It sounds like crazy talk right? Pain-free birth. That can't be possible. Or can it? Did you know Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton used Hypnobirthing to help them through their labour and so have thousands of women? The premise is simple. Fear causes pain. Take away the fear and you take away the pain. Interested? Then keep reading.
What is Hypnobirthing?
One particular branded kind of hypnosis during the childbirth process is referred to as HypnoBirthing. The term "hypnosis" on its own denotes "a method during which a person experiences recommended alterations in feeling, perception, thinking, or behaviour."
Hypnobirthing was developed by Marie Mongan, a hypnotherapist from New Hampshire, USA, with more than 30 years of experience. Marie's work was based on the teachings of Grantley Dick-Read, a British obstetrician who was a pioneer in his work on relaxation and childbirth.
Hypnobirthing uses self-hypnosis, guided imagery and special breathing techniques that can help to bring about a shorter, easier, and more joyful birth experience. Women can birth comfortably, awake, alert, and fully in control.
The main goal of HypnoBirthing is to assist women in overcoming any fears or anxieties they may have around childbirth. It uses a variety of relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to assist the body to relax before, during, and after childbirth.
The idea is that when the body and mind are in a completely relaxed state, birth can happen more quickly and painlessly because the body doesn’t fight the natural process.
Hypnobirthing: How Does It Work?
The uterus is a muscle with 3 layers. When women are fearful, the muscles contract rather than open. Hypnobirthing teaches women to be calm and relaxed so that the cervix can open easily and gently. The pain in labour comes when a woman constricts her muscles when having a contraction.
Di says “this is a philosophy in addition to being a technique. Mothers focus on the positive aspect of what childbirth was meant to be. Fear creates tension, tension releases pain.”
"During hypnobirthing, the focus is on oxytocin and endorphins. We teach self-hypnosis, light touch massage and specific breathing methods which release endorphins. We aim to flood the body with oxytocin and endorphins so you can have an easier birth" she adds.
The Benefits of Hypnobirthing
Parents who choose hypnobirthing can enjoy many benefits, including:
- A safer birthing for mother and baby
- Shorter, more comfortable birthing
- A special, integral role for the birthing companion
- Fewer incidences of need for medication
- Fewer breech presentations
- Fewer complications and easier resolution in the event of complication
- An awake, refreshed, and energised birthing mother
- A better outcome for mother and baby
- A calm, peaceful birthing environment
- Good-natured babies who are better sleepers and eaters
- Happy parents who experience a serene, joyful birthing rather than a tense, stressful ordeal
Risks of Hypnobirthing: What You Should Consider
Hypnobirthing has gained popularity as a natural approach to childbirth, emphasising relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. While it offers potential benefits, there are also risks associated with this practice that expectant parents should be aware of. Here are some important considerations:
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Limited Pain Management: Hypnobirthing techniques focus on reducing pain through relaxation and mindfulness. While some women may find these methods effective, others might require additional pain relief options during labour. It's essential to have a backup plan in case hypnobirthing alone does not provide adequate pain management.
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Unpredictable Labour: Labour can be unpredictable, and not all births go according to plan. Relying solely on hypnobirthing techniques might lead to disappointment or increased stress if unexpected interventions become necessary.
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Fear and Anxiety: Hypnobirthing aims to reduce fear and anxiety surrounding childbirth. However, for some women, the pressure to achieve a specific level of relaxation can actually cause more stress. It's important to address any fears or anxieties with a healthcare provider and explore various coping strategies.
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Limited Evidence: While some studies suggest positive outcomes related to hypnobirthing, the scientific evidence is not yet robust. More research is needed to determine the overall effectiveness and safety of hypnobirthing, especially for high-risk pregnancies.
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Lack of Individualization: Hypnobirthing techniques may not be suitable for every woman or every birth scenario. Each labour experience is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach might not address specific needs or complications.
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Delayed Medical Interventions: Overreliance on hypnobirthing techniques might lead to delayed medical interventions in cases where immediate action is required for the health of the mother or baby.
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Disappointment and Guilt: If hypnobirthing does not go as planned, some women may experience disappointment or even guilt for not achieving the desired birth experience. It's important to have realistic expectations and remain flexible.
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Inadequate Preparation: Hypnobirthing classes may not adequately prepare parents for unexpected scenarios, medical interventions, or complications that can arise during childbirth.
In conclusion, while hypnobirthing can offer relaxation techniques and empowerment for childbirth, it's crucial to approach it with a balanced perspective. Consider discussing your birthing plan with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure you are well-prepared for a safe and positive birth experience.
Who Should Not Consider Hypnobirthing
.While many pregnant individuals find hypnobirthing beneficial, there are some cases where it might not be the ideal choice. If you have a history of serious mental health issues, such as severe anxiety or psychosis, it's important to consult your healthcare provider before considering hypnobirthing.
Additionally, if you're sceptical about the method or have doubts about its effectiveness, it might not be the right fit for you. It's crucial to have an open mind and a willingness to embrace the techniques involved. Remember, every pregnancy journey is unique, so it's essential to choose an approach that aligns with your comfort level and medical needs.
Water Birthing
Water birthing and hypnobirthing work together hand-in-hand. Water gives the mum-to-be freedom of movement, privacy and warmth.
But if you are considering a waterbirth, do keep in mind what Di says: “it’s (waterbirth) not for everybody, in some cases, it slows birth. You will know water birthing is not for you through fetal heartbeat monitoring. If the fetus is in distress you have to get out of the water.
The water needs to be between 35 -37 degrees. Baby needs to be completely submerged when he comes out, and it is very important to have an attendant who is trained in water birthing with you.”
Hypnobabies vs Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing
The Mongan Method is another name for hypnobirth. It entails five classes, each lasting two and a half hours, for a total of 12 hours of training. It is regarded as the "original" approach. Around the world, there are a lot of licenced HypnoBirthing practitioners.
The primary concept behind this approach is that if the body is relaxed, intense pain need not be a part of labour. Different self-hypnosis and relaxation methods, such as guided imagery and breathing, are taught to participants.
Hypnobabies
Another technique for hypnosis during childbirth is hypnobabies. It is based on Gerald Kein, a renowned hypnotherapist, who created the Painless Childbirth Program.
While this practice is similar to hypnobirthing, there are several significant differences. Instead of depending solely on simple relaxation techniques, it emphasises particular pain management strategies. These strategies consist of somnambulistic hypnosis (sleepwalking) procedures of "medical grade" as well as hypnotic compounding (repetition).
With six classes lasting three hours each and a total of 18 hours of training, this course is also a little longer.
Hypnobirthing vs Lamaze
HypnoBirthing and Lamaze are two distinct approaches to childbirth education that aim to empower expectant mothers and provide them with tools to achieve a more natural and positive birthing experience. While both methods share the common goal of promoting physiologic birth, they differ in their techniques and philosophies.
HypnoBirthing emphasizes the power of self-hypnosis, deep relaxation, and visualization to reduce fear and pain during labour. The method encourages expectant mothers to tap into their natural maternal instincts and trust their bodies' ability to give birth without unnecessary interventions.
Through dedicated practice and training, women learn to release their anxieties surrounding childbirth and embrace a more positive mindset, which can contribute to smoother labour experiences.
On the other hand, Lamaze is another popular childbirth education method that focuses on providing women with evidence-based information and coping techniques for labour and birth. Lamaze classes typically cover a wide range of topics, including breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, pain management options, and informed decision-making.
Lamaze encourages women to become active participants in their birthing process, helping them to make informed choices and advocate for their preferences while working in partnership with their healthcare providers.
HypnoBirthing emphasizes the use of self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques to create a positive birthing experience, while Lamaze provides a comprehensive approach to childbirth education, equipping women with a variety of strategies and information to navigate labour and delivery.
Both methods aim to empower women and promote physiologic birth, but they do so through different means.
Hypnobirthing vs Bradley Method
HypnoBirthing and the Bradley Method are two distinct approaches to childbirth education, each with its own philosophy and techniques.
HypnoBirthing focuses on promoting a positive and comfortable birthing experience through self-hypnosis, deep relaxation, and visualization. It aims to empower expectant mothers to release fears and trust their bodies' natural abilities during labour and birth.
In contrast, the Bradley Method, developed by Dr Robert Bradley, emphasises the role of a supportive coach, often the partner, in guiding the labouring woman through relaxation, controlled breathing, and physical comfort techniques.
It encourages natural childbirth by preparing couples for an unmedicated, physiologic birth, with a focus on helping women manage pain and achieve a joyful birth experience through active participation and coaching.
When To Start Hypnobirthing?
For mothers who prefer low-tech labour and delivery without epidurals for pain relief, an induction, or a C-section, hypnobirthing may be the best option.
