The Corporate Case for Hypnobirthing: A Calmer Workforce, A Stronger Business
Including Hypnobirthing as part of your corporate wellbeing employee benefit
Investing in antenatal education is not just a perk, it's an investment in a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce."
Jilly Clarke
The landscape of employee benefits is changing. The landscape of the maternity system is changing.
Businesses are increasingly seeking ways to go beyond traditional corporate employee benefit offerings and invest in their employees' wellbeing, to truly make a difference to the lives of their workforce. Whether that is investing in physical or mental wellbeing, supporting them holistically to improve their lives.
One area often overlooked, but with significant potential impact, is supporting expectant parents. Not just maternity pay or paternity or parental leave, but education on improving family lives.
The journey of pregnancy, birth and recovery is a subject of national importance. It is a time of incredible physical and emotional strain, with a lot of stress and pressure that is hidden from public view. Pregnancy, birth and raising a child changes lives and futures.
A difficult birth experience creates a difficult return to work, and can have a huge impact on employees lives. Improving birth should be at the top of everybody’s agenda.
Traditionally, Antenatal Education would be reserved for the third trimester, the final few months of pregnancy and be focused on birth. But with an increasing rise in birth trauma, which has a long-lasting impact on the whole family and their entire lives, it is time to adopt a different strategy. The traditional way is not working and has not worked for a long time.
At The Birth and Baby Company, we have a solution.
We believe that the best time for antenatal education is before pregnancy, or as early as possible during pregnancy.
Antenatal Education should go beyond birth and include understanding how to navigate appointments, learning about the human body as it grows and develops a human, and knowing how our lifestyle can impact our pregnancy, birth and recovery journey.
Antenatal Education should equip birth partners to navigate pregnancy, physically engage with the birth process and focus on their own recovery too.
Employers have a unique opportunity to help change the lives of expectant and new parents, and future generations. To have a huge positive impact on the birth outcomes of their workforce and create a stronger society.
For too long, and in too many areas the focus is on new parents understanding, and trying to find a cure for birth issues. The maternity system signs people off after 6 weeks and new parents have to largely fend for themselves, often after very difficult birth experiences. But we know that education, support and knowledge, can provide the necessary prevention to an epidemic of birth trauma and injury.
Supporting employees through their parenting journey has a business as well as a philanthropic benefit to businesses all over the world. Here's why antenatal education needs to be a top consideration for any forward-thinking company.
1. Investing in prevention
One of the key advantages of hypnobirthing is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety—two major factors that can negatively affect employees' mental health and productivity, especially during pregnancy and the family transition into parenthood.
Reducing Anxiety: Pregnancy can bring a variety of emotional challenges for employees. Hypnobirthing equips them with relaxation techniques, which not only prepare them for birth but also help manage workplace stress longer term. When employees feel calmer and more in control, they are better equipped to handle daily tasks with clarity and focus.
Evidence is increasing all the time, showing that hypnobirthing techniques can reduce anxiety. Two recent studies are linked here:
Hypnobirthing as an Effort to Reduce Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Literature Review | Women, Midwives and Midwifery (wmmjournal.org)
Impact of Hypnotherapy on Fear, Pain, and the Birth Experience: A Systematic Review - PMC (nih.gov)
Supporting Emotional Resilience: Hypnobirthing encourages mindfulness, a skill that employees can apply both during pregnancy and beyond. By cultivating this emotional resilience, employees are more likely to manage work-related pressures effectively, leading to fewer mental health struggles and a more balanced outlook.
Many studies are starting to explore the opportunity that pregnancy, birth and early parenthood has in supporting emotional resilience and longer term health. This study from 2023 highlights
that “expectant mothers and partners, before and during pregnancy, present opportunities to build resilience, and positive mindsets to protect developing biological systems from the disruptive effects of adversity. Ostensibly, investing in accessible mental health tools will strengthen individuals and communities, but they must be engaging and enduring as well as effective.”
Time-out for well-being: A mixed methods evaluation of attitudes and likelihood to engage in different types of online emotional well-being programmes in the perinatal period - PMC
Building Confidence and Reducing Fear: Many expectant employees experience fear of the unknown, both about pregnancy, birth and the changes that come with balancing work and parenthood. Hypnobirthing instils confidence in their innate ability to manage these changes. This newfound confidence transfers to their work, where they approach tasks with greater assurance and poise.
Hypnobirthing for Improved Productivity and Focus in the workplace
As companies seek ways to retain talent and boost productivity, offering hypnobirthing programs can have a direct impact on performance at work:
A More Focused Workforce: Hypnobirthing techniques like controlled breathing and visualization can sharpen focus and concentration. Expectant employees and their families who practice these techniques will transfer these skills into their professional life to better manage distractions, improve their time management, and stay engaged with their work.
Fewer Sick Days: Pregnancy-related stress and anxiety can often lead to increased absenteeism. With hypnobirthing, employees can better cope with the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy, leading to fewer health-related absences. This not only benefits the individual but also helps maintain team productivity and reduces the strain on colleagues.
Better Work-Life Balance: The principles of hypnobirthing encourage a holistic approach to wellbeing. Employees learn to manage their stress levels more effectively, which can result in a better work-life balance. Happier, healthier employees are less likely to burn out and more likely to remain productive and engaged in their roles.
The Long-Term Business Benefits of employee hypnobirthing
By offering hypnobirthing as part of your corporate wellness program, your company demonstrates a commitment to employee wellbeing, which has long-term benefits:
Higher Retention Rates: Supporting employees during key life transitions, such as pregnancy and the transition into parenthood, builds loyalty and reduces turnover. Employees are more likely to return from maternity and paternity leave feeling supported, leading to higher retention rates and a more committed workforce.
Stronger Company Culture: Companies that invest in employee wellbeing create a culture of care and inclusivity. Hypnobirthing programs not only benefit expectant employees but also show the entire workforce that mental and physical health is a priority. This fosters a positive environment where employees feel valued and supported.
Attracting Top Talent: In today’s competitive job market, offering innovative wellness programs like hypnobirthing can set your company apart. Prospective employees are drawn to companies that go beyond the basics of maternity leave and offer real, impactful support during significant life changes.
A Calmer Workforce, A Stronger Business
Integrating hypnobirthing into your corporate wellness strategy isn’t just about supporting expectant employees during their pregnancy—it’s about building a calmer, more focused, and resilient workforce. By reducing stress, improving mental health, and boosting productivity,
hypnobirthing can help your business thrive.
A calmer workforce means fewer disruptions, greater employee satisfaction, and a more productive environment. In turn, this makes your business stronger, more agile, and better equipped to meet the demands of an ever-changing corporate landscape.
Is your company ready to embrace the future of employee wellbeing? Consider adding hypnobirthing to your wellness offerings and watch as your workforce becomes more focused, relaxed, and loyal.
The Birth and Baby Company can help
Our on-demand antenatal courses and support programs provide expecting parents with the knowledge and confidence they need for a smooth pregnancy, birth, and transition to parenthood. Our range of packages can provide 1:1 support, regular Q&As. Crucially, all packages provide education on communication with healthcare professionals, understanding risks and options, knowledge on physically supporting themselves through pregnancy, birth and recovery, and advocating for their preferences.
Contact us today to learn how we can help your company support its most valuable asset – its people.
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Labour and Birth
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