Hypnobirthing - What’s the point?
Sadly, for most of our lives we have been exposed to endless moments of subconscious conditioning around birthing babies. From movies to magazines and the often graphically detailed stories we hear from friends and family members, birth is usually presented as an event to fear.
Antenatal education is an indispensable part of preparing for pregnancy and birth. When combined with hypnobirthing, which teaches techniques shown to help many women remain calm, confident and in control during labour, it becomes an excellent choice for expectant mothers.
I have designed this course specifically for Muslim women, combining evidence-based hypnobirthing and antenatal education with an understanding of our faith, values and traditions. My aim is to ensure that Muslim mothers have access to the same beneficial tools and knowledge that have helped so many other women approach birth with confidence and positivity.
The sessions provide a welcoming and supportive sisters-only environment, where you can learn, ask questions and prepare for birth without feeling uncomfortable or out of place. Alongside practical birth preparation, we will also explore how trust in Allah (tawakkul), dhikr, relaxation and positive mindset can work hand in hand with modern birth education.
Whether this is your first baby or you have given birth before, this course is here to help you feel informed, empowered and prepared for your unique birth journey.
These sessions are not religious classes or dhikr gatherings. They are evidence-based hypnobirthing and antenatal education sessions created with Muslim women in mind. They are open to all sisters, regardless of their level of practice or background and provide a respectful, welcoming space where every Muslim mother can feel comfortable, supported and included.
Where’s the evidence?
From a Norwegian study entitled ‘Women’s experiences with hypnobirthing – A qualitative study by Uldal, T. Et al (2023)
Women changed their perspective on birth and got to know their inherent resources.
They acquired various coping strategies and techniques that enhanced their sense of control.
They gained ownership of their birth and found their active participation to be meaningful.
They were informed of different options concerning their birth which made it possible to make informed decisions.
Participation in hypnobirth classes and personal experience from giving birth, made women wish for integration of mental birth preparation in the public health service, thus strengthening women’s trust in their ability to give birth, which was pivotal to the participants’ birth satisfaction.
To read the full study click here.
When should you start your hypnobirthing journey?
Usually from 20 weeks to allow lots of time for practice, however you can start earlier or later. I have taught women at 38 weeks of pregnancy and they have benefited immeasurably from the techniques and tools learned.