Midwives trained in hypnobirthing to relax mothers

Stress and anxiety in the run-up to childbirth has been linked with a greater risk of complications. Several NHS Trusts have turned to “hypnobirthing” to relax nervous mothers. Some hospitals, such as Colchester, Western Sussex and York Teaching Hospital, offer a free or cut-price course for prospective parents to teach them relaxation and breathing techniques. Others like St Mary’s in Paddington – home of the Lindo Wing – have trained midwives.