'This is nothing like a stage hypnotist' - birthing service relaunched for expectant Hartlepool mums

Serenity HypnoBirthing aims to reduce pain and create a calmer and more peaceful childbirth experience by teaching women breathing techniques, relaxation exercises and a safe form of self-hypnosis.

Pregnant Hartlepool women can sign up to a five-week HypnoBirthing course for £90, which includes a book and a CD of relaxation exercises.

Steph el-Malek, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust head of midwifery services, said: “This is nothing like a stage hypnotist.

“Serenity HypnoBirthing is a meditative process of enhancing breathing and relaxation techniques to self-manage the body’s reactions to the birth process.

“For years women have been conditioned to believe that excruciating pain is to be expected during childbirth. This stress and expectation can even increase pain.

“Serenity HypnoBirthing aims to help reduce the pain naturally, although our team of midwives will be on hand to offer painkillers if needed.

“Even if painkillers are still required, women will have a calmer, more relaxed birth with Serenity HypnoBirthing.”

The service is available at both the trust’s Hartlepool and Stockton hospitals.

One new mum who benefitted from the Serenity HypnoBirthing course was Chloe Clamp.

Chloe, 25, from Hartlepool, and her partner, 27-year-old Aaron Connor, welcomed their first baby, Indie, on June 7.

Chloe said: “It was really good. The course was during lockdown so I thought it would be online.

"But we were allowed to go into hospital with safe social distancing, and Aaron was able to come with me and be part of it.

“People think of birth as a big, scary thing and that it’ll be really painful but the course shows you the science behind giving birth and that it can be very different.

“It made me much calmer and the breathing techniques were a huge help while I was giving birth to Indie. I’d definitely recommend it – I’ve been telling everyone about it already!”

Serenity HypnoBirthing had previously been popular among mums-to-be under the trust’s care before staffing changes meant it became unavailable.

Four midwives have undergone the training to safely and effectively deliver the HypnoBirthing courses and the service has also introduced a swifter booking process.

To find out more about Serenity HypnoBirthing email [email protected] or visit www.nth.nhs.uk/services/maternity/hypnobirthing/

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