Hypnobirthing Techniques for Labour: Breathing, Visualisation and Preparation (Session two)
- Hannah Ketcher
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 10
As you continue through your pregnancy, you may have started using the relaxation audio tracks from your Calm Birth Course. Many parents find that once they settle into a rhythm with these, the techniques begin to feel more familiar and natural — which can make a real difference when it comes to using them during labour.
Building on What You’ve Already Learned
In this stage of the course, we begin to build on the foundations from your first session.
The focus now shifts towards practical tools that you can use during labour, helping you feel more prepared and supported. So you have practical ways to manage the sensations and stay grounded, whatever direction your birth takes.
Breathing Techniques and Visualisation
One of the key tools we explore is up breathing — a simple, effective breathing technique that can be used throughout labour. We combine this with visualisation, helping you to:
Stay focused
Reduce tension
Work with your body during contractions
These techniques are not about doing things “perfectly,” but about giving you something steady and familiar to focus on.
These techniques are not about doing things “perfectly”
Deepening Relaxation
We also spend time working with guided relaxation scripts. This helps you become more comfortable with:
Listening to and following audio guidance
Allowing your body to fully relax
Letting go of external distractions
Over time, this ability to switch off and relax can become a really valuable tool — not just for birth, but for pregnancy and early parenthood too.
Involving Your Birth Partner
Your partner plays an important role in this part of the course. They’ll be invited to take an active role, particularly in supporting relaxation and helping create a calm environment during labour.
Giving them a gentle heads-up beforehand can help them feel prepared and involved.
Your partner plays an important role in this part of the course.
Preparing for the Unexpected
There are some topics in pregnancy and birth that are often spoken about in a way that can feel worrying or overwhelming.
In this session, we take a different approach. We look at these scenarios with balanced, evidence-based information, so that you feel informed and grounded if they arise. This includes:
Babies in a back-to-back position
Breech babies
Caesarean birth
The aim is not to focus on what might "go wrong", but to help you feel prepared and confident in navigating different possibilities.
Supporting Your Body for Birth
Alongside mindset and preparation, we also look at practical ways to support your body as it prepares for labour. This includes:
Pelvic floor exercises — supporting strength and recovery
Perineal massage — helping the perineum gently stretch in preparation for birth
Exploring positions for labour and birth that can support comfort and progression
You may also find this blog that I wrote in a previous role helpful to help you enhance your knowledge around birth positions.
These small, consistent practices can make a meaningful difference over time.
Bringing It All Together
Everything we cover is designed to give you:
Practical tools you can actually use
A deeper understanding of your body
Confidence in your ability to navigate birth
So that you can approach your labour feeling calm, prepared, and supported — whatever direction it takes.
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