Lived experiences of using hypnobirthing during pregnancy and birth: A qualitative investigation.

PROBLEM: Hypnobirthing is increasingly utilised in the UK. However, lived experiences of its useare underexplored.

BACKGROUND

Quantitative literature provides mixed evidence for the relationship between hypnobirthing and obstetric outcomes. A qualitative investigation may illuminate reasons for these discrepancies.

AIM: To explore lived experiences of hypnobirthing use in pregnancy and childbirth for UK first-time mothers.

METHODS

Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with women who had completed a hypnobirthing course during pregnancy and had given birth within the last twelve months.

FINDINGS: Two main themes were identified from a reflexive thematic analysis, 'Changing narratives of childbirth' (sub-themes: Moving beyond fear: cultivating a positive outlook; Challenging medical norms) and, 'Tension between expectations and reality' (sub-themes: Pressure to have a gold standard birth; Obstacles in the birth space; From all-encompassing to one tool in my toolbox). Hypnobirthing shifted maternal attitudes about childbirth, from pain and fear to confidence and hope. In so doing, women were empowered to become active participants in their own birth plans. However, limits of its utility were highlighted when complications were experienced, or pain was too severe. Hypnobirthing could inadvertently create pressure to have a 'natural birth', which was unrealistic for a lot of women. It was therefore important to view hypnobirthing as a useful coping tool, rather than solely relying on it as a fail-safe birthing plan.

DISCUSSION: Recommendations are made for realistic expectation setting for hypnobirthing use, and to improve access to non-medical coping strategies during pregnancy and birth.