Editor’s Note:
This article has been reviewed and updated to reflect current understanding of hypnobirthing and modern maternity care. Hypnobirthing is now widely recognised as one of several evidence-based childbirth preparation methods that may help reduce fear and anxiety while improving confidence during labour. It should be viewed as a complementary technique rather than a guarantee of a pain-free birth or a substitute for appropriate medical care when required.
Is your glass half empty or half full?
Your perception of the birthing process can influence your birth experience.
For many years, childbirth has often been portrayed as something to fear—a long, exhausting and overwhelmingly painful experience that simply has to be endured. Stories from family, friends, television, films and social media can reinforce these expectations long before a woman becomes pregnant.
Yet childbirth is also a normal physiological process. While every labour is unique, research has shown that fear, anxiety and stress can influence how women experience labour. Learning techniques to remain calm and relaxed may help many mothers feel more confident and better able to cope throughout pregnancy, labour and birth.
One approach that has become increasingly popular is hypnobirthing.
What is hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing combines deep relaxation, breathing techniques, guided imagery, positive visualisation and self-hypnosis to help women manage fear and anxiety during pregnancy and labour.
Despite the name, hypnosis does not mean losing control or becoming unconscious. During hypnosis, the mother remains fully aware, can communicate normally with her healthcare providers, and is able to make informed decisions throughout labour.
Many women naturally enter similar deeply relaxed states during activities such as daydreaming, meditation or becoming absorbed in a good book.
What happens during hypnosis?
Hypnosis simply helps you enter a focused state of relaxation.
While deeply relaxed, your breathing becomes slower and more rhythmic, muscles become less tense, and your attention shifts away from anxiety and toward positive coping strategies.
This relaxed state may help reduce stress hormones while supporting the release of natural hormones involved in labour.
Why does relaxation matter?
When we become frightened or anxious, our bodies produce stress hormones such as adrenaline.
During labour, excessive anxiety may contribute to:
- Increased muscle tension
- Faster, shallower breathing
- Greater fatigue
- Increased perception of pain
- Difficulty relaxing between contractions
Relaxation techniques can help reduce these responses, allowing many women to conserve energy and cope more effectively throughout labour.
It is important to recognise, however, that labour pain has many causes. Factors such as the baby’s position, labour progress, previous births and individual pain perception also influence each woman’s experience.
How can hypnobirthing help?
Women who practise hypnobirthing often learn to:
- Replace fear with confidence
- Use controlled breathing techniques
- Relax between contractions
- Stay calm if labour takes unexpected turns
- Work more effectively with their healthcare team
- Feel more involved in decision-making
Research suggests that hypnobirthing may reduce anxiety and improve women’s overall satisfaction with their birth experience. Some women also report needing less pharmacological pain relief, although results vary from person to person.
Understanding labour hormones
During labour, the body naturally produces several hormones that play important roles:
- Oxytocin helps stimulate effective uterine contractions.
- Endorphins are the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
- Prostaglandins help soften and prepare the cervix for labour.
A calm, supportive environment may encourage the natural release of these hormones, although medical interventions are sometimes necessary and can still result in a positive birth experience.
A flexible approach to birth
One of the biggest misconceptions about hypnobirthing is that it is only for women planning a completely natural birth.
In reality, the techniques can be useful whether labour is spontaneous or induced, whether an epidural is chosen, or even if a caesarean birth becomes necessary. Many parents find that the breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques help them remain calm regardless of how their baby’s birth unfolds.
The ultimate goal is not a “perfect” birth, but a positive, informed and supported birth experience.
Preparing for childbirth
No single birth preparation method works for everyone. The best preparation usually combines:
- Good antenatal education
- Open discussions with your healthcare provider
- A flexible birth plan
- Relaxation and breathing techniques
- Support from your partner or birth companion
- Understanding that birth sometimes requires medical assistance
Being well-informed and adaptable can help parents feel more confident whatever path labour takes.
If you have medical-related questions about living in Indonesia, always consult your obstetrician, midwife or other qualified healthcare professional.
We trust this information will assist you in making informed choices regarding your health and wellbeing. However, it is not intended to replace personalised advice from your medical practitioner.
Our thanks to Ginny of Four Trimesters for the original version of this article. The article has been reviewed and updated by the Living in Indonesia editorial team in 2026 to reflect current evidence and maternity care practices. For information on antenatal education, birth preparation and related services, please visit the active Four Trimesters website.
