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Symptoms > Hypnosis for Childbirth

HYPNOSIS FOR CHILDBIRTH:

A course of therapy for expectant mothers

Since the development of hypnosis techniques specifically for pregnant women, mothers all over the world have been learning to give birth in a state of deep relaxation. Using the power of her own mind, an expectant mother can learn to relax her body, so that her uterus can do the work for which it designed. The result is that her muscles work as they should and her baby is born more quickly and easily, in a state of relaxation, and with very little pain.

Delivery rooms of hospitals and clinics are often not the most relaxing places to be, and an important benefit of a course of Hypnosis for Childbirth is learning to control one’s own inner state, without being affected by the surrounding environment. Other benefits include the following:

Safer, more effective delivery: The use of hypnosis helps to provide a more natural childbirth, producing calmness and relaxation, physically and mentally. This can steady fluctuating blood pressure and reduce pain, anxiety, stress and nausea.

A calm, peaceful birthing experience: Using self-hypnosis, it is more likely that mum will be calmer and happier after giving birth, and there may be a reduced possibility of post-natal depression.

Reduced labour time: It is well established that hypnosis reduces the first stage of labour by approximately 2 hours for women having a second or subsequent baby, and possibly between 3 - 4 hours for those having their first baby.

Reduced need for pain relief drugs: The practice of hypnosis techniques significantly reduces pain during delivery. If a pain relief drug is needed, a lower dose is likely to be effective.

Reduced exhaustion for mum: Most women feel less mentally and physically exhausted, and even look fit and well afterwards. They remain quite calm and relaxed.

Reduced stress for baby: Babies have been shown to cry less, sleep and feed better, and are generally calmer, possibly due to diminished trauma at birth.

Episiotomy: Due to relaxation during the final stages of labour, there is very little tearing (if any at all), since no hard, anxious pushing is applied.

Our bodies and minds are intimately connected, so our mental activity and beliefs have a marked effect on the body. Hypnosis techniques can help you to put your mind in charge of your body. It is generally agreed that hypnosis induces an altered state of awareness, in which your attention is focused, and your conscious (thinking) mind is subdued. This enables your subconscious mind to become highly responsive to suggestion and enables you to tune out distractions. In this state of highly focused concentration, you can use the power of your mind to alter your perception of pain, including the pain generally associated with childbirth. With more control over her mind and body, mum can participate in the natural birth process, and is able to both experience and enjoy the birth of her child.