What is HypnoBirthing?

Marie Mongan, founder of HypnoBirthing, defines it this way: “HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. It is a rewarding, relaxing, stress-free method of birthing that is based on the belief that all babies should come into the world in an atmosphere of gentleness, calm and joy. When a mother is properly prepared for birthing physically, mentally, and spiritually, she can experience that sort of joy, birthing her baby in an easier, more comfortable, and, often, even pain-free manner. Through a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, self-hypnosis, and education, HypnoBirthing returns to a woman the art of birthing in a way that allows her to summon her natural birthing instincts and to birth her bab in safety and with ease. HypnoBirthing is based on the belief that severe discomfort does not need to be a natural accompaniment to birthing.”

www.hypnobirthing.com
www.hypnobirthing.co.uk

What is hypnosis?

First, what it isn’t. There is great deal of misconception about hypnosis. Contrary to what is portrayed in dramas and comedies for entertainment, you are not under someone else’s control when you are hypnotized. In hypnosis you remain totally conscious, a consenting participant, fully in control, comfortably relaxed, aware of your surroundings and what is happening.

Hypnosis is a very natural state that most of us exist in during a large part of the day. When we become engrossed with our work and lose track of time or of what is going on around us, that is hypnosis. We are in a hypnotic state when we get caught up in daydreams or become so immersed in a movie or a television show that we emotionally react to what the actors are experiencing.

The American Medical Association recognizes hypnosis as a beneficial therapy for many physical and emotional needs. It currently is widely used to help people to rid themselves of habits, anxieties, and phobias; to control stress and pain; and to enhance their confidence or life skills, performance, and healing from illness.

Hypnosis is a means of inducing a level of consciousness that is characterized by relaxation and suggestibility. The purpose of hypnosis is to provide a means of by-passing the critical mind and accessing the non-reasoning, suggestible subconscious.

Why should hypnosis play a role in your preparation for childbirth?

Simply, because your mind has been conditioned to fear childbirth. You will now practice self-hypnosis – that is, you will work alone or with help from your birth companion – to replace your negative thoughts with positive ones: to replace fear with confidence. During birth, you will use self-hypnosis to achieve deep relaxation – your body will be loose and limp, and your birthing muscles, free of tension, will function as they are created to function – while receiving positive suggestions of comfortable, easy, safe birthing.

Though you will be totally relaxed, you’ll also be fully in control. You may appear as though you’re sleeping or have taken some medication to put you into this profoundly relaxed state. You’ll be able to hear conversations and may, or may not, wish to join in. You’ll be able to interrupt your relaxation whenever you wish and resume it whenever you wish. You will be aware of your uterine surges, but you will experience them comfortably and with the knowledge that you are very much in charge.