as well as interviews and a survey. The aim is to develop the evidence base on this topic. This will inform midwives and aim to enhance the childbearing experience.
Summary of Results
This study has explored the experience of learning and using hypnobirthing in Wales. Hypnobirthing is a form of antenatal education. Relaxation techniques and birth education are combined with the aim of reducing fear and tension. We used a number of research methods to consider the experience of those using this form of birth preparation.
Hypnobirthing provided a mindset of confidence and relaxation for birth. This contributed to a positive birth experience for the participants. Participants appreciated the use of the techniques in labour. They also felt it helped them to be able to advocate for their preferences. The use of hypnobirthing in labour was helped by supportive, understanding care and a sense of privacy and control.
Hypnobirthing provided tools to manage the experience of labour and birth. It also helped many of the participants in this study to adapt to changing events, where necessary.
We have been able to consider what hypnobirthing means for the participants in this study and how the use of it can be helped in practice. This can inform those who use and teach hypnobirthing as well as maternity care staff.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1635
Date of REC Opinion
26 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion