How Does Hypnobirthing Work?
By Mavi Gupta, M.D., C. C.Ht.
Co-creator - The Birth Relaxation Kit™
Overriding Fear About Birth / How Hypno-Moms See It Differently
It’s funny how many expectant mothers, when asked if they would consider hypnobirthing, blow it off because it sounds like some kind of hocus pocus. Or they have already given into the fact that they are going to be miserable and sleeping restlessly during pregnancy, and that birth is just a means to an end--horribly painful and even traumatic.
Instead of taking five to ten minutes to find out the basics about something that can completely change their thinking and completely change their birth, they just hold onto the mainstream myth that birth has to be long, difficult, utterly painful and riddled with medication and other medical interventions.
By Mavi Gupta, M.D., C. C.Ht.
Co-creator - The Birth Relaxation Kit™
Overriding Fear About Birth / How Hypno-Moms See It Differently
It’s funny how many expectant mothers, when asked if they would consider hypnobirthing, blow it off because it sounds like some kind of hocus pocus. Or they have already given into the fact that they are going to be miserable and sleeping restlessly during pregnancy, and that birth is just a means to an end--horribly painful and even traumatic.
Instead of taking five to ten minutes to find out the basics about something that can completely change their thinking and completely change their birth, they just hold onto the mainstream myth that birth has to be long, difficult, utterly painful and riddled with medication and other medical interventions.
They hold onto fear.
I have come to realize that fear is one of the overriding emotions about childbirth in our culture. Many expectant mothers feel real panic about giving birth. The very thought of laboring keeps them from sleeping peacefully during pregnancy. The mere mention of birth makes increases their heart rate and makes their whole body tense.
Of course, it is natural to ask a lot of questions about birth, especially as a first time mother. “Will my baby be healthy?” “Is birth really as painful as everyone has told me it will be?” “Am I ready to be a mother?”
Because the mainstream birth paradigm is often a very negative one, it is quite natural to think negative thoughts, such as, “I can’t do this on my own,” “I need drugs during labor,” or, “I’m not ready to birth my baby.”
This overriding fear and negativity has become epidemic. I believe it is at the heart of the over-medicalization pandemic in the U.S., China and many other countries. It is at the root of the rising Cesarean Section rates. It is at the epicenter of each birth horror story that is passed from one woman to another.
But for “hypno-moms” things are different. Women who have practiced hypnosis during pregnancy, during birth or both, have a completely different mindset about birth. These women are confident, positive and peaceful. They have faced their fears and gotten rid of them. They embrace birth fully!
For hypno-moms, fear is not the overriding emotion because women who use hypnobirthing can relax their mind and body deeply when they want, even during contractions. They learn that the word “contractions” is, in fact, a misnomer. They understand them as pressure waves, or birthing waves. This is because the word contraction implies a tensing of muscles when birthing waves are experienced just as pressure when you learn to relax through them. Plus, those birthing waves are usually “painful” to most women because most women are very tense when experiencing them. They haven’t practiced relaxation and they haven’t had a complete mental shift in how they see the birthing process. Hypno-moms have!
I have come to realize that fear is one of the overriding emotions about childbirth in our culture. Many expectant mothers feel real panic about giving birth. The very thought of laboring keeps them from sleeping peacefully during pregnancy. The mere mention of birth makes increases their heart rate and makes their whole body tense.
Of course, it is natural to ask a lot of questions about birth, especially as a first time mother. “Will my baby be healthy?” “Is birth really as painful as everyone has told me it will be?” “Am I ready to be a mother?”
Because the mainstream birth paradigm is often a very negative one, it is quite natural to think negative thoughts, such as, “I can’t do this on my own,” “I need drugs during labor,” or, “I’m not ready to birth my baby.”
This overriding fear and negativity has become epidemic. I believe it is at the heart of the over-medicalization pandemic in the U.S., China and many other countries. It is at the root of the rising Cesarean Section rates. It is at the epicenter of each birth horror story that is passed from one woman to another.
But for “hypno-moms” things are different. Women who have practiced hypnosis during pregnancy, during birth or both, have a completely different mindset about birth. These women are confident, positive and peaceful. They have faced their fears and gotten rid of them. They embrace birth fully!
