WHAT IS
Hypnobirthing?
The
Background
Hypnobirthing is a generic term that is used to describe the use of hypnotherapy (or self-hypnosis) for birth.
Typically, while growing up, the narrative and stories we hear and learn about birth relates to pain, discomfort and trauma. These stories can produce a negative emotional approach to our own birth, creating a lot of fear and anxiety for many women and their birth partners. We have all heard the horror stories and seen the Hollywood movies depicting labour in this way. But birth does not need to be like this.
When fear is present in birth, this creates a corresponding physical response in our labouring ability and can inhibit our natural instinctual activity. Cultivating an atmosphere of calm and support can empower birthing mothers to remain relaxed and in control of their labour and birthing expereince.
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What is the 'hypno' in Hypnobirthing?
Consider when you are driving a car. Have you ever arrived to your destination and realised you don't remember driving? Well during this time, you are in a self-hypnosis state, where your mind was super-concentrated on your thoughts/feelings and the physical act of driving the car was excluded from your conscious.
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Self-hypnosis is a state or condition in which a person becomes highly responsive to suggestions. A super-concentration on a single idea with the exclusion of all other thoughts. The reason it's referred to as 'self-hypnosis' is because only the person practicing hypnosis can allow themselves to go into this state. It is commonly misunderstood to be something someone else does to them. It’s a normal state of mind that all people are in many times every day. The ability to go into self-hypnosis is a learned skill.
Self-hypnosis is one of the many tools I teach within my birth classes to help women remain relaxed and reduce their fear. Allowing you and your birth partner to apprach your labour and birth with confidence.