What is hypnobirthing and how does it work?
Hypnobirthing teaches a combination of simple and effective evidence-based techniques, as well as the most current information on childbirth education, to support positive birth experiences.
These techniques teach a pregnant person how to shift into a deep state of relaxation (similar to meditation), which means her body and mind can allow the birth process to unfold just as it’s designed to do – feeling calm, with minimal interference and trusting the process along the way.
The Hypnobirthing Australia™ method teaches self-hypnosis techniques using specialised scripts that are read, listened to and practiced regularly – to help condition the birthing mother to easily and quickly access a calm and relaxed state, while still being able to interact when necessary.
The multi-layered scripts include the use of other techniques such as positive affirmations, visualisation, conditioning the body to release endorphins (natures pain relief) to specific thoughts – as well as practical tools such as acupressure, massage, and optimal positioning.
Why is hypnobirthing preferred?
The benefits from the Hypnobirthing Australia – Positive Birth Program are many. Even experienced parents and childbirth professionals such as midwives, obstetricians and doulas (who are familiar with pregnancy and the birth process), can gain additional knowledge and helpful skills to aid their approach.
Hypnobirthing is the complete package when it comes to positive childbirth education.
What is the difference between hypnobirthing and other methods?
Many different techniques have developed over the decades to assist women during childbirth. Most techniques focus on teaching the birthing woman to ‘cope with’ or manage pain. Hypnobirthing is a multi-layered approach that focuses on birth as something normal, joyful and positive. It looks at reducing fear and tension in the woman’s body and conditioning the release of natural endorphins, so she can labour more easily with less chance of unnecessary intervention.
One difference between Hypnobirthing and Lamaze technique is that a Hypnobirthing woman can use ‘self-hypnosis’ without the aid of a ‘coach’ or birth partner to guide her if she chooses, therefore is not reliant on an external source. In Lamaze, the ‘coach’ or birth partner is the key to guiding her through breathing techniques (the ‘pant’ or the long, slow in the nose and out through pursed lips).
Lamaze has a heavy focus on breathing. Hypnobirthing has a focus on deep relaxation, conditioning the body to release endorphins to thoughts, and positive mindset.
The Bradley method also focuses on deep breathing as a distraction for the brain not to perceive pain, as well as having a ‘labour coach’ or active support person – whereas Hypnobirthing uses many different tools to recruit parts of the brain that would normally perceive pain, and hypnosis can be self-induced or guided by pre-recorded scripts.
