Feelings and Experiences of Turkish Women Using Hypnobirthing in Childbirth: A Non-Traumatic Childbirth Experience

Background: The strength of the qualitative study interview is its natural way of researching topics in the person's own world. Therefore, qualitative examination of the birth process is important. Objective: This study's objective was to examine opinions, emotions and experiences of women reporting to have hypnobirthed during childbirth. Methodology: This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological design. The study sample was composed of 13 hypnobirthing stories obtained from four blogs. Data were analyzed with content analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidance was used to report the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee of the university. Results: Five main themes emerged: preparedness for birthing, relaxing practices, influences of external conditions, satisfaction with childbirth and postpartum adaptation. Each theme had subthemes. Conclusions: Study showed that the women getting prepared for childbirth through Hypnobirthing methods felt calm and comfortable during childbirth. It is clear that they were ready to give birth both physically and mentally and experienced childbirth consciously. They underlined the importance of support from their spouses and childbirth teams. It can be suggested that women should make use of hypnobirthing or a similar supportive care program to get prepared for labor. Health staff in labor teams should be offered training for supportive care.