Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re preparing to bring your baby into the world while also managing type 1 diabetes. First of all—you’re amazing. As someone who has type 1 diabetes and has been through two pregnancies, I know firsthand how much extra planning, monitoring, and emotional strength it takes. But I also know that birth can be beautiful, empowering, and even peaceful, especially when you have the right tools and support. That’s where hypnobirthing comes in.
What is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is a way of preparing for birth that focuses on deep relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing techniques to help you feel calm and in control. It teaches you how to work with your body instead of against it, using visualization, affirmations, and guided relaxation to ease fear and pain. I used hypnobirthing in both of my births, and I can tell you—it made a world of difference. I wasn’t just ‘getting through’ labour; I was embracing it, feeling strong and confident in my body’s ability to birth my babies safely.
Let’s talk about how hypnobirthing can be a game-changer for those of us managing type 1 diabetes during labour.
Reducing Stress Hormones
Stress and diabetes don’t mix well, especially during labour. When you’re anxious, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which can send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride. The last thing you need is a spike or crash when you’re already working hard to bring your baby into the world.
Hypnobirthing helps keep stress in check by guiding you into a state of deep relaxation. Whether it’s through calm breathing, guided imagery, or listening to positive affirmations, you’ll create a sense of safety and peace within your body. I found that when I focused on my breath and let go of fear, my blood sugar stayed more stable, and I felt more in control of the whole experience.
Think of hypnobirthing as a tool that lets you hit the “pause” button on stress. Instead of getting caught up in the chaos, you’re creating a bubble of calm that helps you—and your birth team—manage your diabetes more smoothly.
Improved Pain Management
Let’s be real—labour is intense. But pain and suffering are not the same thing. The way we experience pain is deeply connected to our mindset, and that’s where hypnobirthing is a total game-changer.
With techniques like visualisation and controlled breathing, you can shift your focus from fear to empowerment. Instead of dreading contractions, you learn to work with them. I used deep breathing and affirmations to remind myself that each surge was bringing me closer to my baby. And guess what? It worked! I felt less overwhelmed, more in control, and way less panicked than I expected.
Pain-related stress can also mess with blood sugar levels, making it harder to maintain stable numbers. But by keeping your body in a relaxed state, you’re preventing those spikes and dips that can throw things off balance. It’s about giving yourself the best possible chance for a smooth, empowered birth.
Better Focus on Self-Care
Managing type 1 diabetes in labor takes a lot of awareness—checking your blood sugar, adjusting insulin, making sure you’re eating or drinking when needed. Hypnobirthing helps keep you present and in tune with your body so that you can catch those subtle signs that your blood sugar might be shifting.
For example, during my labours, I was able to recognise when my energy dipped and asked my husband to check my glucose levels. Because I was relaxed and not overwhelmed by panic, I could communicate my needs clearly and confidently.
Another huge benefit? Hypnobirthing makes it easier to follow medical advice. When you’re calm and focused, you can work with your midwives, doctors, or birth team to make the best decisions for you and your baby—whether that means monitoring more often, adjusting your insulin, or making changes to your birth plan if needed.
A Positive Birth Experience
If you’ve been told that birth will be harder or more stressful because of type 1 diabetes, I want to gently push back on that. Yes, there are extra considerations, but that doesn’t mean your birth can’t be beautiful, powerful, and even enjoyable.
Hypnobirthing gives you the mindset shift you need to go into labor feeling confident instead of scared. Through positive affirmations and visualization, you start to trust that your body knows what to do. That shift alone makes a massive difference. Instead of seeing contractions as something to fear, you start to welcome them as the waves that will bring your baby to you.
And even if things don’t go exactly as planned—maybe you need an induction, a C-section, or more medical interventions—the techniques you learn will help you stay calm and feel in control. That’s what truly matters. Birth isn’t about sticking to a perfect plan; it’s about feeling empowered, supported, and at peace with the process.
Real-Life Experiences
I’ve lived this, and I can tell you hypnobirthing was a lifesaver for me. But I’m not the only one! So many other women with type 1 diabetes have found comfort and strength in these techniques.
For example, Sarah, a fellow T1D mum, shared that using hypnobirthing helped her stay calm and focused while her midwives managed her insulin adjustments. Another mum, Lisa, said that practicing deep breathing kept her from panicking when her blood sugar dipped mid-labour—she was able to calmly drink some juice and keep going without losing her rhythm.
Integrating Hypnobirthing with Medical Support
Hypnobirthing isn’t about ignoring medical advice—it’s about working alongside your healthcare team to create the best possible birth experience. If you’re using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), talk to your team about how often you or even better, your birth partner want to check your numbers during labour. If you’re on an insulin pump, discuss how to adjust your basal rates as labour progresses.
With hypnobirthing, you’re not just a passive patient—you’re an active participant in your own birth. You’re the one who knows your body best, and these techniques help you stay clear-headed so you can make the best choices for you and your baby.
You’ve Got This
Mama, I know this journey isn’t always easy. But you are strong, capable, and absolutely ready to welcome your baby in the way that feels right for you. Hypnobirthing can be a powerful tool to help you feel calm, confident, and in control—no matter how your birth unfolds.
So take a deep breath. Trust yourself. You’ve got this.