Looking for the lowdown on all things hypnobirthing in Singapore? Searching for the best classes to get clued up? We've got all the intel from a mum who's a hypnobirthing sceptic turned convert...
When I became pregnant and stumbled upon hypnobirthing, I quickly dismissed it as another pregnancy ‘fad’. In my eyes, it was reserved for the yoga mums out there – not me. Little did I know, I’d soon eat my words and end up being an advocate for it. Before I share all the details on my own hypnobirthing journey (plus all the fab resources and classes if you do decide to explore hypnobirthing in Singapore), let’s start with a little more info about what hypnobirthing is all about…
HYPNOBIRTHING IN SINGAPORE – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is hypnobirthing?
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?
The big question, of course, is, does hypnobirthing work? Well, there’s heaps of research out there showing the merits of hypnobirthing, plus some pretty famous fans (Angelina Jolie and Megan Markle were both rumoured to use it!).
The benefits of hypnobirthing vary dramatically from mum to mum, but some possible pluses include:
- The possibility of giving birth without the need for pain relief.
- Feeling more relaxed during labour and being more likely to enjoy the experience (apparently Kate Middleton, who’s a fan, said she “really quite enjoyed it!”)
- Less chance of intervention such as assisted births and caesarean birth
- The feeling of control for mums
- Potential to shorten labour (specifically the first stages)
My hypnobirthing experience…
Being pregnant for the first time, I was absolutely terrified about birth (aren’t we all?!). I usually (and still do) faint during a routine blood test. So the thought of bringing another human being into the world was beyond scary. For a while, I just avoided thinking about it; denial seemed to be a good default. That changed when a friend mentioned hypnobirthing. She was very much into yoga pre-pregnancy (I wasn’t), so I was a little sceptical that it would be for me. I thought it was really reserved for the wellbeing and mindfulness crew (not the chocolate and Netflix gang).
But as time went on, and with little to lose, I bought a book, not really expecting much. The book came with some super relaxing tracks to listen to (which could send my husband to sleep within minutes). It was a good start, but I still wasn’t sure if it would really make a difference. Still, the more I got into the book, the more it made sense. I also related to the author, who was honest, down to earth, and had practical tips and activities which I attempted each week right up until the birth.
Hypnobirthing during delivery
Fast forward to the delivery suite, and it seemed that hypnobirthing came into its own, and I took more on board than I perhaps thought. Any mum will know that you get into your zone when in labour, and I think the breathing and reframing of the birth away from terrifying to positive with a hypnobirthing approach massively helped me (as well as being fed Haribo gummy bears on demand for the whole labour). I managed to get through labour without pain relief, something I’d never imagined possible before, and I definitely credit that to the techniques I learnt.
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!
I’m only 9 weeks away from birth number 2, so who knows whether I’ll be saying the same this time around. I’m back to listening to those tracks, though, on the off chance that it does help me once again!
HYPNOBIRTHING IN SINGAPORE – BOOKS AND ONLINE RESOURCES
Feeling intrigued? If you’re considering hypnobirthing in Singapore, check out the following resources to help you along the way…
1. Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method – the Natural Approach to a Safe, Easier, More Comfortable Birthing
Known as the hypnobirthing founder, Marie Mongan knows a thing or two about birth (she’s had four kids). She’s the original when it comes to hypnobirthing, and a lot of courses use her approaches (and this text) to guide the sessions. She compares the experience of hypnobirthing to daydreaming, and how in this calm state, your body’s endorphins kick in and kick out those nasty stress hormones that cause all that pain. This book takes you through the rationale for hypnobirthing, as well as how to find your zone, with loads of practical tips for your birth.
2. Mindful Hypnobirthing: Hypnosis and Mindfulness Techniques for a Calm and Confident Birth
A UK take on hypnobirthing, hypnotherapist and experienced doula Sophie Fletcher shares how to have a safe, natural and positive birth in this book. This was my go-to during my pregnancy, and there are tracks available online to accompany the course (it’s pretty relaxing stuff). Sophie is practical in her descriptions, with actions to take after each chapter and a handy checklist.
3. Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to Make Your Birth Better
This one is for the sceptics out there. If you’re still very much on the fence regarding hypnobirthing, this book might just help demystify the concepts with no-nonsense, practical insights and advice. Written by expert hypnobirthing teacher and founder of The Positive Birth Company, Siobhan Miller, it explains why she believes hypnobirthing can make every type of birth a better experience – from water birth to an unplanned caesarean in theatre. Psst – check out her fab IG account and resources online too (there’s a really affordable online course available that comes highly recommended too!)
4. Hypnobirthing & Positive Birth (@birth_ed on Instagram)
Add @birth_ed to your feed if you’re after easy and inspiring positive birth stories (warning – there’s no filters here, so get ready for the real deal when it comes to the pics). They also offer free hypnobirthing MP3 tracks online, plus a great podcast if that’s more your thing, which covers a load of really helpful birth topics, including hypnobirthing.
5. Shari Lyon (@belly2birth on Instagram)
Shari Lyon’s IG account belly2birth is worth following for practical tips and inspo on all things hypnobirthing. As one of Australia’s leading hypnobirthing practitioners, you can guarantee you’ll get expert advice. The website is also worth a look for free resources, plus you can sign up for online courses if you want to get more guidance and advice on hypnobirthing from the comfort of your home.
HYPNOBIRTHING CLASSES IN SINGAPORE
Although books and online resources are fab, you might decide you’d like to get more practice and guidance in person or online; that’s where these hypnobirthing courses in Singapore come in handy…
1. Mother and Child Hypnobirthing Class
With over 25 years of experience, Mother and Child are a go-to in SG for all your pregnancy and baby needs. They are also experts when it comes to hypnobirthing in Singapore, offering hypnobirthing classes as part of their prenatal classes. The five sessions focus on techniques for a calm and mindful birth. Facilitated by a qualified hypnobirthing Mongan-Method practitioner, there’s tracks for you to practice at home, plus helpful handouts with all the deets on the technique.
Cost: $750 per couple
Where: 163 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Mall #03 – 11, Singapore 247933
2. Hypnobirthing classes at Thomson Medical
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.
Cost: Contact the hospital directly to discuss class options
Where: 1 Thomson Road, Balestier Hill Shopping Centre, #01-346, Thomson Rd, Singapore 300001
3. Beloved Bumps
Another hugely popular choice for mums-to-be is Beloved Bumps. From expert advice to classes, as well as social catch-ups, they cover everything. They also know a thing or two when it comes to hypnobirthing in Singapore, offering classes based on the KGHypnobirthing programme (the only hypnobirthing course in the UK that is accredited by The Royal College of Midwives). Over four weeks, you’ll learn all the tools you need for a calmer and more confident birth.
Cost: $500 per couple
Where: The Herencia, 46 Kim Yam Rd, #03-05 The Herencia, Singapore 239351
4. Baby with Bee
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!
Cost: $750 per couple ($650 online)
Where: Various locations
5. Inspire Mum & Baby
A great option if you’d like a personalised class at home, the Inspire Mum & Baby sessions are delivered over five classes and can be tailored to you in terms of timing. Some of the content you can expect to learn includes how to assist, rather than resist, your natural birth instincts; optimal position for baby during labour and birth, and how to avoid artificial induction (where possible).
Cost: Contact Inspire Mum & Baby directly for a quote
Where: At home
Ready to start your hypnobirthing journey? You’ve got this, mums!
