Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis to create a state of increased mental suggestibility with focused attention. Related to this, Hypnobirthing can be added to your birth plan to help manage pain during labour and birth using visualisation, relaxation, mindfulness and deep breathing technique. The idea has been around for years and the specific term was published in 1989 by hypnotherapist Marie Mongan in her book ‘HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life.’
Self-hypnosis techniques
By increasing awareness of the physiological process during birth new physical feelings become expected. Due to the reduction of fear our body can then more easily function efficiently. Self-hypnosis techniques learned through hypnobirthing heightens people’s capacity to focus. Practised regularly before birth, these hypnosis techniques often enable someone to fully connect their mind and body.
As a GHR registered hypnobirthing practitioner, Helen works with pregnant people and birth partners to complement the traditional breathing exercises learnt in antenatal classes. Hypnobirthing has helped many people to reduce their stress hormones and anxiety levels, thus leading to a calmer birth. For instance, the hormone oxytocin plays a crucial role during reproduction and after childbirth. Your body produces oxytocin during labour and stress hormones affect the production of this hormone which could increase the length of time that someone is in labour. By incorporating hypnobirthing methods into your birth plan you will learn how to better naturally manage stress and hopefully reduce some of the fear of labour and pain experienced during childbirth.
Breathing techniques & Hypnotherapy
Controlled deep breathing helps many people stay calm whilst reducing discomfort during labour. Also, deep relaxation and meditation techniques can assist you in becoming calm physically and to mentally dull background noise and activity by instead focussing your concentration on your body and baby.
By visualising the birth of your baby you are rehearsing this event in your mind and preparing yourself both physically and mentally to feel more prepared and positive during this event.
- Hypnobirthing gives birth partners a very active role during labour.
- Hypnobirthing can shorten labour time.
- Practising hypnobirthing can help people feel more prepared.
- Cope with any anxiety especially from prior traumatic birth experience.
- Hypnobirthing could possibly reduce the need for medical intervention.
- Hypnobirthing may help lower the effects of postnatal depression
Antenatal Hypnobirthing
Helen’s Antenatal Hypnobirthing services will help to achieve a better birthing experience and to empower birthing people and their birth partners. Helen offers an educational and inspirational programme for mothers to learn specific breathing, relaxation, and self-hypnosis techniques to help them through the birthing process.
To find out more feel free to contact Helen directly and discuss your birthing plan with her in more detail.
