Is Hypnobirthing the Right Birthing Plan for You?
Hypnobirthing works to reverse the perpetuated childbirth-fear narrative through self-hypnosis
For centuries women have been inundated with harrowing stories about birth, leading most women to either consciously or subconsciously fear labor. What if the fear of pain, however, is actually causing more pain? That's the argument Grantly Dick-Read, M.D., the English obstetrician who wrote Childbirth Without Fear, asserts.
According to Dr. Dick-Read laboring women experience the "Fear-Tension-Pain syndrome," which causes blood to flow away from nonessential organs such as the uterus to large muscle groups in the legs. He theorized that relaxation achieved through hypnosis would prevent that from happening. Thus, Hypnobirthing was, excuse the pun, birthed.
What is Hypnobirthing?
Created by Marie Mongan, M.Ed., M.Hy., a highly awarded hypnotherapist and Harvard University Ford Foundation fellow, Hypnobirthing works to reverse the fear narrative associated with labor through self-hypnosis by utilizing breathing techniques, visualization, nutrition and meditative practice to bring about a calm state during birth in an attempt to neutralize pain. This method of birthing plan believes that intense pain does not necessarily have to accompany labor. The idea is to create a calm state so that your body releases endorphins that replace typical stress hormones that lead to constriction and pain during labor. It further asserts that by creating a calm atmosphere and releasing fear you allow your muscles to function as they were intended to. Hypnobirthing pairs both the psychological and physical well-being of not only the mother but everyone in the birthing room - be that a hospital, birth center or home birth.
What are some of the benefits of Hypnobirthing?
It can be used as a natural form of pain management.
Provides comfort, relaxation, and relief during labor.
Decreases stress and fear during childbirth
Allows you to remain alert and awake.
Creates a better postpartum experience.
How do you put Hypnobirthing into practice?
Since its creation Hynobirthing has continued to pick up in popularity, even being used by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. If you are interested in learning more about this birthing method consider taking classes. Dr. Marie Mongan's HypnoBirthing® Educators can be found in 46 countries throughout the world. The process involves five classes that are 2 1/2 hours long, totaling 12 hours of instruction.
As Mongan states, with the aid of hypnosis, a woman can bring her body into a state of deep relaxation in which the muscles can work the way they're meant to during childbirth. She says it feels similar to daydreaming, or the feeling you get when you are lost in a book or movie. People who've used this technique report feeling relaxed, calm, aware, and in control. Of course, if you plan to use this method during delivery make sure you do have a backup plan if things do not go as expected.