When partners understand their role and know how to help, they aren’t just part of the experience—they’re vital to it.
When it comes to birth, many partners are unsure about their role. They might feel they’ll be on the sidelines, offering occasional encouragement, but hypnobirthing changes the game. In hypnobirthing, partners are central to the process, equipped with skills to provide meaningful, active support and to advocate for the birthing person’s needs.
Here’s how birth partners can transform from passive bystanders into empowered, amazing supports:
1. Understand the Birth Process and Hypnobirthing Techniques
A partner’s first step in supporting a positive birth experience is gaining an understanding of what’s happening in labour and how hypnobirthing works. Hypnobirthing isn’t just about staying calm and breathing; it’s a comprehensive approach to birth that includes understanding the body’s natural responses, techniques for relaxation, and tools to work with—not against—the body’s rhythms. When partners learn these principles alongside the birthing person, they become true collaborators in the birth experience, helping to create an environment that promotes calm, confidence, and focus.
2. Use Specific Techniques to Provide Physical and Emotional Support
Partners are often surprised at how hands-on hypnobirthing can be! From light-touch massage to anchor touch techniques, partners learn ways to offer calming physical support during labour. These techniques not only help relieve discomfort but also signal safety and reassurance to the birthing person’s mind and body. Emotional support is equally important, and having a partner who knows how to use birth prompts or breathing cues can help the birthing person stay more down-regulated and focused through each surge.
3. Be an Advocate
Birth can involve decisions about interventions, pain relief, and birthing positions, and sometimes these conversations happen quickly in a high-pressure environment. In hypnobirthing, partners are encouraged to become advocates, ensuring that the birthing person’s preferences and choices are respected. This doesn’t mean you have to go against medical advice, but it does mean asking questions, requesting clarity, and making sure that both parents feel informed and comfortable with each decision. Many hypnobirthing couples say that having an advocate by their side made them feel more empowered and in control.
4. Hold Space for a Calm, Positive Environment
Birth partners also play an essential role in setting the tone for the birthing space. Simple acts like dimming the lights, playing relaxing music, or using soothing words can help maintain a calm atmosphere. They can also help minimise distractions and keep the birthing person focused on their breathing and relaxation techniques, reinforcing a sense of safety and calm.
5. Embrace the Journey Together
Birth is a powerful and transformative experience, and for partners, it’s a unique opportunity to show up in a way that deepens their connection with the birthing person. Partners often leave a hypnobirthing experience feeling like they played an invaluable role, not just in supporting their loved one, but in welcoming their child into the world with intention, calm, and confidence.
Why Partners Love Hypnobirthing
Many partners enter a hypnobirthing course unsure of what to expect, and they often leave saying it was a “game-changer.” Hypnobirthing gives them tools to be more than just a passive observer. It empowers them to be engaged, active, and informed, offering real support when it’s needed most.
Hypnobirthing teaches both parents to approach birth as a team, equipped with knowledge, confidence, and practical skills. When partners understand their role and know how to help, they aren’t just part of the experience—they’re vital to it.
“This course was absolutely fabulous. Kate’s energy and enthusiasm was so encouraging. The time and care Kate dedicates to everyone who takes the course is above and beyond. Leading up to our birthing day we used all the tools we learnt and were very prepared and knew what we wanted from our birthing day. Because of the Positively Hypnobirthing course and Kate’s guidance Sash was able to fully support and advocate for me and we had a wonderful birthing experience.”