Podcast Episode 10

It's the first in our serires of 5 minute Hypnobirthing, today we’re tackling a big one: What exactly is hypnobirthing?

Now, before you picture someone swinging a pocket watch in front of your face, or imagine yourself clucking like a chicken during contractions, let me reassure you, that's much more stage hypnosis. Fun at parties, sure — but not what we’re talking about here.

Hypnobirthing is much more down-to-earth. It’s a set of tools and techniques designed to help you stay calm, confident, and as comfortable as possible during birth. It’s about training your brain and body, so you can work with your body in labour, instead of fighting against it.

Hello and welcome to the Pregnant in Aberdeen Podcast, I’m your host, Jade Gordon, hypnotherapist and hypnobirthing teacher, I’ve been teaching hypnobirthing locally for more than 10 years, and today I’m bringing you part 1 of our new series 5 minute hypnobirthing. So let’s dive in!

 

Today we’re tackling a big one: What exactly is hypnobirthing?

 

Now, before you picture someone swinging a pocket watch in front of your face, or imagine yourself clucking like a chicken during contractions, let me reassure you, that’s much more stage hypnosis. Fun at parties, sure — but not what we’re talking about here.

 

Hypnobirthing is much more down-to-earth. It’s a set of tools and techniques designed to help you stay calm, confident, and as comfortable as possible during birth. It’s about training your brain and body, so you can work with your body in labour, instead of fighting against it.

 

So how does it actually work? Let’s start with the science. When you feel scared or stressed, your body flips into “fight or flight” mode. Adrenaline surges, your heart rate goes up, your muscles tense, and blood flow is redirected to your arms and legs — just in case you need to sprint away from a saber-toothed cat. Great for cavemen. Not so helpful when your uterus is trying to do some of the most important work of your life.

Here’s the issue: tension and fear can actually make labour feel longer, harder, and more painful. Because when your muscles are tight, your uterus has to work against that resistance.

 

It’s like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks.

 

But thankfully we have hypnobirthing. The idea is to flip your body out of fight-or-flight and into what we call the relaxation response. Instead of adrenaline leading the show, you get a boost of oxytocin — the hormone that powers contractions and also happens to be the “love hormone.” Add in some endorphins, which are your body’s natural painkillers, and suddenly your body is working in harmony.

 

You’re calmer, your muscles are looser, and your uterus can do its incredible thing without the extra baggage.

 

So what does this look like in practice? Well, hypnobirthing teaches specific breathing techniques that keep plenty of oxygen flowing to your muscles. It uses guided visualisations — so you might picture yourself calmly breathing through contractions, or imagine yourself floating in water.

 

It also leans on positive affirmations, like “Each surge brings me closer to my baby.”

 

And yes, if the word “affirmation” makes you roll your eyes, I get it. But here’s the thing: your brain actually pays attention to the words and images you feed it. Repeated positive suggestions reduce anxiety and shift your pain perception.

 

It’s not woo-woo, it’s neuroscience.

 

Now, let’s clear something up: hypnobirthing isn’t a promise of a pain-free, stress-free birth. Birth is unpredictable. Sometimes interventions are necessary, sometimes things don’t go to plan. Hypnobirthing doesn’t guarantee the perfect birth — but it does give you tools to feel more in control, no matter what happens.

 

And here’s a fun bonus: people who learn hypnobirthing often end up using the techniques for all kinds of everyday situations. Stressful meeting at work? Deep breathing. Dentist appointment? Visualisation. Trouble sleeping? Positive affirmations. It’s like ready to go toolkit for your nervous system in all areas of life.

 

So, if you remember one thing from today’s episode, let it be this: hypnobirthing isn’t about being hypnotised. Nobody is putting you under a spell. It’s about harnessing the natural connection between your mind and body so that birth can feel calmer, safer, and yes — even more joyful.

 

And if nothing else, it’s definitely a better plan than breathing into a paper bag, or screaming your way through each contraction while you dig your nails into your birth partner’s hand.

 

That’s your five-minute boost for today. Next time, we’ll dive into “The Brain on Birth” — how your mind literally changes your body in labour.

 

I’m jade, and this is the Pregnant in Aberdeen Podcast, if you have any questions get in touch with me at [email protected].