For hypno-moms, fear is not the overriding emotion because women who use hypnobirthing can relax their mind and body deeply when they want, even during contractions. They learn that the word “contractions” is, in fact, a misnomer. They understand them as pressure waves, or birthing waves. This is because the word contraction implies a tensing of muscles when birthing waves are experienced just as pressure when you learn to relax through them. Plus, those birthing waves are usually “painful” to most women because most women are very tense when experiencing them. They haven’t practiced relaxation and they haven’t had a complete mental shift in how they see the birthing process. Hypno-moms have!
What else do hypno-moms do?
They learn to naturally anesthetize and even eliminate pain. They often experience shorter, more comfortable labors. They are more connected to their bodies, births and babies. They even sleep better during pregnancy.
How Does Birth Hypnosis Work?
Okay. Now you know what is possible for a birth and pregnancy using hypnosis. So what actually happens when you experience hypnosis?
Hypnosis is often misconstrued as some sort of parlour trick used to embarrass people on stage by having them bark like a dog or act like a monkey. However, hypnosis is used medically every day in therapy sessions and even during surgery in place of anesthesia. Furthermore, we all experience hypnotic states to varying degrees daily. These kinds of “trances” happen when we are walking, when we are “zoning out” while petting the cat or watching a movie, when we are doing repetitive tasks like doing the dishes or folding laundry and even when we are driving a car!
If you can reach mild states of hypnosis without any intention to do so, think about how powerful it would be if you actually practiced hypnosis!
Hypnosis uses deep relaxation to open your subconscious mind to powerful suggestions. A subject goes into hypnotic or trance state using deep breathing and various “deepening” techniques, at which point positive suggestions are made by the hypnotherapist. In the case of hypnobirthing, a hypnotherapist might use guided imagery so you can picture your healthy, growing baby. The therapist might have you face your specific fears head on only to have you visualize them completely obliterated. They might make suggestions about your comfortable, positive and easy birth.
They learn to naturally anesthetize and even eliminate pain. They often experience shorter, more comfortable labors. They are more connected to their bodies, births and babies. They even sleep better during pregnancy.
How Does Birth Hypnosis Work?
Okay. Now you know what is possible for a birth and pregnancy using hypnosis. So what actually happens when you experience hypnosis?
Hypnosis is often misconstrued as some sort of parlour trick used to embarrass people on stage by having them bark like a dog or act like a monkey. However, hypnosis is used medically every day in therapy sessions and even during surgery in place of anesthesia. Furthermore, we all experience hypnotic states to varying degrees daily. These kinds of “trances” happen when we are walking, when we are “zoning out” while petting the cat or watching a movie, when we are doing repetitive tasks like doing the dishes or folding laundry and even when we are driving a car!
If you can reach mild states of hypnosis without any intention to do so, think about how powerful it would be if you actually practiced hypnosis!
Hypnosis uses deep relaxation to open your subconscious mind to powerful suggestions. A subject goes into hypnotic or trance state using deep breathing and various “deepening” techniques, at which point positive suggestions are made by the hypnotherapist. In the case of hypnobirthing, a hypnotherapist might use guided imagery so you can picture your healthy, growing baby. The therapist might have you face your specific fears head on only to have you visualize them completely obliterated. They might make suggestions about your comfortable, positive and easy birth.
Consider also that you can experience hypnosis with your eyes open, and even while you are standing or walking around. Remember I mentioned above that we even experience hypnotic states while we’re driving? Did you ever drive somewhere, arrive at your destination and wonder what you were doing for the last 15 minutes? This is so common, and it means that you can perform very complex tasks, such as driving a car, while “zoning out.” Think about it. You are pressing pedals, steering, shifting gears, watching the road and other vehicles and navigating.
In the same way, you can walk around during labor, or be in whatever comfortable position you like with your eyes closed or open, and still be completely relaxed under self-hypnosis. This is revolutionary to mainstream birthing, which often requires you to birth in a hospital bed on your back. After practicing hypnosis during pregnancy you will easily be able to find that same hypnotic state during birth, and you will be able to find the most comfortable and optimal birthing positions. This is exactly what will help make your birthing time easier and shorter.
