A practice to make your own.

Begin with a guided session

A voice guides you through relaxation, gentle attention to your breathing and imagery. You remain aware of your surroundings and in control of whether you continue. You can move, open your eyes or stop at any time.

The free Calm Labour Foundation session is a good introduction to the style. You do not need to know any techniques before you begin.

Find what feels useful

Some days that might be winding down before bed. On another day, it might be making space for a worry or listening with your birth partner. The library has six collections, so you can choose by what you need rather than follow a prescribed order.

You do not have to feel completely calm or empty your mind. If a phrase, image or breathing suggestion does not suit you, leave it aside. Breathe comfortably and follow the advice of your maternity team.

Return to something familiar

Repeating a session can make its words and rhythm more familiar. Save one you would like to come back to, then find it in Your practice. Your last listening place stays on this browser.

There is no required number of sessions, streak to maintain or deadline to catch up with. Fit listening around your life; pause when you need to.

Make it part of wider preparation

Listening can sit alongside antenatal education, conversations with your care team and time with the people who support you. Our starting path connects a few useful sessions and articles.

Hypnobirthing does not guarantee a particular birth or replace pain relief, medical care or mental-health support. An induction, assisted birth or caesarean does not mean you did anything wrong. You deserve to be heard and supported however your birth unfolds.