Nowadays, pregnant women are inundated with options - and hypnobirthing is one such childbirth preparation birthing method that more and more expectant mum's are turning to. Gone are the days when the only consideration for welcoming a little one into the world meant a straight home or hospital birth decision.
What Is Hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is an educational program that teaches expectant mums how to use relaxation and breathing techniques to enter a state of self-hypnosis during labour and delivery.
This state of self-hypnosis is claimed to decrease the pain that a woman experiences at that time.
Hypnobirthing is by no means a new 'trend'. It was first being written about by an English Doctor, Grantly Dick-Read, in 1942, in his book Childbirth without Fear, which encourages hypnosis during labour.Now, many women are choosing to take this route after a traumatic experience with their first child or just because they are anxious about what lies ahead during childbirth.
So we have found out more about what hypnobirthing classes involve and why you might consider using hypnobirthing in your childbirth preparation. They are also available online now, making them easier to access and use in the comfort and safety of your own home.
Who Should Use Hypnobirthing?Hypnobirthing online birthing techniques are great for first-time mum's who are suffering anxiety surrounding the birth because they've never done it before.
It also helps some mum's get over a previously traumatic birth – many use it for their second and third child if they had a bad experience the first time.
If you are pregnant, and looking for an alternative childbirth preparation programme to taking lots of drugs to deal with the 'inevitable pain' mindset, then hypnobirthing techniques could be for you.
Why Would I Use Hypnobirthing?This state of self-hypnosis means that you apparently experience less pain, have less reliance on pain-relieving medication and a decreased average length of labour. Hypnobirthing techniques & self-hypnosis can be used no matter what type of birth you are planning – home birth, hospital, birthing centre or birthing pool.
How Do I Get Started?The hypnobirthing childbirth preparation classes are all antenatal – during your pregnancy – and cover teaching both mum and dad about hypnobirthing techniques, relaxation strategies and non-pharmacological techniques such as meditation, self-hypnosis and visualisation.
The hypnobirthing techniques & online classes also educate women about the way the uterus functions and how the fear-tension-pain-cycle makes labour worse.
Before, your delivery date a hypnobirthing teacher will teach you how to put yourself in control of your birth rather than leaving the control with the midwife or doctor.
What Happens During Hypnobirthing?Lots of people think that hypnobirthing techniques mean you will be in a trance-like state or even sleeping during the birth, this is not true.
You will still be aware of everything going on around you – able to chat and be in good spirits – self-hypnosis allows you to be fully relaxed and totally in control, able to 'tune out' the negative feelings and concerns.
Experts say you can expect to 'experience birth in an atmosphere of calm relaxation', free from tension or fear about the birth.
What Are The Pros Of Hypnobirthing?
There has been research that showed, compared to general population figures, mothers using hypnobirthing techniques can expect; decreased period of labour, lower caesarian section rates, decreased use of gas and epidurals and greater emotional satisfaction.
Hypnobirthing techniques doesn't require that you believe in anything spiritual and according to the experts most mum's and dads are incredibly skeptical before beginning the classes.
Hypnosis is completely safe according to the proponents of hypnobirthing.
What Are The Cons Of Hypnobirthing?
Hypnosis is generally considered a controversial treatment, with many scientific studies refuting claims that it works.
A 2004 study found insufficient evidence to prove that it reduces or eliminates pain in childbirth.
They cannot guarantee a completely pain-free labour – 65-70% of hypnobirthing mum's don't need any pain relief. Around 20% only require something mild like gas and air.
Celebrity Fans Who Used Hypnobirthing Childbirth Preparation Classes
There's a whole host of celebrities who've tried hypnobirthing techniques, including Suzanne Shaw, Billie Faiers, Pamela Anderson and Angelina Jolie.
Jessica Alba, who has two daughters Honor and Haven, is also a fan; 'Basically, my husband takes me through sort of a meditation. So he's saying - you're relaxed and you're floating on clouds,' while you're going through labour and your contractions.'
The Royal Family in the UK, are massive advocates of Hypnobirthing Child Birth Preparation Classes too!
Would You Try Hypnobirthing Techniques? Check Out Classes online & In person Aisling Killoran