What is hypnobirthing, will Meghan Markle use the technique and can it make labour easier?

MEGHAN Markle is set to give birth within weeks now – and it’s been speculated that she might be delivering her first child at home using hypnobirth techniques.

But just what is alternative pain relief method all about?

What is hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing techniques are used to ease the process of giving birth and aim to ensure the mother remains calm and controlled from the moment she goes into labour.

Experts claim the benefits include a shorter first stage labour, less intense pain, a shorter hospital stay and less fear and anxiety after the birth of the baby.

Hypnobirthing is described as a mindfulness practice that helps to alleviate any stress or discomfort.

Fans of hypnobirthing say that staying calm stops your body going into a panicky “fight-or-flight mode”, enabling you to focus your energy on a faster, easier labour.

It’s also thought staying calm helps your body release hormones like oxytocin – which encourages contractions – and endorphins, which numb pain and help you feel good.

Will Meghan Markle be using hypnobirthing?

Sources have claimed that Meghan Markle is looking into hypnobirthing and has been “reading up” on it.

She is also said to be researching natural-birthing techniques, and wants to opt for a home birth rather than using the Lindo wing like Kate Middleton did.

Who else has used these techniques?

Harry Kane’s fiancee Katie Goodland gave birth to their second child back in August.

The England captain praised his other half using the hashtage #hypnobirthing in a Tweet.

Harry was forced to clarify his hypnobirth comments on social media after he welcomed his second daughter into the world.

The Spurs striker uploaded a photo to Twitter and Instagram of him in the delivery room with Kate Goodland and his new baby daughter Vivienne.

He tagged the snap “Our beautiful addition to the family! Vivienne Jane Kane. So proud of @KateGoodlandx for having the most amazing water birth with no pain relief at all #mygirls #hypnobirthing.”

The comment led to a backlash on social media, with some taking his comments as a dig at those who give birth using traditional pain relief methods.

But the footballer responded to the original post praising all women for however they choose to give birth.

Kane followed up the post by writing: “Let’s get one thing straight, any women can give birth however they would like.

“I’m very proud of my fiancée for doing it the way she wanted and we both learnt a lot from hypnobirthing.”

Is the birthing style popular with celebrities?

The Duchess of Cambridge was rumoured to have used the technique when she gave birth to Prince Louis on St George’s Day.

Celebrity mum-of-six Angelina Jolie allegedly used hypnobirthing techniques when she gave birth via caesarean to her twins Vivienne and Knox.

Actress Busy Phillips also decided to let nature take its course, with a little help from hypnotherapy and complementary birth therapies when she gave birth to her first baby.

Actress and mum-of-two Jessica Alba has also previously revealed her love of hypnobirthing.

The process has also been endorsed by supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

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