FAQ

HypnoBirthing® Hamilton

Affiliated with the HypnoBirthing® Institute

289-237-1596 info@hypnobirthinghamilton.com

FAQ

How does HypnoBirthing® differ from traditional childbirth education classes?

While conventional childbirth classes work from the premise that pain is a significant and unavoidable aspect of birth, HypnoBirthing® recognizes the medically-documented Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome, and therefore teaches women how to birth more comfortably, safely and peacefully. HypnoBirthing® also honours the inherent wisdom of nature, women and babies, emphasizing how birth works well in the vast majority of cases, explaining in detail how it is designed to do so. Women and their supporters are given plenty of inspiration and affirmation about the normalcy of birth as opposed to worst-case scenarios and stories that generate doubt and mistrust with respect to women's bodies and the birthing process. HypnoBirthing® integrates aspects of body, mind, emotions and spirituality, bringing together scientific research, experiential knowledge and the unique strengths found in each woman, baby and father or other birth companion. HypnoBirthing® lends itself easily to customization and offers great benefit in all birthing situations: those that unfold easily and naturally, those that include optional interventions, and those that merit and require medical intervention for the best possible outcome.

When should I take my HypnoBirthing® classes?

While it is possible to take a HypnoBirthing® class at any point in your pregnancy, beginning your classes near the start of your third trimester is ideal. If you come to HypnoBirthing® very near to the end of your pregnancy, it may be possible to take the classes in a condensed format. Any HypnoBirthing® training is better than no HypnoBirthing® training!

Is there scientific evidence that supports the use of HypnoBirthing®?

Yes! In addition to an abundance of evidence supporting the use of hypnosis for birthing, a specific study compared 1059 births of HypnoBirthing® women to the 2006 US national averages. It was found that HypnoBirthing® moms experienced fewer medical interventions, including fewer Caesarean births, less pain medication, and fewer incidences of artificial induction of labour and artificial augmentation of labour. HypnoBirthing® mothers also had fewer incidences of preterm labour and low birth weight babies.

What do doctors, nurses and midwives think of HypnoBirthing®?

The first HypnoBirthing® baby was born in the US in 1990. Since then, HypnoBirthing® has spread throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and elsewhere in the world, and medical professionals are amazed by the births. HypnoBirthing® Hamilton is the first to offer these services in the Hamilton area, and I've been delighted to discover that the local caregivers are open and receptive to the HypnoBirthing® approach.

What do mothers think of HypnoBirthing®?

By and large, mothers are thrilled with the process and effectiveness of the HypnoBirthing® method. To read birth stories written by HypnoBirthing® moms click here.

What kind of labour support does HypnoBirthing® require?

HypnoBirthing® classes enable mom and her birth companion(s) to create a safe and satisfying experience with or without additional birth support, such as a doula. The services of a doula will serve to augment the benefits of the HypnoBirthing® techniques, provided the doula has working knowledge of them. By combining the documented benefits of both HypnoBirthing® and doula support, a woman maximizes her ability to birth in an easier, more comfortable manner.  I am pleased to provide virtual doula services to women in Hamilton and surrounding areas. Click here for detailed information. For a referral to a traditional doula familiar with the HypnoBirthing® approach, please contact me directly.

The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because they are  you.
                                             -- Unknown

What is HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing® is as much a philosophy as it is a set of techniques. It is a rewarding, relaxing, empowering method of birthing that is based on the belief that women and babies are designed to birth in an atmosphere of gentility, calm and joy. When a mother is properly prepared for birthing physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, she can experience that sort of joy and peace, birthing her baby in an easier, more comfortable manner.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that each of experiences many times a day, such as when we're reading, daydreaming, engrossed in a movie, performing a repetitive task, and sometimes while driving. When in a hypnotic state we are very relaxed, aware and fully in control. The two major differences between the hypnotic state and our regular waking state of mind are:

a) In hypnosis, we are far more relaxed and open to suggestion.

b) In hypnosis, though we are still aware of our surroundings, our focus becomes more concentrated, allowing us to attend more fully to our inner mind, enabling us to better use our imagination and perceptions to understand and alter our beliefs, experiences, thoughts and behaviours, including bodily processes that are normally under the jurisdiction of the subconscious mind.

Is hypnosis safe?

The short answer is a resounding YES! A handful of medical conditions are contraindicated for hypnosis but, as stated above, hypnosis is a naturally-occurring state.

Common concerns include:

Being controlled by the hypnotist...

While in the hypnotic state, a person is fully in control of him or herself. A person will behave only in accordance with his or her morals and can choose to accept or reject imagery and suggestions given. The antics of stage hypnotism are misleading, causing people to believe that the hypnotist is in control of the participants. In truth, those on stage who are clucking like chickens are doing so because they choose to -- they enjoy performing and acting!

Getting "stuck" in hypnosis...

This simply cannot happen. In addition to having another person guide them out of the hypnotic state, a person can always choose to bring themselves out of the state at any time, such as when they respond appropriately to an emergency.

Being "unhypnotizable"...

Virtually everyone experiences hypnosis on a regular basis. While some people will experience the hypnotic state more easily or more deeply than others, hypnosis is a skill that can be developed through practice (which is why it's so important for moms to practice, practice, practice).

How does hypnosis apply to birthing?

Hypnosis is useful in many ways:

1. Hypnosis enables us to deprogram ourselves of the negative beliefs surrounding birth, and replace those detrimental myths with confidence in a woman's ability to birth easily, safely and comfortably. This is key to interrupting the fear-tension-pain cycle.

2. Regular relaxation and hypnotic practice enables mom (and dad) to be more calm and centred, leading to better decision-making, healthier child development and, again, an interruption of the fear-tension-pain cycle. Without her reserves being drained in order to cope with high levels of anxiety and pain, mom is free to enjoy her birthing and baby.

3. Hypnosis can be used to affect the body and allow it to function optimally. Just as athletes use mental rehearsal and hypnosis to improve their performance, moms can use these same techniques to prepare their body for a great birth.