Hypnosis During Childbirth

HypnoBirthing^® is a program of preparing for childbirth with hypnosis and is based on the premise that childbirth is a normal, natural and healthy function for women.  A study on hypnosis and childbirth, published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, found that women who used hypnosis during childbirth had shorter labor and used less pain medication.  Here are some of the results from the study:

1. First-time moms: average first stage of labor with hypnosis 6.4 hours compared to 9.3 hours without hypnosis.
2. Moms who had given birth before: average first stage of labor with hypnosis 5.3 hours compared to 6.2 hours without hypnosis.
3. Pain medication: both groups of hypnosis moms used significantly less pain medication than the non-hypnosis moms.

Essentially, hypnosis is a deep state of relaxation with focused concentration and a heightened state of awareness.  Hypnosis is not being out of control, divulging secrets, being unaware of what is going on or being unable to resist suggestions made to you.  While hypnosis does play a central role in HypnoBirthing, moms and their birth companions also learn techniques to encourage the release of endorphins, natural birthing positions, visualizations to prepare the body for birthing, and special deep breathing techniques.    

For following article provides more information about hypnosis: Scientific American: The Truth and the Hype of Hypnosis

 

Dateline’s two part story about hypnosis during childbirth:

Articles about HypnoBirthing:

• Time Magazine: Birth Bliss
• Canadian Parents: Childbirth Without Pain or Drugs