Benefits Of Pregnancy and Birth Hypnosis
At the least, childbirth hypnosis will relax you. At best, you can learn methods to birth pain-free! Some of the other benefits of hypnosis:
In the same way, you can walk around during labor, or be in whatever comfortable position you like with your eyes closed or open, and still be completely relaxed under self-hypnosis. This is revolutionary to mainstream birthing, which often requires you to birth in a hospital bed on your back. After practicing hypnosis during pregnancy you will easily be able to find that same hypnotic state during birth, and you will be able to find the most comfortable and optimal birthing positions. This is exactly what will help make your birthing time easier and shorter.
Benefits Of Pregnancy and Birth Hypnosis
At the least, childbirth hypnosis will relax you. At best, you can learn methods to birth pain-free! Some of the other benefits of hypnosis:
- Better sleep during pregnancy.
- Shorter labors as a result of relaxation. Most birthing mothers work against their natural birthing waves by tensing, which actually slows labor. Hypno-moms flow with those waves (Abramson and Heron).
- Fewer drugs or no drugs (Harmon, Hynan, & Tyre, 1990). That means fewer or no drugs for baby, which is known to help with bonding and breastfeeding just postpartum.
- Deeper feeling of connection to baby. Greater feeling of security and less fear during birth (Tiba, Frater, Balogh, & Bognarne-Varfalvi, 1985).
- More comfortable birth experience, or decreased pain sensation (Dillenburger & Keenan, 1996; Barber, 1996; Oster, 1994; D'Eon, 1989; South, 1988; Mairs, 1995).
- Fewer interventions and complications during labor (Mehl, Donovan, & Peterson, 1990).
- Some hypnobirthing programs help to turn breech babies.
- Faster postpartum recovery and a greatly decreased chance of postpartum depression (McCarthy).
How Do I Do Hypnobirthing?
I’ve already mentioned that hypnobirthing is, at the least, very relaxing during pregnancy. Even better than that, hypnosis for childbirth is easy. There are two simple things hypnosis requires: willingness and practice. You just need a willingness to try it. You simply have to want it to work. That is not so difficult! If you practice regularly you will be even more successful. Practicing is one of my most important tips for childbirth, regardless of your methods (hypnosis, Lamaze, meditation, yoga, breathing, etc.).
Furthermore, most people (about 95%) are able to be hypnotized. This is because, as I mentioned, hypnosis is a completely natural state. We all experience hypnotic states during daily activity, as when taking a peaceful walk, doing the dishes or watching a movie.
There are three paths you can take to do hypnosis:
1 - Private Hypnotherapy: One on one sessions with an experienced and trained hypnotherapist can do wonders. One on one sessions are often most effective because the therapist is working specifically with you. The therapist gets to know you intimately and can speak directly to your own fears and needs.
Always interview a therapist before committing to sessions. It is important you feel comfortable with them. If you cannot relax the hypnosis sessions will be less effective. You may want to make sure they have experience or training with childbirth hypnosis.
You may choose to have the hypnotherapist attend the birth, but it is just as common to only do sessions during pregnancy and use self-hypnosis during birth.
The biggest downside of private sessions is the cost. Therapists may charge anywhere from $50-$125 per session. That leads us to two other great options...
2. Birth Hypnosis Classes: A class is definitely less costly. The fees for classes often run between $250-$350, usually including five or so two and a half hour sessions.
Other factors vary. The instructors may be trained hypnotherapists experienced with childbirth, or they may simply be childbirth educators with a hypnosis background. The classes may vary in size and class length. Some instructors will attend your birth. Some may not.
Many hypno-birth classes include scripts, manuals, workbooks and recordings. With classes you also get the benefit of a shared experience with other expectant parents. The value of this communal childbirth education is so often overlooked in our society.
The downside of classes is that many women find it difficult to truly relax in a group or class setting. If you cannot relax it is difficult to be hypnotized fully. Another issue with classes is that you have to deal with scheduling and you have to deal with getting there. Cost can be prohibitive for some.
3. Home Study: A hypno-home study offers the benefit of privacy without all the hassles of scheduling. You can do it in the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to deal with being in a group setting, which makes it easier to relax for most expectant mothers. It costs a mere fraction of what private sessions and classes cost. Most importantly, with a home study course you can practice every day if you want. We encourage daily practice for the best results.
