Hypnosis and a happy birth
Hypnosis during childbirth is a tried and proven method to help expecting families prepare for the arrival of their newest member. You probably have the term “Hypnobirth” before. While “hypnobirthing” is a registered trademark for a specific training program, there are other training programs out there all of which can help with childbirth.
Since the beginning of time, women have been sharing the negative stories of each other’s experience helping to preserve the fear of giving birth. Women have been conditioned to expect excruciating pain and this extreme fear causes their bodies to tense up. The result is exactly what they feared most – a long, painful birthing or unnecessary intervention that they were not prepared for or could have been avoided. Childbirth should be an empowering, life affirming and wonderful time for new mothers and hypnosis can be very beneficial in helping them achieve this goal.
In a recent study done, the best results have been found when expectant mothers were treated with hypnotherapy at 16, 20, 28 and 36 weeks of their pregnancy (1). Not only were these ladies experiencing less severe pregnancy symptoms at 36 weeks of their pregnancy but they had minimal anxiety compared to the control group. During the actual birth they experienced less pain and their need for pethidine during labor was significantly lower than the other participants. It is even more amazing that not of the hypnosis group opted for an epidural and they had a far greater number of assisted vaginal deliveries than the control group. They also found that the moms were more relaxed and confident after the birth and had no negative emotions about the birth.
For expectant mothers, this is extremely good news. Hypnotherapy can assist them in understanding their anxiety and fear and teach them methods to feel more in control. Aligning the expectations and reality of what is to come, will not only make bonding between mother and baby easier but will allow for faster recovery.
The process
Expecting mothers are taught special breathing, relaxation, visualization and meditative practices making them feel more relaxed and in control. Talking about their expectations and the birthing process helps in giving a feeling of control and active involvement in what is happening, how it will happen and most importantly, what to do when anxiety and fear takes a hold.
Some of the benefits that can be expected
• Many moms will use fewer drugs or no drugs meaning less risk or side effects for both mom and baby
• The possibility of a shorter birth because there is less pain and fear as the mother is calm and relaxed.
• Moms have more energy during the first and second stage of labor because they can achieve total relaxation.
• The birthing environment is more calm and peaceful because the mother knows what she wants and feels more confident and relaxed.
• Symptoms of anxiety like high heart rate can be lowered by visualization and meditation.
• Her partner will also enjoy this life changing event more as the mom is more confident in her abilities.
References
1. Zuhrah Beevi, Wah Yun Low, Jamiyah Hassan. (2017) The Effectiveness of Hypnosis Intervention for Labor: An Experimental Study. American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 60:2, pages 172-191.
Melvin S. Marsh is a certified hypnotherapist serving Atlanta GA, Aiken SC, Augusta GA, Blairsville GA, and Cary NC. He performs hypnotherapy appointments both in person and worldwide virtually. He can be reached at www.afterhourshypnotherapy.com .
