HypnoBirthing® is based on the philosophy that fear during childbirth causes tension, and this can lead to pain. By using self-hypnosis, visualisation and breathing techniques, the mother stays deeply relaxed and so tires less easily during labour. This helps her give birth in an easier, more comfortable and often pain-free manner.
To watch a YouTube clip featuring a British HypnoBirth, click here.
What HypnoBirthing® can do for you
HypnoBirthing dramatically reduces the discomfort felt during labour as women are encouraged to work with their body, not against it.
HypnoBirthing® reduces and often eliminates the need for chemical anaesthesia, episiotomy, and other interventions, such as inductions and Caesarean sections.
It lessens fatigue during labour, leaving the mother feeling fresh, awake and energised as she brings her baby into the world.
It shortens the first stage of labour, in which the cervix thins and dilates, by several hours and allows the birthing mother to use the natural pulsations of her body to breathe her baby down to the crowning stage, rather than pushing for long, exhausting periods of time.
It reduces the risk of pelvic-floor damage.
It encourages bonding between the baby, mother and father/birth companion, before, during and after birth.
It almost entirely eliminates postnatal discomfort and 'baby blues'.
Birth is returned to the safe, beautiful, peaceful experience nature intended.
What you'll learn in HypnoBirthing®
You'll be taught three breathing techniques: the first, called Sleep Breathing, is used to take you into a state of hypnotic relaxation and is used between uterine surges (contractions). The second, called Slow Breathing, will help your body work with each uterine surge. And the third, Birth Breathing, is used to help your baby down the birth path when he or she is being born.
You'll learn how to make yourselves very deeply relaxed through self-hypnosis using the Rainbow Relaxation Script.
You'll also learn different visualisations to help your cervix open naturally, and affirmations that will help you stay wonderfully relaxed during birth.
You'll learn how to reduce your risk of needing an episiotomy with a stunningly simple massage technique.
You'll also be taught another easy-to-learn massage technique called Light Touch Massage which acts like a TENS machine and releases pain-killing endorphins, which are 200 times more powerful than morphine.
You'll get help in constructing a birth plan, and find out about natural ways of getting the birth started if it's delayed, stops or slows down.
There are also sections on nutrition, bonding with your baby, and positions you can adopt during birthing as well as exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles you'll use during the birth.
For HypnoBirthing®: Frequently Asked Questions, click here.
For Testimonials from parents who've attended HypnoBirthing® classes taught by Lisa Jackson, click here.
To go back to the What Hypnosis Can Help page, click here.