Childbirth… Hypnotherapy

Scientific studies have proved that hypnotically prepared women have shorter first-stages of labour, less medication and their babies have higher Apgar scores (grading indicating the well being of an infant at birth).

Also, results showed that ladies had lower post-natal depression ratings after birth compared to women who did not receive hypnosis.

(T Tyre 1990) Study on the Obstetric outcomes using Hypnotic analgesia and skill mastery, combined with childbirth education. Journal of the Consulting and Clinical Psychology 58.8.

Hypno-birth

The NHS are about to launch an 18-month trial study, for 800 first-time mothers, to ascertain the effectiveness of ‘hypno-birthing’.

I have been helping ‘mums to be’ for years and I know how effective self-hypnosis is. I have lectured to midwives in hospitals and they agree that teaching a prospective mum to relax, prior to her giving birth, makes life so much easier for all concerned.

A lot of second time mums have found that their first experience wasn’t ideal – too many drugs; epidurals that had caused problems later; inability to cope with contractions; feelings of panic. The most frequent comment expressed by mums was the feeling of being out of control, leading to tension and a more painful experience.

In American maternity units ‘hypno-birthing’ is offered as a matter of course. Studies have proved that natural childbirth is not only beneficial for mum but baby gains too.

Child birth is a natural process and should be a wonderful experience.

A woman will feel more confident when she realises that she will be in control during the birth and because she is more relaxed there is a lesser need for painkillers.

I offer techniques to help each stage of labour, e.g. to relax the muscles in the first stage when muscular tension can cause pain.

Much of the pain experienced during childbirth is due to our cultural expectation – we are offered painkillers so childbirth must be painful. The result is apprehension and fear producing tension and pain. Hypnosis removes the fear so alleviating the tension.

Treatment includes:

• Visualisation allows mum to create a relaxing place in her mind so when contractions become stronger she can sink into a deeper state of trance to override the muscle contractions.
• Creating a sense of control at all times – to slip in and out of trance whenever required.
• Training can be given to the birthing partner and because they are involved during the birth it creates a greater bond with the baby.
• Self-hypnosis techniques to help cope with the first few weeks – to promote stamina due to sleep deprivation.

Benefits for baby

Easier birth – so baby more relaxed; easier feeding; sleeps better; more content and therefore happy.

A CD is available to be played during the birth.

Hypno-birthing NHS study

The 18-month NHS trial study on the effectiveness of hypno-birthing will involve more than 800 first-time mothers. It has input from Lancashire University and will run in hospitals in Blackburn and Burnley.

Professor Soo Downe, who will lead the trial said: ‘There is good evidence that hypnosis works well in other areas of health management. The idea is to give women the capacity to manage their labour themselves. If the results are promising we will do further trials.’

Material from The Surrey Institute of Clinical Hypnotherapy

I have run a successful Hypno-birthing clinic for over 9 years; I know hypnosis works for child birth.