Self hypnosis in childbirth

[Bron]

I went to a seminar last night at the hospital where squirt is being born. They told us about a clinical psychologist at the hospital who specialises in hypnotherapy and training pregnant woman in self hypnosis for childbirth. They explained that it is a way of coping with pain during labour and can often help lead to postive outcomes for first time mothers who want a natural birth. This sounded pretty interesting.

Has anyone else tried it? Can you recommend it? I've made an appointment to see the psychologist (you have to book early) but it's not until January, so I'd like to be prepared. I've never been hypnotised before. Are there some people who can't be hypnotised?

[Owen&Noah's_mum]

yes there certainly are people who do not respond to hypnosis. a lot depends on how you respond to suggestion etc. the more 'suggestive' your persoanlity is, the easier you are to hypnotise. though when it works, it works really well and i would give it a go :thumbsup:.
good luck.

[cf2504]

My DH and I just started Hypnobirthing classes on Monday and walked away convinced this is the best thing we could have done. It really turns child birth in to a positive experience. As for the hypnosis part, it is self hypnosis and it is emphasised that you can never do something during hypnosis that is against your value/belief system. You can find out more at http://www.hypnobirthing.com. I personally know of someone who had a painless labour using the technique. Sounds amazing and unbelievable I know but I guess we will find out for ourselves in a few months!

[Bron]

Wow! A painless labour!!! OK, I'm not so niaive as to think I'll be that lucky.

Thanks for your responses you two, I'm feeling increasingly optimistic about this choice.

[draught]

Bron - I am pretty sure that Alicesmum used some of these techniques in her labours with very positive results so hopefully she will see this thread and add her experiences to it!

I certainly found that being focussed and calm helped me a lot two weeks ago in a way that I hadn't been with my first two labours, so I think that the idea is a great one!

[Bron]

Oh did she? Thanks draught! If she doesn't spot this, I might send her a pm.

[Malibu]

Wow. How exciting! Does it work for morning sickness too?



Me (31)
DH (31)
DS (4):xmas:
DS (3):xmas:
DS (11 weeks):xmas:

[melfunction]

Bron, I am currently taking a course in hypobirthing with a clinical psych and although it is early days in my pregnancy, I've found it extremely helpful so far. Teaching me to relax is her greatest obsticle so far.

[zenifa]

I've trained in hypnotherapy and have trained clients in hypnobirthing with great effect, although its not the majority of my work.

I also have a close friend who used hypnobirthing in her first birth a couple of years ago and has just done a refresher course in time for her next baby, due in Jan 07. She swears by it, as it helped her remain calm, focussed and she had an intervention free natural birth and said she didnt' feel pain.

I would of done it myself, but for medical reasons I had to have a c/section, but still used some of the positive visualisation and breathing techniques during my c/s.

[dragonflyblu]

We havent done classes but have read the books and have some hynobirthing CD's. For me so far the best part is doing a relaxation everyday. I will let you know in a few weeks how it goes for the birthing!

[elissas]

We did hypnobirthing and DH is a qualified hypnotherapist.

It was the greatest experience of my life and can't wait to give birth again.

52hr labour, but at worst it felt like period cramps.

DH actually thought he was going to have to wake me as I was going into transition, I was in the bath and looked like I was sleeping.

[Becteria]

Could i hijack a little and ask a few q's? Here goes,

What is the best environment to have for hypno birthing?

Does anyone have recommnedations for a sydney class?