How Hypnobirthing Changed My Experience of Pregnancy & Birth
A Personal Turning Point in 2010
I first discovered hypnotherapy in 2010, and I’ll never forget how it happened. I was expecting my child, and like many new mums, I was looking for ways to prepare myself both mentally and physically. My sister-in-law had suggested hiring a doula, someone to support me through birth and help me feel more in control.
Living here in County Monaghan, though, I found that doulas weren’t easy to come by. That’s when I came across hypnobirthing, and it turned out to be one of the most powerful and transformative choices I’ve ever made.
Creating a Positive Focus Through Hypnobirthing
Pregnancy, especially your first, can bring so much uncertainty. Sleepless nights, uncomfortable physical symptoms, and flashes of fear about the unknown, I had them all. But hypnobirthing gave me something I hadn’t expected: a sense of calm, clarity, and connection.
From around the third month, I began visualising my ‘special place’ during daily relaxation sessions. This was a peaceful mental space I returned to again and again, where I imagined the best possible birthing experience. It gave me something steady to hold onto, especially during those more difficult nights.
Here’s how hypnobirthing helped me:
Refocused my attention away from fear and toward trust in my body
Helped me stay present and grounded during moments of anxiety
Built confidence as my due date approached
Transformed late pregnancy into something joyful — even when baby was 10 days overdue
I genuinely don’t think I would have been that calm, prepared, or patient had I not discovered the power of the mind-body connection.
Inside the Hospital Room – The Power of My Happy Place
When it came time to give birth, I was able to bring that peaceful mindset with me. In the hospital, I asked to be left with just my husband. We didn’t chat much, I was too focused, quietly listening to my hypnobirthing recordings.
I stayed connected to that visualisation of opening, of the natural process my body was going through. I wasn’t fighting it. I wasn’t afraid. I was in my happy place.
The midwife later said something that stayed with me: “I wish more people tried hypnobirthing, you made my job so pleasant.”
What Made the Difference for Me
A calm, uninterrupted space
Soothing audio prompts and recordings
Breathing and visualisation techniques
Trust in the process
That day is still one of the most vivid, beautiful memories I hold. It was empowering, emotional, and deeply personal — not because it was perfect, but because I was mentally and emotionally present throughout.
Why Hypnobirthing Isn't Just for the ‘Chilled-Out Type’
Some people assume that to use hypnobirthing, you need to be naturally calm or spiritual. I wasn’t. I was simply a first-time mum wanting to feel prepared.
Hypnobirthing doesn’t mean you’re ‘zoned out’ or passive, it’s about being informed, mentally anchored, and emotionally ready. It helped me reduce fear, build trust in my body, and stay calm in the face of the unknown.
A Realistic, Grounded Approach
No need to be ‘perfect’ at relaxation
Techniques are easy to learn and repeat
Helps partners feel more involved too
Supports both natural and assisted births
How My Birth Experience Inspired My Work
That early experience sparked something in me. It was the first time I saw how powerful subconscious work could be, not just for birth, but for life in general. Years later, I trained professionally in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy so I could offer the same kind of support to others.
Today, from my private practice in County Monaghan, I help clients overcome anxiety, fear, trauma, and emotional blocks — often using some of the same principles I first discovered during pregnancy.
My qualifications include:
ICHP (Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy)
EAP (European Association for Psychotherapy)
INLPTA Certified
ICF ACC Credentialed
Honours Degree in Business Management
Local, One-to-One Support in Co. Monaghan
If you’re in Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney, Clones, or Ballybay, you can visit me in person at my home clinic. I offer free initial consultations and a safe, private space to explore whatever you’re facing, whether that’s anxiety, trauma, or simply needing to feel more in control.
A Final Thought for Mums-To-Be
People often say, “Nothing can prepare you for childbirth.” And in many ways, they’re right. I couldn’t have predicted the emotional intensity, the overwhelming joy, or the quiet sense of pride I felt afterwards.
But what I do know is this: hypnobirthing helped me feel ready. Not just physically, but mentally. It helped me shape the experience into something memorable and positive.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, I wholeheartedly recommend exploring hypnobirthing, especially if you want to feel connected, calm, and capable.
Ready to Begin Your Own Journey?
Whether you're expecting a baby or simply curious about how hypnotherapy could support you in other areas of your life, I'd love to hear from you.
Book your free consultation today and discover what’s possible when you tune into your own inner calm.
📍 Based in County Monaghan | Dorren Quinn Hypnotherapy
📞 Call Dorren: +353 86 600 0003
📧 Email: info@dorrenquinn.ie