Home studies use recordings (CDs, mp3s or both). Usually included in home study programs are a handful to a dozen hypnosis recordings, PDFs or guide books, scripts and/or relaxing music.
One final great thing about home study courses is that the materials are yours for life. You don’t need to schedule any other sessions or pay for any other classes. Often times, the recordings included in the programs can be used postpartum or really anytime in life!
Some great birth hypnosis home studies: Hypnobabies, HypnoBirth, Birth Relaxation Kit and GentleBirth.
Such programs range from below $50 to over $150.
I’ve already mentioned that hypnobirthing is, at the least, very relaxing during pregnancy. Even better than that, hypnosis for childbirth is easy. There are two simple things hypnosis requires: willingness and practice. You just need a willingness to try it. You simply have to want it to work. That is not so difficult! If you practice regularly you will be even more successful. Practicing is one of my most important tips for childbirth, regardless of your methods (hypnosis, Lamaze, meditation, yoga, breathing, etc.).
Furthermore, most people (about 95%) are able to be hypnotized. This is because, as I mentioned, hypnosis is a completely natural state. We all experience hypnotic states during daily activity, as when taking a peaceful walk, doing the dishes or watching a movie.
There are three paths you can take to do hypnosis:
1 - Private Hypnotherapy: One on one sessions with an experienced and trained hypnotherapist can do wonders. One on one sessions are often most effective because the therapist is working specifically with you. The therapist gets to know you intimately and can speak directly to your own fears and needs.
Always interview a therapist before committing to sessions. It is important you feel comfortable with them. If you cannot relax the hypnosis sessions will be less effective. You may want to make sure they have experience or training with childbirth hypnosis.
You may choose to have the hypnotherapist attend the birth, but it is just as common to only do sessions during pregnancy and use self-hypnosis during birth.
The biggest downside of private sessions is the cost. Therapists may charge anywhere from $50-$125 per session. That leads us to two other great options...
2. Birth Hypnosis Classes: A class is definitely less costly. The fees for classes often run between $250-$350, usually including five or so two and a half hour sessions.
Other factors vary. The instructors may be trained hypnotherapists experienced with childbirth, or they may simply be childbirth educators with a hypnosis background. The classes may vary in size and class length. Some instructors will attend your birth. Some may not.
Many hypno-birth classes include scripts, manuals, workbooks and recordings. With classes you also get the benefit of a shared experience with other expectant parents. The value of this communal childbirth education is so often overlooked in our society.
The downside of classes is that many women find it difficult to truly relax in a group or class setting. If you cannot relax it is difficult to be hypnotized fully. Another issue with classes is that you have to deal with scheduling and you have to deal with getting there. Cost can be prohibitive for some.
3. Home Study: A hypno-home study offers the benefit of privacy without all the hassles of scheduling. You can do it in the comfort of your own home. You won’t have to deal with being in a group setting, which makes it easier to relax for most expectant mothers. It costs a mere fraction of what private sessions and classes cost. Most importantly, with a home study course you can practice every day if you want. We encourage daily practice for the best results.
Home studies use recordings (CDs, mp3s or both). Usually included in home study programs are a handful to a dozen hypnosis recordings, PDFs or guide books, scripts and/or relaxing music.
One final great thing about home study courses is that the materials are yours for life. You don’t need to schedule any other sessions or pay for any other classes. Often times, the recordings included in the programs can be used postpartum or really anytime in life!
Some great birth hypnosis home studies: Hypnobabies, HypnoBirth, Birth Relaxation Kit and GentleBirth.
Such programs range from below $50 to over $150.
Beat Stress Naturally...
The Birth Relaxation Kit is a unique and fully guaranteed relaxation program so you can eliminate stress and have a healthier pregnancy and birth. It includes hypnosis recordings proven to work, along with daily affirmations and the Birth Empowerment Book with tons and tons of step-by-step relaxation techniques you can start doing now.
The Birth Relaxation Kit is a unique and fully guaranteed relaxation program so you can eliminate stress and have a healthier pregnancy and birth. It includes hypnosis recordings proven to work, along with daily affirmations and the Birth Empowerment Book with tons and tons of step-by-step relaxation techniques you can start doing now.
