Welcome back to my blog. What a fabulous full moon last night! I slept surprisingly well considering there was a full moon, but had many vivid dreams. I am always interested to hear about your experience during pregnancy and labour during a full moon. The first ten interesting replies received will be able to receive a free 'Hypnosis for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond' CD.
The topic I want to share with you this week is a subject dear to my heart and a technique I use all the time both for myself and my clients.
Definition of EFT:
Often described as psychological acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a therapy that involves tapping on meridian pressure points, whilst focusing on an emotional or physical problem.
Emotional Freedom Technique was developed by Gary Craig around 1995 based on work done by Roger Callaghan on Thought Field Therapy, and is one of the many forms of Meridian Energy Techniques. Gary Craig refined, simplified and developed EFT making it easy to use and available to everyone. As a therapeutic technique it is hard to beat for its effectiveness and simplicity.
How does EFT work?
That is a good question and the answer is that no one knows exactly how it works, but the general consensus is that it:
• Works on the 12 meridian channels and 2 governing vessels based on Acupuncture in Chinese medicine
• Tapping on the meridian points whilst focusing on the problem, allows the physical or emotional problem to be released and cleared
Based on his findings Gary Craig suggests that:
“ The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.”
The theory behind the technique is based on the premise that negative emotions and dis-ease are caused by a disruption in the body’s energy system. Therefore, by tapping on the meridians, it provides a release of negative emotions and a return to homeostasis (balance of mind of body).
Tapping Techniques
With this technique the fingers gently tap on the end point of the meridians or energy points on the face and upper body. This helps to release blockages on both a mental and physical level, and balances the body’s energy system.
Why should we use Emotional Freedom Technique during pregnancy and childbirth?
Being pregnant may unleash a roller coaster of emotions as your hormones and body adjusts to your new role. Even if you are really pleased to be pregnant you may find that your emotions are all over the place and you may also experience the uncomfortable physical ailments associated with being pregnant. These include:
• Nausea
• Morning sickness
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Fears and anxiety
As your pregnancy progresses you may also develop other physical ailments such as:
• Aching joints and ligaments
• Pelvic dysfunction pain
• Backache
• Swelling (oedema)
• Heartburn
• Constipation
EFT is an effective tool to use during your pregnancy to alleviate physical symptoms, balance emotions and release fears and negative feelings. With EFT you can tap your way to feeling better both physically and emotionally.
Using EFT to prepare for childbirth
Towards the latter part of your pregnancy in your third trimester, it is common to focus more on the labour and birthing of your baby. Any fears or concerns about giving birth may be released using EFT giving space for a positive birthing experience to replace the old fears and limiting thought patterns.
I believe that teaching all pregnant women how to use EFT on their fears and limiting beliefs can enhance their experience of childbirth, with less analgesia required, and with fewer medical interventions required. Using EFT to release fears, limiting beliefs and anxiety allows us to focus more on the positive aspects of giving birth and the transition to motherhood.
In my practice, more women are coming to see me now in their second pregnancy because their previous experience of childbirth didn’t fulfill their dream of having a gentle easy birth. Many have had a traumatic experience and cannot face another such experience. So many women are unable to enjoy this current pregnancy because of the fear and anxiety they still carry within them. This is where EFT can be so useful, helping these women to release these past traumatic experiences and move on quickly and easily by tapping on their specific problems.
What we can do to reduce fear, tension and pain
Sadly, with advances in technology comes more intervention in what should be a natural process of giving birth easily without fear and pain. There are several techniques, which may alleviate fear, tension and pain and these include; self-hypnosis, visualizations, affirmations, breathing and optimal positions for baby and birthing found in Hypnobirthing. However, it is not well known that EFT may also help to relieve fear, promote physical and emotional wellbeing, and release past trauma still held within our minds and body. In my opinion the effects of using Hypnobirthing in conjunction with EFT provides a powerful toolbox to support your childbirth preparation.
For more information or to book your EFT session with Amanda either in person, skype or telephone please contact me on: amanda@mama2b.com or 07818 415516.
Professional advice and courses for prospective parents wishing to pursue natural and pain free options for pregnancy and childbirth with Hypnobirthing, hypnotherapy and antenatal education.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Happy Hypnobirthing New Year
Happy New Year to you all and may all your dreams and wishes come true in 2012. It looks like it is going to be an exciting year for us all, so don't be afraid to take the first step to achieving your dream of a natural, calm and easy birth.
The topic for my first blog of 2012 is a subject close to my heart that I believe can offer women the choice and control over their own labour and birthing. So read on for more information about Hupnobirthing.
