A- Z of hypnobirthing: C is for caesareans

Pooja Mistry
Jan 19
2 min read

Preparation still matters.

For many families, caesarean birth is part of their journey- whether planned or unexpected. Yet parents are often told they don’t need preparation if they’re having a section. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

A caesarean is still birth. And how it feels emotionally matters.

Why preparation for caesareans is important

Research consistently shows that a positive birth experience is strongly linked to:

Feeling informed
Being listened to
Having consent respected
Feeling emotionally supported

This applies just as much to surgical birth as vaginal birth.

Unprepared or unsupported caesareans (particularly emergency ones) are associated with higher rates of birth trauma. Preparation does not prevent every outcome, but it can soften the experience and protect emotional wellbeing.

How hypnobirthing supports caesarean birth

Hypnobirthing does not aim to avoid caesareans. Instead, it supports:

Calm mental preparation for theatre
Visualisation for surgery and recovery
Grounding techniques to reduce fear
Language and consent awareness

Birth partners are supported to advocate gently, offer grounding presence, and help maintain connection during and after birth.

Evidence & references

What the evidence says

Psychological preparation improves outcomes for planned and unplanned caesareans.
Birth satisfaction is linked to feeling informed, respected, and involved — not mode of birth.

Key references

NICE Caesarean Birth Guidelines (UK): Emphasise informed consent, emotional wellbeing, and birth preferences.
Green et al. (2003): Feeling listened to is one of the strongest predictors of positive birth experience.
Karlström et al. (2015): Preparation and support reduce trauma following emergency caesarean.