Duchess Kate Plans Hypnobirth for Baby

With the Duchess of Cambridge due to give birth on July 17, people are abuzz as to how she plans on delivering the royal baby. 

According to a report by independent.ie last May 22, Kate Middleton wants a delivery via hypnobirth, or childbirth with the help of hypnosis. She would like to experience natural labor where she brings out her child while submerged in a pool of water, also known as a water birth. 

A water birth is defined as “the process of giving birth in a pool or tub filled with warm water”, the same temperature as that of the amniotic fluid, creating a more relaxing environment for the newborn baby as it comes out. Women have the option to be in the water for labor only or for both labor and delivery. 

Related story: Delivering a Water Baby: Water Birth Pros and Cons

Hypnosis is not a new method for Kate as she was reported to have already used it as a means to recuperate during bouts of morning sickness the past year. 

Hypnobirth is said to reduce -- though not eliminate -- pain during delivery, using soothing techniques such as breathing exercises. Women are also taught to be more attuned to what is happening to the muscles in their body. The idea behind hypnobirth is to replace fear with relaxation, stimulating hormones such as oxytocin, prostaglandins and endorphins to produce a feeling of calm. 

Oxytocin is responsible for making the uterus contract during labor, while prostaglandins prepare the cervix for delivery. Endorphins are produced as a result of the body’s reaction to pain and stress. 
Based on information from sources, Kate will be giving birth at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, where her husband the Duke of Cambridge, William, was also born.


Sources:

• August 2, 2011. “Hypnobirthing: Is Pain-free Birth Achievable?” hufftingtonpost.com 

• August 12, 2011. Madison Park. “HypnoBirthing: Relax while giving birth?” edition.cnn.com 

• May 22, 2013. “Is Kate Middleton considering a hypno-birth?” independent.ie 

• June 13, 2013. Marc Lallanilla. “Is Hypnobirth the Next Childbirth Fad?” livescience.com 

• June 13, 2013. Hannah Osborne. “Kate Middleton Planning Hypno-Birth  at St Mary’s Hospital in London” ibtimes.co.uk 

 

Photo by UK_repsome via flickr creative commons