Hypnobirthing embraces the philosophy of natural childbirth experienced without fear or tension, using self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques. It is based on the observations and research by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the early 1920s, which led him to the conclusion that what makes childbirth painful is the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has been used as a healing technique for centuries. The technique was coined from ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of intense concentration coupled with deep relaxation, neither asleep nor awake, but similar to daydreaming. During hypnosis breathing slows, and muscles relax whilst the mind remains alert. The brain exhibits alpha waves, which result in the release of endorphins and also increases the hormone oxytocin. Research has suggested that hypnotherapy can reduce pain, ease anxiety (Jenkins MW, Pritchard MH, 1993), and in addition significantly reduced the length of labour, especially in first time mothers. (Martin AA, et al. 2001).
Lets’ deal with the misconceptions first. Hypnotherapy does not involve a scary therapist standing in front of you swinging a pendulum in front of your eyes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural state similar to day- dreaming, which we all experience everyday.
Hypnobirthing
Teaching women self-hypnosis during pregnancy gives women the tools to prepare for birth and beyond using breathing techniques, visualisatons, deep relaxation, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis. During hypnosis women are shown how to breathe in rhythm with their surges (contractions), encouraging deep relaxation, which in turn reduces the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome. This removes all physical resistance and allows the mechanics of labour without tension. A safe place visualisation is a powerful coping tool to manage the intensity of surges (contractions). Visual imagery encourages the mind to go within, promoting bonding with the baby, and also techniques to control comfort and sensations within the body. One of the most effective pain relieving techniques is ‘glove anaesthesia’ using the power of the mind to numb any areas of discomfort.
Benefits of Hypnobirthing
• Self-hypnosis can reduce the need for chemical pain relief and stimulate the release of the body’s own natural painkillers called ‘endorphins’.
• Pain relieving techniques such as ‘glove anaesthesia’ can aid a pain free labour and birth.
• The effect of using hypnosis as a means of relaxation and pain relief in labour has been widely researched and may lead to a shorter first stage of labour
• A calm and controlled birth experience for mother and baby.
• Supports early bonding as a family unit
• Encourages early breast feeding and a rapid postnatal recovery
• Babies appear more settled and calm
Hypnobirthing classes
During pregnancy women are taught deep breathing techniques, relaxation, visualizations, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis, which enables them to remain calm and relaxed, working in rhythm with their bodies during labour and birthing. Culturally, we are programmed to believe childbirth will be painful, whereas African and Indian women give birth easily without fear.
When can hypnotherapy be used?
Hypnotherapy can be used throughout pregnancy to enhance wellbeing, reduce tiredness and alleviate morning sickness. Dr. Martin P. Williams, a member of the British Hypnotherapy Association and founder of the Hypnonatal program for painless childbirth, says ‘When using hypnosis in early pregnancy in most cases within one or two sessions, feelings of nausea and sickness subside…’
Research has also shown that hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of breech presentation (Mehl, 1994). The outcome of the research was significant, with 84% of the hypnosis group achieving a cephalic presentation (head down). In comparison only 48% achieved cephalic presentation in the control group. The conclusion was that hypnosis could successfully treat women with a breech presentation, providing they were suitably motivated.
Conclusion
Hypnobirthing is a gentle, safe and effective therapy, which has been used as a natural healing technique for centuries. Self- hypnosis, visualisations, breathing and relaxation techniques give women the tools to achieve their goal of a calm and natural birth. This therapy works in a positive way, reducing fear and promoting women’s confidence in their own ability to give birth naturally and easily.
References:
Davidson J. MD. An assessment of the value of hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. British Medical Journal, Oct. 13th 1962, 951-953.
Mehl L. 1994 Hypnosis and conversion of the breech to vertex presentation. Archives of Family medicine 3, 10:881
Mongan M.F. HypnoBirthing,The Mongan Method. HCI Inc. Books 2005.
Jenkins MW., Pritchard MH. (1993) Hypnosis: practical application and theoretical considerations in normal labour. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 100(3): 221-226
Martin AA., Schauble PG., Surekha HR., Curry RW, (2001). The effects of hypnosis on the labour processes and birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents. The Journal of Family Practice 50(5): 441-443
To contact Amanda Gwynne or for more information please go to www.mama2b.com
The topic for my first blog of 2012 is a subject close to my heart that I believe can offer women the choice and control over their own labour and birthing. So read on for more information about Hupnobirthing.
