Research on Childbirth Hypnosis Training

Hypnosis for Childbirth is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, a British physician, was the first to propose the “fear-tension-pain” syndrome in his work Natural Childbirth (1933) and he therefore recommended childbirth preparation as a means to prepare for birth. While midwives and physicians recommend natural childbirth preparation, hypnosis is an extremely effective way to eliminate the fear-tension cycle. Hypnosis applies the theory on the subconscious level, which at the same time allows your physical body to deeply relax, not only during the sessions, but also during the birth.
Research studies show that the use of hypnosis for childbirth
results in:

* shorter labors
* reduced use of pain medication
* higher Apgar scores (measurement of the baby’s well being at the birth)
* reduced surgical delivery (Caesarian delivery and forceps)

Q: Is childbirth hypnosis new?
A: No, hypnosis has been used for childbirth since the 1920s. It is becoming more available in the United States.The training is personalized to each mother’s unique needs and concerns.

Q: Can hypnosis harm the baby or me?
A: No. Hypnosis simply uses relaxation and guided imagery techniques to help you focus on positive thoughts and create a calm state of mind. By reducing fears and tensions, you avoid creating physical resistance that can cause added complications or pain to the childbirth experience.

Q: Will hypnosis eliminate all the pain from childbirth?
A: Every woman’s experience is different. Many women do indeed describe their labor as serene and pain-free. In most cases  hypnosis greatly reduces the level of pain experienced.

Q: Will the hypnosis put me in a trance, make me groggy or “out of it”
during the birth?
A: No. You will be fully awake and alert. In fact, you will feel a heightened sense of awareness and probably much less fatigue than you would be without hypnosis training.

Q: What will my doctor think about it?
A: Most doctors do not object to hypnosis training. The technique does not interfere with the doctor’s role or the childbirth process itself in any way.

Q: Will hypnosis keep me from having to take pain drugs during the birth?
A: Again, every woman’s experience is different. In most cases, hypnosis training can eliminate or significantly decrease the need for painkillers.

Q: Will my significant other be involved in the process?
A: He can be as involved as he wants to be.  He can learn what to expect and how to support you during the birth.

Q: Can I do other birth preparation methods with hypnosis?
A: Yes. Hypnosis does not need to replace other methods. It can be used in conjunction with them.