Book excerpt: Hypnobirthing is a popular and proven method of birth preparation that uses a series of simple but effective techniques to help facilitate a calm, confident and positive birth experience. Why Hypnobirthing Matters looks at the origins and rationale for using hypnosis for childbirth, explains what you can expect from hypnobirthing, and dispels common misunderstandings in a lively, informative way. This revised second edition includes up-to-date evidence and resources, discusses the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and social media on birth and birth preparation, and explains how hypnobirthing has become firmly established as a valuable tool for parents preparing for the birth of their baby.