Presentation Information

Self-Hypnosis for Labour and Birth: Enhancing Physiological Birth Through Supportive Care

• Speaker: Alessandra D’Angelo , RM, IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

Self-hypnosis is an evidence-informed approach to childbirth that integrates relaxation, breathing techniques, guided imagery, and positive suggestion to support physiological labour and birth. In the context of increasing medicalisation of childbirth and rising levels of antenatal anxiety, self-hypnosis offers a complementary strategy to promote maternal autonomy, emotional wellbeing, and positive birth experiences. Emerging research suggests that structured antenatal hypnosis-based education may reduce fear and anxiety, improve coping during labour, and contribute to lower rates of pharmacological pain relief and obstetric interventions (Fernández-Gamero et al., 2024; Lai et al. 2024). Furthermore, self-hypnosis based antenatal preparation aligns with global priorities for respectful, person-centred maternity care and supports neurohormonal processes that facilitate labour progress (Buhagiar and Pace Parascandalo 2025). This presentation will explore the theoretical foundations of self-hypnosis for labour and birth including the fear–tension–pain cycle and the role of the autonomic nervous system in labour, critically examining recent evidence regarding clinical outcomes, maternal satisfaction, and psychological impacts, highlighting both benefits and limitations within diverse populations and care settings (Putri et al., 2025). Particular emphasis will be placed on the role of healthcare professionals in shaping the effectiveness of self-hypnosis practices, through implementation of appropriate communication style, language use, environmental factors, and continuity of care (Catsaros et al. 2020).
Participants will gain practical strategies to integrate self-hypnosis principles into routine clinical care, including the use of supportive language, facilitation of a calm birth environment, and collaboration with birthing individuals and their partners. By bridging clinical expertise with holistic, woman-centred approaches, this presentation aims to empower healthcare professionals to support physiological birth while respecting individual preferences and cultural contexts. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to enhance care quality, improve maternal experiences, and contribute to positive birth outcomes across a variety of clinical environments.