Hypnobirthing embraces the philosophy of natural childbirth experienced without fear or tension, using self-hypnosis, relaxation, visualisation and breathing techniques. It is based on the observations and research by Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the early 1920s, which led him to the conclusion that what makes childbirth painful is the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy has been used as a healing technique for centuries. The technique was coined from ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep. Hypnosis is a naturally occurring state of intense concentration coupled with deep relaxation, neither asleep nor awake, but similar to daydreaming. During hypnosis breathing slows, and muscles relax whilst the mind remains alert. The brain exhibits alpha waves, which result in the release of endorphins and also increases the hormone oxytocin. Research has suggested that hypnotherapy can reduce pain, ease anxiety (Jenkins MW, Pritchard MH, 1993), and in addition significantly reduced the length of labour, especially in first time mothers. (Martin AA, et al. 2001).
Lets’ deal with the misconceptions first. Hypnotherapy does not involve a scary therapist standing in front of you swinging a pendulum in front of your eyes. Hypnotherapy is a safe and natural state similar to day- dreaming, which we all experience everyday.
Hypnobirthing
Teaching women self-hypnosis during pregnancy gives women the tools to prepare for birth and beyond using breathing techniques, visualisatons, deep relaxation, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis. During hypnosis women are shown how to breathe in rhythm with their surges (contractions), encouraging deep relaxation, which in turn reduces the ‘fear, tension and pain’ syndrome. This removes all physical resistance and allows the mechanics of labour without tension. A safe place visualisation is a powerful coping tool to manage the intensity of surges (contractions). Visual imagery encourages the mind to go within, promoting bonding with the baby, and also techniques to control comfort and sensations within the body. One of the most effective pain relieving techniques is ‘glove anaesthesia’ using the power of the mind to numb any areas of discomfort.
Benefits of Hypnobirthing
• Self-hypnosis can reduce the need for chemical pain relief and stimulate the release of the body’s own natural painkillers called ‘endorphins’.
• Pain relieving techniques such as ‘glove anaesthesia’ can aid a pain free labour and birth.
• The effect of using hypnosis as a means of relaxation and pain relief in labour has been widely researched and may lead to a shorter first stage of labour
• A calm and controlled birth experience for mother and baby.
• Supports early bonding as a family unit
• Encourages early breast feeding and a rapid postnatal recovery
• Babies appear more settled and calm
Hypnobirthing classes
During pregnancy women are taught deep breathing techniques, relaxation, visualizations, glove anaesthesia, and self-hypnosis, which enables them to remain calm and relaxed, working in rhythm with their bodies during labour and birthing. Culturally, we are programmed to believe childbirth will be painful, whereas African and Indian women give birth easily without fear.
When can hypnotherapy be used?
Hypnotherapy can be used throughout pregnancy to enhance wellbeing, reduce tiredness and alleviate morning sickness. Dr. Martin P. Williams, a member of the British Hypnotherapy Association and founder of the Hypnonatal program for painless childbirth, says ‘When using hypnosis in early pregnancy in most cases within one or two sessions, feelings of nausea and sickness subside…’
Research has also shown that hypnosis may be of value in the treatment of breech presentation (Mehl, 1994). The outcome of the research was significant, with 84% of the hypnosis group achieving a cephalic presentation (head down). In comparison only 48% achieved cephalic presentation in the control group. The conclusion was that hypnosis could successfully treat women with a breech presentation, providing they were suitably motivated.
Conclusion
Hypnobirthing is a gentle, safe and effective therapy, which has been used as a natural healing technique for centuries. Self- hypnosis, visualisations, breathing and relaxation techniques give women the tools to achieve their goal of a calm and natural birth. This therapy works in a positive way, reducing fear and promoting women’s confidence in their own ability to give birth naturally and easily.
References:
Davidson J. MD. An assessment of the value of hypnosis in pregnancy and labour. British Medical Journal, Oct. 13th 1962, 951-953.
Mehl L. 1994 Hypnosis and conversion of the breech to vertex presentation. Archives of Family medicine 3, 10:881
Mongan M.F. HypnoBirthing,The Mongan Method. HCI Inc. Books 2005.
Jenkins MW., Pritchard MH. (1993) Hypnosis: practical application and theoretical considerations in normal labour. British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 100(3): 221-226
Martin AA., Schauble PG., Surekha HR., Curry RW, (2001). The effects of hypnosis on the labour processes and birth outcomes of pregnant adolescents. The Journal of Family Practice 50(5): 441-443
To contact Amanda Gwynne or for more information please go to www.mama2b.com
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