Some first-time mothers can experience apprehension and anxiety prior to childbirth. Anxiety is completely normal for expectant mothers. However, some people experience what is known as Tokophobia, which is a fear of giving birth. This is why some choose to have a cesarean section. Other expectant mothers choose a holistic approach to manage anxiety and pain with hypnobirthing.
What is Hypnobirthing
Hypnobirthing is the study and practice of using hypnotic techniques to prepare the expectant mother physically, spiritually, and mentally for childbirth. These hypnotic techniques help to manage anxiety, stress, pain, and fear. Hypnobirthing helps to replace fear with relaxation and pain with pressure. Often times stress can lead to anxiety which in turn amplifies the discomfort during childbirth.
Manage Anxiety and Pain with Hypnobirthing
The techniques that the mother and her partner learn, will help to relax the muscles in the uterus and have the hormones work with the mother, during childbirth. They also include breaking the fear – pain connection/cycle. The loop of fear that leads to pain which in turn leads to more fear is broken. Hypnobirthing can help prevent stress hormones from being released. Instead, they are replaced by endorphins, which are the hormones that help to relax you mentally and physically.
What is Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a natural state that we experience each day. Daydreaming is a light trance state. Losing track of time when you are focused on a project is another. Clients experience formal hypnosis by following the direction of a hypnotist who will use a combination of guided imagery, confusion, deep breathing, overload, and body relaxation techniques. Contrary to popular belief, the client does not relinquish control and is aware and awake.
How does one learn hypnobirthing?
Hypnobirthing is taught in a class setting, or one on one, with a certified hypnotist. Couples are taught special breathing and relaxation techniques. This in combination with guided imagery helps the mom to be, to relax and remain calm. Both parents are taught how to induce instant hypnosis which triggers relaxation and the release of endorphins. In hypnosis, negative and fearful thoughts are replaced with calming and confident thoughts.
Hypnobirthing, the Scientific Data
One scientific study showed that patients who studied hypnobirthing were far less likely to require oxytocin to induce labor. Another scientific study showed that 51% of women who utilized hypnobirthing did not use pain medication during childbirth. Still another study showed that women felt more satisfied, relaxed, and in control due to the hypnobirthing techniques they learned. In some cases, hypnobirthing techniques can help to shorten labor.
Hypnobirthing is a widely accepted tool to help expectant mothers manage discomfort, remain calm, and feel confident during childbirth. The scientific data supports the use of hypnobirthing and should be considered by anxious moms to be. If you or someone you know is pregnant, consider sharing with them how they can manage anxiety and pain with hypnobirthing.