This blog is written from the perspective of Steffen, Lysanne's partner, neurobiologist, and practice manager of mirasoon!
I was skeptical
When I first heard about hypnobirthing, I was skeptical. As a neurobiologist, it initially sounded too far-fetched to me—breathing exercises and visualizations that could make labor easier? But once I started the course, I quickly realized that hypnobirthing is actually deeply rooted in human neurobiology. It’s not magic, not pseudoscience, but pure physiology.
So what is the science behind a relaxed birth? And why can hypnobirthing be so effective?
The brain and birth: The role of fear vs. relaxation
The way the brain experiences childbirth is largely determined by the balance between the sympathetic nervous system (fight-or-flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest).
Stress disrupts the natural process
When we feel fear or anticipate pain, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This is the same system that prepares your body to flee or fight when faced with danger:
Your heart rate and breathing speed up.
Your muscles tense.
Blood is redirected away from 'non-essential' organs (like the uterus) to the muscles needed for fight or flight.
For childbirth, this can be disastrous. The uterine muscles work best in a relaxed state. But under stress, the uterus tenses, making labor more painful and difficult.
Studies have shown that elevated cortisol levels during labor lead to longer labor times and increased medical interventions (Bergström et al., 2009). Additionally, research has found that women with higher stress levels during labor experience longer dilation phases and a higher likelihood of medical interventions (Smith et al., 2020).
Hypnobirthing activates the relaxation system
The goal of hypnobirthing is to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This system promotes relaxation, supports digestion, stimulates the release of oxytocin, and ensures that the uterus contracts smoothly rather than tensing up.
Oxytocin (often called the "love hormone") plays a crucial role in labor. It ensures effective contractions and stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Endorphins help reduce pain and create a sense of calm. Neurological studies show that an increased release of endorphins can actually lower pain perception and even induce a sense of euphoria during natural birth (Uvnäs-Moberg, 2019).
Why animals always seek a safe place to give birth
If you look at nature, it becomes clear why relaxation is so crucial. When your cat or dog (familiar pets) goes into labor, where do they do it? Right in the middle of the living room under bright lights? No, they instinctively seek out a dark, quiet, and safe place. No bright lights, no distractions, no stress. If they sense danger, labor can temporarily pause—a mechanism that makes evolutionary sense since birth is a vulnerable moment.
Humans function in much the same way. A busy, stressful environment (think bright hospital lights, unfamiliar people, and sensory overload) inhibits the release of oxytocin, making labor more difficult. MRI research shows that the neocortex (the rational brain) can interfere with the birth process. Anxiety and rational thoughts can suppress the natural birthing hormones (Schaal et al., 2018). Hypnobirthing helps to reduce this "rational noise" and activate the instinctive, primal part of the brain, allowing birth to progress more smoothly.
The neurobiological techniques of hypnobirthing
Now that we understand why relaxation is essential, let's look at how hypnobirthing helps achieve this state.
Breathing and CO₂ Regulation
Hypnobirthing teaches specific breathing techniques that help activate the parasympathetic nervous system. Deep, slow breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, a crucial nerve that activates the relaxation response.
Additionally, controlled breathing prevents excessive CO₂ loss. Hyperventilation increases pain sensitivity, whereas controlled breathing helps maintain balance in the body (Zaccaro et al., 2018). Keeping the breath steady keeps muscles relaxed and ensures the uterus remains in optimal condition.
The brain doesn’t differentiate between real and imagined experiences
The brain makes little distinction between real experiences and vivid visualizations. This means that if you imagine a calm, safe environment, your brain responds as if it is actually happening. This lowers stress hormones and promotes oxytocin release (Dominguez-Borra et al., 2020).
Positive mindset and pain perception
What you believe about birth influences how you perceive pain. This is neurologically explainable: if you expect pain and see it as something negative, your brain processes the stimulus as more threatening. Hypnobirthing uses positive affirmations to shift this perception, making pain more manageable.
The science proves it: Hypnobirthing works
Various scientific studies support the effectiveness of hypnobirthing:
Fewer medical interventions: A study published in the British Journal of Midwifery (Smith et al., 2021) found that women who used hypnobirthing experienced less fear and pain and required fewer medical interventions.
Faster labor: Research shows that women who practice hypnobirthing have shorter labor times on average (Madden et al., 2016).
Changed pain perception: Neurological studies confirm that relaxation techniques reduce activity in the brain’s pain-processing regions (Zeidan et al., 2012).
Also effective for medical births and C-sections
Although hypnobirthing is often associated with natural births, it is just as valuable in more medical settings. Even during induced labor, epidurals, or planned or emergency C-sections, these techniques can help maintain calmness and optimal body function.
Reducing anxiety and stress: Studies show that high stress levels during a C-section can negatively impact recovery and bonding with the baby (Reis et al., 2019). Hypnobirthing techniques, such as breathing and visualization, help lower the stress response and promote oxytocin release, benefiting both mother and baby.
Faster recovery after birth: A study published in Midwifery (Downe et al., 2018) found that women who practiced relaxation techniques like hypnobirthing had shorter hospital stays and less postpartum pain.
A better experience, even when plans change: Even if labor doesn’t go as planned, hypnobirthing helps you maintain control over your mindset, making a significant difference in how you experience the birth.
A stronger bond with your partner and baby
Whether you have a vaginal birth or a C-section, hypnobirthing techniques help you experience birth with more awareness, calmness, and confidence. I experienced this firsthand with the births of our children.
During Lysanne’s first labor, when our daughter Nora was born, we went in unprepared. When the labor took an unexpected turn, it hit us hard—especially for Lysanne postpartum. We felt overwhelmed by the situation, without a real sense of control.
For the second birth, we prepared with hypnobirthing. We didn’t just learn how to use relaxation and breathing; we also learned how to handle "what if things don’t go according to plan." That made all the difference. The labor itself was almost identical to the first—after a long attempt, another C-section—but the experience was completely different.
Conclusion: From skepticism to deep appreciation
What started as skepticism turned into a deep appreciation. I never thought something that initially sounded so ‘alternative’ would actually be so deeply rooted in human biology.
Hypnobirthing doesn’t give you control over the birth itself, but it gives you control over how you respond to it. And that might just be the most valuable gift you can give yourself—and your partner.
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