For decades there have been Bradley method and Lamaze classes (both created around 1950), two of the most well known birthing methods. In comparison, Hypnobabies is relatively new (since 2001), but I was intrigued to learn more after hearing nothing but high praise for this program. Even my midwife said she saw the best labors in those who had practiced Hypnobabies! Also, one has to wonder if we've created better birthing methods since the 50's.
Explaining the name
No, there is no hypnotizing of babies. Yes, there is hypnosis, but not the goofy stage hypnosis you're probably picturing. Turns out hypnosis is a natural state of mind we do frequently. Ever missed your exit because you were zoned out driving? Hypnosis. Ever not realized someone was talking to you because you were so absorbed in a book? Hypnosis. Ever day-dreamed in class only to realize you suddenly have no idea what the teacher is talking about? Hypnosis!
Hypnobabies basics
"Hypnobabies is a very successful 6 week, 3-hour per week, complete childbirth education course that was adapted with permission from Master Hypnotherapist Gerald Kein's "Painless Childbirth Program" techniques rather than using simple relaxation, breathing or guided imagery... Hypnobabies is well known for helping women to create much shorter, easier, and more comfortable labors, making childbirth the joyful experience it was meant to be" ("What is Hypnobabies" - hypnobabies.com).
So what IS hypnosis and how does it work?
Hypnosis is state where your body and mind are completely relaxed, yet the mind still remains aware and attentive. I like to think of it as a state of deep mindfulness meditation. You are in total control and will only do things you WANT to do. Anyone can be in hypnosis if they are willing. Throughout the course, you listen to many hypnosis relaxation tracks that guide you deeper and deeper into this relaxed state. For more on how it works, read this article from the Hypnobabies website. The article also lists statistics on effectiveness.
Hypnosis in childbirth
Our culture has created a sense of fear around childbirth. Fear causes tension, which can create pain, incite more fear, and the cycle continues. When the body and mind are able to relax, the uterine muscles can relax enough for baby to be born. No baby is going to get out of a uterus clamped tightly shut due to the adrenaline that fear causes. But, in birth more than relaxation is required. After all, your body is working hard through a tough process, no matter how natural. Therefore, Hypnobabies moms are taught in-depth hypnotic anesthesia techniques that allow them to enter hypnosis instantly and direct the natural hypno-anesthesia wherever it is needed, creating an easy and comfortable birthing experience. The founder actually used to teach Bradley classes and then Hypnobirthing classes (completely different from Hypnobabies) and found both to be lacking, so she created Hypnobabies. Read that story here. What do we do in the class? A lot of the class is the same as other classes - learning about the stages of labor, common hospital interventions, birth plans, etc. The differences is that Hypno-moms are instructed to only focus on positive messages about birth (to clear out the fear) and practice entering and deepening hypnosis every day. Every day I listen to a pregnancy affirmations track and a hypnosis track.
I'm still skeptical...
There is proof it works. If you're into research, here are a number of published studies on using hypnosis in childbirth. Want to read more proof with less research jargon? Here's a list of headlines (with links) where Hypnobabies made the news. Want to see it in action? Check out the Hypnobabies YouTube channel for real videos of real moms in labor using Hypnobabies. Want to experience this kind of hypnosis yourself? Here are some free downloads for anyone to try it! Still confused? That's ok. Honestly, I was too until I started the classes. I also tried to keep my explanations brief, for the sake of retaining an audience, but would be happy to elaborate and answer your questions elsewhere.
The takeaway
Know that birth can be easy and comfortable if you prepare well using the right method. If you are (or ever will be) looking for a childbirth class, consider Hypnobabies! There exists both in-person classes and a home study course to do on your own time at your own pace. Birth is a wonderful thing, and Hypnobabies can help you experience that. After the birth of our baby, I'll post a follow up on how Hypnobabies worked for me during my birthing time.
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