Portiuncula University Hospital offers Hypnobirthing Classes

Over the past two years, 12 midwives working at Portiuncula University Hospital have completed a Diploma in Hypnobirthing which allows them to facilitate antenatal classes for birthing mothers planning to have their babies at the hospital.

Irene Mulryan, one of the midwives at Portiuncula explains the benefits of hypnobirthing. She said, “The aim of the hypnobirthing classes is to prepare mentally for birth, in the context of birth being a normal event and not something to be frightened of. Often the name ‘hypnobirthing’ conjures up images of being hypnotised but this is not the case. It is a strategy with numerous coping tools which helps couples to understand and appreciate the physiological process of birth. It enables women to prepare to give birth by the use of breathing and relaxation techniques, massage and positive visualisations. 

“Women and their birth partners who attended the hypnobirthing classes report feeling more informed and empowered after participating in the class. Birthing partners felt more involved and in partnership with the mother and the care givers. Having used hypnobirthing, women also reported feeling calmer and more in control during labour – no matter what type of birth they had.

“The ideal time to attend a hynobirthing class at Portiuncula is between 24 and 32 weeks which allows time to practise the learned techniques. The 2-day course is held over a weekend and there is a cost of €50 to cover the materials and lunch. Bookings are made by emailing hypnobirth.portiuncula@hse.ie and early booking is advised as the classes book out months in advance.”

Photo Caption:
Maternity Department Staff at Portiuncula University Hospital where hynobirthing classes are available for mothers and birthing partners. Standing, from left: Anne Murray, Clinical Midwife Specialist; Geraldine Guinan, Midwife; Irene Mulryan, Interim Clinical Midwife Manager 2 and Mary Burke, Clinical Nurse Manager 3. Seated from left: Carmel Cassidy, Midwife and Aisling Dixon, Clinical Midwife Manager 2.