What Is HypnoBirthing And Can It Help With Labor Pains?
Posted on 04. Nov, 2011 by Danielle Buffardi in Birth, Labor & Delivery, Pregnancy Education
HypnoBirthing is one of those topics that some families are familiar with and some simply have no idea what it is, how it’s done, and if it even works.
This post will answer all of those questions and more.
What exactly is HypnoBirthing? While this question can perhaps be answered in many ways, quite simply put, HypnoBirthing is supposed to be a gentle and relaxing way to give birth. While in labor, you place yourself in an ultra-calm state using visualizations, music, self-hypnosis, and relaxation techniques. You and your body work through your labor in a Zen-like state – minimizing pain and discomfort.
How does HynoBirthing differ from other childbirth methods? HynoBirthing is based on the principals that labor doesn’t necessarily have to be painful. That one can go through the labor and birthing process in a state of calmness and euphoria is really the idea behind how HypnoBirthing came into existence. The laboring mother should be at one with her body and her baby, envisioning an easy, safe, and short labor for both.
Will I remember my labor? Oh yes, you will. When you choose to engage in Hypnobirthing, you are totally conscious but just in a strong state of relaxation and engagement with your body. Your mind is still functioning normally so you’re aware of what is going on around you.
Can I still go the HypnoBirthing route if I give birth in a hospital? You sure can! Because HypnoBirthing is more a state of mind, it can absolutely help you and teach you beneficial relaxation techniques that you can use to calm yourself, your body, and your baby down in any situation and feel more in control of yourself – be it a hospital, a birthing center, or a home birth.
Can I ensure myself a pain free birthing process if I opt to go with Hypnobirthing? No. Nothing and no one in the world can ensure you a pain free labor – childbirth hurts, it’s up to you to decide how you and your body want to handle the pain. It’s the process of learning how to HypnoBirth that can help you cope and perhaps even lessen the pains of labor.
If you feel that you’d like to explore and incorporate HypnoBirthing options into your birth plan, then your first step is to talk to your prenatal caregiver and let them know that you are interested and would like to know more about it. I would then do some online research to learn all that you can about HynoBirthing’s teachings and practices. The more informed you are about your pregnancy and delivery, the more apt you are to make educated choices.
Please share your experiences with HypnoBirthing in the comment section below, we’d love to hear from you.
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About the author: Danielle is a freelance blogger and editor specializing in parenting, family, pregnancy, social media, and entrepreneurial topics. To learn more about Danielle, please visit her website at www.PenPointEditorial.com.
2 Responses to “What Is HypnoBirthing And Can It Help With Labor Pains?”
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APA momma
05. Nov, 2011
Not a comment on this post but…what has happened to the forums? I was on last night and now it says the link is no longer valid????
search engine marketing
15. Nov, 2011
I will be honest, and tell you I was very scared of the birthing process. When I had my son two years ago, I had an epidural. Although, it was a beautiful birth, I felt I needed to research what would be best for my next baby. When I heard about HypnoBirthing, I knew it was for me. The classes taught me that my fears would affect my birthing experience, whether I had an epidural or not. I knew I wanted to have a peaceful birth. I was empowered by what I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes. I was so committed to having a peaceful birth that I changed my OB and our hospital in the last few weeks of my pregnancy. When I went into labor with my daughter the tools I learned in class helped me to stay calm. I had her in three hours. I did not scream once. After her birth, my doctor and my husband said I made it look so easy. I was humming through the surges. I will always be grateful for the tools I learned in Carol’s HypnoBirthing classes that empowered me to face my fears. I want to thank you for the support you have shown me and all the resources you have given us. We are very grateful.~Susan and Miguel N., 2nd time parents, San Marcos, CA.