Hypno-birthing: Redefining Women's Expectations during Pregnancy
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The expectation of pain, nausea and various other unpleasant physical problems during pregnancy and delivery is actually the result of a powerful mass hypnotic suggestion women were taught as early as they can remember. Television, other forms of media, science class, friends, relatives with horror stories and even God in the Bible all have contributed to these hypnotic suggestions. To the woman He said, "I will greatly enhance your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children" (Genesis 3:16). It is almost as if a woman who experiences a painless delivery is not obeying God!
In the beginning of the pregnancy, one of the most difficult experiences is constant nausea and vomiting. In addition to the physical discomfort, nutritional deficiencies and fears about the baby's nutritional status, women who experience severe cases, called hyperemesis gravidum, are often plagued by psychological fears regarding their abilities to be a mother and/or their desire to be one at this time. Often underlying psychological stressors unrelated to this actual pregnancy, can actually contribute to excessive or prolonged nausea.
Medicines created to assist with nausea in the past have caused many fetal abnormalities. Hypnosis can assist these women by providing them with a mechanism of controlling their gastrointestinal system through relaxation and positive reinforcement. At times, hypnosis can be used to uncover hidden psychological stressors such as folk beliefs that teach a positive symbolism attached to the vomiting. These folk tales probably soothed the first woman and then enslaved the rest through the power of reinforced suggestion (e.g. women who throw up a lot have healthier.. more intelligent... beautiful... calm... babies!)
Another serious complication in pregnancy is hypertension. Hypnosis and the stress reduction it provides can assist in reducing blood pressure. Women can be taught how to actually dilate their blood vessels by relaxing the smooth muscles of their blood stream. This very same ability can be applied to relaxing the uterus if premature labor occurs or strengthening the contractions when they are ineffective! Hypnosis, along with bed rest and relaxation, can eliminate the need of hospitalization for both hypertension and premature labor. Conventional medical treatment is always the primary mode of treatment for these serious complications; hypnosis is the adjunctive treatment.
One of the most well known applications of hypnosis in childbirth is its use during labor and delivery. There are many different models of Hypno-birthing available. They all have basic principles and techniques in common. Scientific research and clinical use of hypnosis have established that all hypnosis is self-hypnosis. Because of this fact, the mother (and sometimes a significant other) is taught how to use and elicit self-hypnotic states prior to and during labor and delivery. Training usually begins during the seventh month, unless there are indications of potential complications earlier in the pregnancy. However, this is not always the case, some women who have not had any prenatal care or training have successfully used hypnosis on their first try right in the middle of labor! There are generally four to eight classes in a group setting spaced about a week or two apart. However, many women choose to have the training in individual sessions.
There are varying levels of hypnotizability and not everyone is a candidate for deep levels of hypnotic trance states. However, everyone can use hypnosis for relaxation and stress reduction. When highly motivated, women can surpass their baseline hypnotizability level and achieve responses to suggestions for Hypno-analgesia (pain relief) and Hypno-anesthesia (no pain) and feel more and more relaxed and comfortable with each contraction. Before the invention of chemical anesthesia, in the late 1800's, all women were having babies naturally and many were in a spontaneous trance!
Childbirth is actually a normal human bodily function. All normal human bodily functions are painless. So why has childbirth had such a painful expectation placed on it? Mr. Grantley Dick-Read, the father of the Lamaze movement in the United States, taught that the pain associated with childbirth was a learned experience. First, fear created tension, tension created pain and pain accelerated the fear. Back in 1953 he proposed that educating women about the natural process of childbirth would reduce the fear and result in less pain. A main function of hypnosis is to create feeling of safety and comfort.
Most women have a difficult time accepting the fact that only abnormal physiologic processes cause pain. They are told menstruation is normal and cramps are to be expected. However, cramps are not normal! This is a simple fact. Focus on the concept of a muscle contraction. Flexing and extending arms and legs is not painful. The beating of our heart, which like the uterus, is also a muscle, is not normally painful, and is usually non-perceptible. Given the proper training and supportive circumstances women can have normal pain-free periods, pregnancies and deliveries!
Take your time in choosing a well-trained Hypnotherapist or medical professional who practices hypnosis. It is an important factor in the outcome. As always, although you do not need permission to use hypnosis during your pregnancy and delivery, please inform your physician or midwife of your intentions to receive training and educate them about the cooperation you may need from them. Having all of your caregivers informed ensures that this can be the best experience of your life!