Hypnosis for Pain Relief during Fertility Pregnancy and Birth
By SEED Fertility, Pregnancy and Birth Hypnotherapist Naomi Woolfson
Whether you experience painful periods, have endometriosis, are going through IVF, are preparing for labour, or are recovering postpartum, pain and discomfort can feel like a heavy and often unavoidable part of the journey to motherhood. But there are powerful mind-body techniques that can help reduce physical sensations, support healing, and restore a sense of calm and control.
Why Hypnosis Works for Pain Management
You might be surprised to learn that pain isn’t just a physical sensation – it’s largely influenced by the brain. When we’re under stress or experiencing physical trauma (like period pain or medical procedures), our bodies send signals via the nerves to the brain. It’s the brain that interprets these signals and decides how strongly we should feel the pain, often amplifying the message if it perceives danger.
While painkillers work by chemically disrupting these signals, hypnosis works psychologically – helping to calm the brain’s response. It taps into the unconscious mind, using suggestion and visualisation to reduce or even switch off pain messages altogether. No side effects. No chemicals. Just your body’s natural ability to soothe and self-regulate.
A Personal Discovery
I discovered hypnosis for pain relief when preparing for my second laparoscopy for endometriosis. I wanted to be as calm, comfortable, and in control as possible, especially after a tough first experience. Working with a colleague, I was guided through a hypnosis session designed to numb my hand – the very spot I dreaded having the cannula inserted.
At first, nothing happened. Then suddenly, the tip of my nose went numb, then my whole face began to go, and I felt a strange shrinking sensation in my head (think of the film Beetlejuice! with the guy with the tiny head). I burst out laughing. It was my unconscious mind responding – this phenomena is called sensory distortion. I practiced this technique and on the day of my surgery, I numbed my hand completely before the needle went in. It was empowering, calming, and deeply reassuring.
Since then, I’ve used this technique during IVF injections and to have two drug-free labours. It’s become a trusted part of my toolkit – and is one I now share with my clients.
Four Techniques You’ll Learn in My Hypnosis for Pain Relief MP3
This downloadable track walks you through four simple but powerful techniques to calm your nervous system and reduce physical discomfort – whether you’re navigating pelvic pain, internal scans or preparing to give birth:
1. Deep Relaxation
Pain triggers the body’s stress response – cue cortisol, adrenaline, tension, and fear. Deep relaxation does the opposite. It helps your body shift into “rest and receive” mode, encouraging the release of natural pain relievers like endorphins and serotonin. Relaxation alone can significantly reduce the intensity of sensations.
2. The Escudero Technique
This unusual technique involves consciously stimulating saliva production. Why? Because when you are stressed the body removes it’s focus on digestion to the more pressing matter of survival. When you fill your mouth with saliva, you’re sending a message to the brain: It’s safe to relax. Even more impressively, saliva contains opiorphin – a natural compound reported to be up to six times more powerful than morphine.
3. Positive Suggestion
In hypnosis, the words we use matter. Phrases like “your body is softening,” or “the pressure is fading,” speak directly to your unconscious, shifting how pain is interpreted. In a deeply relaxed state, even subtle suggestions can create real, measurable changes in comfort levels.
4. Guided Visualisation
You’ll be guided to visualise dials that control your pain, or imagine light and warmth flowing through your body. These mental images give your mind something positive to focus on – creating space for ease and helping you feel more in control of your experience.
Real-Life Results
Here’s what two hypnobirthing clients shared:
“Hey Naomi I wanted to let you know that Imogen was born yesterday morning at 4:52 am weighing 7.5 pounds. Due to your techniques I had a drug free birth not even gas and air and labour totalled 4.5 hours!! We were then home within 12 hours! You are a superstar. I don’t know why people wouldn’t do hypnobirthing!! Thank you so much xxx.” Steph
“Learning new techniques is very empowering. I especially enjoyed learning how to numb my hand simply through the power of my thoughts! The effect was incredible. You could see the nail marks in my hand from my pinch but I didn’t feel any pain!” – Amy
Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth — Where This Can Help
Hypnotherapy techniques are particularly useful in reproductive health:
- 🌙 Period pain and endometriosis relief
- 💉 Soothing injection and blood draw discomfort
- 🩺 Reducing scan-related anxiety and tension
- 🏥 Post-IVF egg collection or surgical recovery
- 🤰 Managing backache, hip pain, or round ligament discomfort in pregnancy
- 🧘 Preparing for labour and birth
- 🍼 Numbing sore nipples during breastfeeding and supporting healing postpartum
Empowerment Through Understanding
Pain is the body’s way of asking us to slow down, listen, and care for ourselves. But we don’t have to suffer through it. Hypnosis gives us tools, grounded in neuroscience and rooted in self-compassion, to support the body and soothe the mind.
🎧 Ready to Try It?
You can download my Hypnosis for Pain Relief MP3 as a standalone track for just £12 or as part of the following mind-body support programs:
- Visualisations & Hypnosis for Fertility and IVF MP3 Bundle
- The Embrace Fertility Method course
- The Embrace Bump to Baby mindful pregnancy & hypnobirthing program
All are available here:
👉 https://www.embracefertility.co.uk/store
Please note: This MP3 is a complementary resource and is not a replacement for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for unexplained or severe pain.
Ready to feel more calm, grounded, and in control – no matter what stage of the journey you’re in? Explore the healing power of your mind and body working in harmony.
🎧 Buy the Hypnosis for Pain Relief MP3 Now