Mums and partners who opt for hypnobirthing typically want to have greater control over the labour process and comprehend what is happening rather than blindly following their doctor's instructions. Another useful tool for teaching what the body goes through during labour is hypnobirthing.
You can start going to hypnobirthing sessions soon after your 20-week scan, according to The Hypnobirthing Midwife. Women often begin between the 28th and 32nd weeks of pregnancy. This allows you plenty of time to practise the methods and get in the right frame of mind.
You still decide when to begin hypnobirthing, and even with just a few or three weeks of practice, you can still benefit from the technique.
How To Practice Hypnobirthing?
Maybe you've taken a course in hypnobirthing, you know how it all works, and you realise that the most crucial thing to do right now is PRACTICE. Then HOW? For how long? What's the best course of action?
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Every Day Practice
Positive Affirmations
The simplest first step after finishing your training is to surround yourself with encouraging words!
You can create your own, purchase a pre-made bundle, print some from Pinterest, or do anything else!
Place them in the biscuit tray, on the refrigerator, or all over your computer screen. Anywhere you're likely to look frequently! Positive thoughts should flow into that subconscious mind!
Relaxation Scripts
Playing scripts as you go to sleep every night is the quickest way to routinely practise them. You can practise your selected scripts "live" with your partner reading them, or you can use the MP3s that are included with your course. To practise without them if necessary, you can even ask your companion to record your favourite scripts.
Up and Down Breathing Techniques
Create a trigger so you may practise your up breathing and visualisations every time you put your key in the door or come to a stop at a red light. It only takes about 60 seconds or the length of a surge during the height of labour, and only requires four breaths.
Every time you go to the bathroom, remember to practise your down breathing! To serve as a reminder, you may post a positive affirmation in the restroom.
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Pelvic Floor Exercises
Keep in mind to concentrate equally on the lift and the "relax" a few times a week.
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Massage Techniques
The Positively Birthing course teaches three fundamental massage techniques; if you can convince your partner to use them once a week while you're pregnant, they'll come naturally after the baby is born. You can get endless deep tissue massages, sacral pressure massages, and "soft touch" massages.
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Read Positive Birth Stories
Search for positive birth stories and read through them all during your free time.
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Make a Birth Plan
For this one, sit down with your birth partner and brainstorm some ideas and birth preferences. But it's not necessary to finish it all at once!
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Practice Relaxation Scripts Outside
Most likely, you won't be in bed during a large portion of your labour. Try practising your relaxation scripts while standing up, taking a park stroll, or bathing. wherever you like!
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Positive Affirmation MP3
This can be looped to play after your relaxation scripts, or you can have it prepared to play while driving, running errands, or doing the dishes! (NB: Only use the affirmations while driving; do not use a relaxation script.)
Hypnobirthing Breathing Techniques
Controlled breathing
Two of these breathing techniques are shared by the HypnoBirthing Midwife. You take a big breath in through your nose and exhale through your nose. Breathe in for four counts and out for seven counts.
The second method is comparable. The same deep breathing technique is used, but you stretch the inhalation to a count of seven and maintain an even seven on the exhale. This method of breathing is meant to assist activate your parasympathetic nervous system and make you feel more at ease.
Use J Breathing When You Are Pushing
When you feel the urge to push your baby out, apply the J breathing hypnobirthing technique. During contractions, your body will naturally begin to press down. You should let your body push in the manner that seems most natural to it.
You can concentrate, maintain your composure, and maintain control as you push by using the J breath. When you breathe in this way, you are using the movement of your breath to imagine pushing your child down and then back up, like a J. Think in your arms first, then down.
Simply take a big breath to begin the J-breath. You virtually hold your breath in your chest and gently push it out rather than letting it out right away. You imagine forcing your baby out by pressing the breath down. Then you let go and move once more.
Never should pushing cause you to feel as though you are holding your breath or tensing your face or upper body.
Other Hypnobirthing Techniques
Prenatal Conditioning
The Start of Hypnosis
A focus on positive thoughts and words
Guided visualization
- be able to enter and exit hypnosis at will and be completely aware of what is occurring to you.
- unwind more, preventing your body from going into fight-or-flight mode as a result of the birth room's strange surroundings.
- be better able to control pain and stress hormones thanks to endorphin release
Support
Birth-ed, Healthline, HypnoBirthing® Institute
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