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