Be Amazed By The Benefits Of HypnoBirthing

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Hypnobirthing Explained

• A relaxed more comfortable birth • A calmer baby • An informed supportive partner • A fear free birth • A positive birth experience • Most importantly you will be in control of your birth experience

Increasingly, hypnotherapy is gaining credence in mainstream medicine for its powerful and beneficial effects at pain control and relief, with no nasty side effects. Its effectiveness has been particularly observed in birth and is now being practised by many women throughout the world.

The theory behind it is quite simple: that fear leads to tension and that tension leads to pain. If you go into the birth feeling and being frightened, your system will respond accordingly. This fear will lead to increased adrenalin in your body, which leads to increased tension in your muscles and your cervix, with less 'contraction' hormones being produced, so that your uterus is having to work much harder to flex and tighten. This subsequently makes contractions far more painful, in the same way that if you tense up when you are in pain, the pain becomes far greater.

Many people assume that a hypnotised person will be in a daze and unable to communicate sensibly with anyone around them. HypnoBirthing doesn't mean you'll be in a trance or a sleep. Rather, you'll be able to chat, and be in good spirits - totally relaxed, but fully in control. You'll always be aware of what is happening to you, and around you.

With hypnosis, you are still very much in control. Hypnosis is a natural state, which we all experience many times a day. It's when your conscious (analytical, reasoning) mind takes a step back and your subconscious (feelings, memories, emotions) comes more to the forefront. With intended hypnosis, you purposefully take yourself into a daydream-like state using music, soothing images and guided visualisation. Once the critical and analytical part of your mind also relaxes, you become more receptive to positive suggestions and affirmations. As the mind does not know the difference between imagination and reality, the more times you give yourself positive suggestions, the more real they become.

The Benefits Of Using Hypnosis For Childbirth

Hypnobirthing teaches women simple but powerful self-hypnosis techniques to induce feelings of relaxation and peace during labour and birth. The aim to help release any fears and anxieties that naturally affect many pregnant women either in the run-up to their first experience of labour and birth or those who have had previous traumatic births. The emphasis is very much on the woman staying in control of her own mind and body rather than feeling helpless and disempowered.

When you are relaxed, your breathing is even and rhythmical; ensuring a high level of oxygen is entering your body. This oxygen goes through to your baby, ensuring that he remains calm and stable. Increased oxygen stimulates the production of oxytocin and endorphins. Your blood pressure remains at a healthy level and you conserve your energy, with all excess energy being channelled through to the muscle that is really working hard, namely your uterus. As the uterus has no resistance or tension from surrounding muscles, the contractions are more effective and more comfortable.

Feedback from moms who have used the technique report considerably shorter labours, fewer surgical and non-surgical interventions and feeling more positive and energised after the birth. The University of Vermont also carried out research into hypnobirthing and breech babies and found that, of the 100 women who presented a breech baby at 37-40 weeks, 81% were successful at turning the baby using posture and hypnosis.

Hypnobirthing can be used effectively in all settings - home births, water births, hospital births, etc. And the techniques can be used to help calm and relax you whenever a stressful situation arises, so it's of long-term benefit!