HypnoPositive

CHILDBIRTH

Used for over 150 years in Western medicine, Hypnosis went out of fashion for childbirth because of the development of anaesthetic drugs. Now hypnosis is becoming more popular, as we again seek more natural ways.

Benefits of using Hypnosis for Childbirth include

• Morning sickness and other discomforts can often be helped
• A breech presentation may be converted to head down position using hypnosis
• Significantly reduced labour times - for both first and second stages
• The need for anaesthetic drugs is reduced or removed
• Less need of medical intervention - but remember, you do not rule that out by using hypnosis
• Episiotomy or tear less likely
• Being calm and relaxed, not exhausted by the birth
• Babies sleep and feed better and cry less, possibly due to less trauma during their birth
• A more enjoyable birth experience
• With more energy and feeling good, you will enjoy those first hours more and bond easily with your baby
• The flow of milk can be increased, stimulated by suggestion. Emotional disturbance is reduced, so the mother can feel good, calm and relaxed when feeding her baby
• When you enjoy a relaxed natural birth, with control over mind and body, you will be calmer and happier after giving birth
• Getting your labour started when you go beyond your due date, to avoid medical induction

The first consultation would usually be at around 30 to 32 weeks but please feel free to discuss your pregnancy with me as early as you like. At the first consultation, we will work out a plan, which typically could consist of three main sessions. The first of these will start with general relaxation hypnosis and go on to specific thoughts about the baby and the birth. The father is asked to join in this session. He can then better understand the process and help you more. He will find the relaxation practice useful anyway! After this session, you must practice at home using the CD of the session, which can also be used by the father.

After at least a week, you will have another session, to learn self hypnosis, methods of reducing discomfort and anaesthesia techniques. Again, you will practise at home afterwards, using a CD of this session. After you've listened to it a few times, you'll be able to use self hypnosis without using the recording.

The third session is the pre-childbirth session and again, I'll record it for you to keep playing at home until the time of the birth. I'll also give you two other CDs to be used at the actual time of the birth and we'll discuss the practicalities and the options. Obviously, I'll be available to you after that session if you need further help and I'll really look forward to hearing the happy news after the birth.

Whilst I've described a typical course, individual concerns and needs will always be looked at and the number and type of sessions tailored as necessary.