HypnoBirthing® UK

[Agent Pegworth]

I am a practicing hypnotherapist and I write hypnotic programs for pregnant clients to create a more relaxed and healthy pregnancy and birth.
However, now that I am pregnant myself I am wondering if doing a hypnobirthing course can teach me some techniques that I am not already aware of? What additional things does the Mongan Method include that a trained hypnotherapist does not know?

[ockysmith]

The HypnoBirthing course is a complete antenatal course, it covers everything from the causes of pain in labour - the anatomy and physiology of normal pregnancy and birth, history of birthing, myths surrounding childbirth right through to special diets, breathing and relaxation techniques, massage techniques, how to write effective birth plans and take control of your own labour and much much more. It is a *lot* more than just self hypnosis.

It's also designed to be taught to couples and I believe that is one of the keys to its success - rather than just focusing on hypnotherapy for the mum alone. In addition each week you will see many positive birth stories on DVD (which is all part of the demystifying labour and birth experience)and be given the chance to ask questions of the practitioner (many of whom are experienced HypnoBirthing parents themselves as well as hypnotherapists, midwives, doulas etc..) - all as well as the hypnosis you mention.

Hope that makes things clearer, have a read of the rest of the website and also the US one www.hypnobirthing.com

Sarah

[mia]

Adding to what Sarah has written, I would just like to add that the self hypnosis and breathing techniques are specifically tailored according to each stage of labour. Because they are designed to work with you in labour, they help you focus on, and work with, your birthing body, in line with what women seem to do naturally anyway, given the right environment. So, for example, you do not take yourself away mentally, or try to dull the sensations, which you might do with other hypnosis techniques. You stay very much in tune with your body and your baby, to help it do its job most effectively and gently.

[Catherine Jackson]

When I trained as a hypnotherapist, I had a very "lively" conversation in class about some of the techniques that they were suggesting for hypnosis in obstetrics versus HypnoBirthing. Hypnotherapists who have always had an interest in child birth have been blown away by the techniques that HypnoBirthing offers and most have all subsequently become HypnoBirthing practitioners!!
The one criticism that some hypnotherapists have is that it is not individually tailored for the couple. However, most HypnoBirthing practitioners would identify if couple needed any additional support and work individually with them.
I am a hypnotherapist and a HypnoBirthing mum and did lots of research when I was pregnant. The books, CDs and videos that accompany the course are second to none. Since my daughter was born 4 years ago, HB has taken off in Jersey - there are now 5 practitioners and in 2006 15% of all pregnant women used HypnoBirthing. I do urge you to find out more - as the others mentioned, it is a whole education programme and is not just about the birth - helps with pregnancy, bonding, and relaxation after the birth. I still use the techniques 4 years on!!!

Warm regards and wishing you a happy healthy pregnancy and calm, comfortable birth,

Catherine Jackson
www.catherinejackson.net