Techniques include breathing, physical preparation, positive thinking, visualisation and relaxation exercises.
Why is it so popular?
HypnoBirthing provides a gentle and natural alternative to other births. Recent Hollywood hype has increased its popularity, with famous mums Jessica Alba and Miranda Kerr, in on the act.
HypnoBirthing requires practise and meditation during pregnancy, but can help women achieve a calm and possibly drug-free birth.
Additional benefits reported by mums include less risk of medical interventions such as caeserian sections or episiotomies, shorter labour and birthing, less incidence of tears, and a more placid and calm baby.
It might also provide an impressive birth story.
I have met women who have used such techniques to claim that they laboured at home in the bath, arrived at the hospital in time to push, welcomed the baby peacefully into the world, and that "the pain was really not that bad".
Of course, that was not my story. During transition, I wondered if the only women who refused the hospital's narcotics had access to something recreational.
However, HypnoBirthing did remove my fear of childbirth, and provided a safe and natural way to relax during pregnancy.
Does it remove pain?
The philosophy behind HypnoBirthing is to remove the fear of giving birth. Practitioners say this fear causes tension in a woman's body, and releasing it eases the pain of childbirth.
Many women claim that HypnoBirthing removes all discomfort, or at least reduces it so that they can endure a drug free labour.
Like many women who have practised HypnoBirthing, I found the pain during labour intense but tolerable.
Not that converts call it "pain". HypnoBirthing relies heavily on euphemisms, so any discomfort during childbirth is known as "sensations" or "pressure".
So, even if in pain, you might say you're having a lot of "pressure".
Tips for HypnoBirthing success
• Practise exercises regularly: Regularly practising meditation can help a pregnant woman relax, provide a bonding experience with their baby, and assist in a restful sleep. It's best to practise exercises every day.
• Inform birth assistants: Like most plans, birth plans are more easily made than followed. However, you should tell your birth partner, doula, or midwife if you want to put HypnoBirthing into practice. Specify your preferences - such as for a natural birth - and your desire to engage in mother-directed birth breathing. Ask them to refrain from any activities that could make you anxious, such as holding up the mirror while the baby crowns.
• Consider other forms of pain relief:HypnoBirthing does not guarantee pain relief. Nor does it mean you can't try other pain relief options. Your midwife can provide information about medical and natural pain relief, such as a TENS machine, heat applications, and a birthing pool. For total relief, you could consider using HypnoBirthing alongside an epidural.
Pregnant women can consider a variety of calm birthing methods. If you are interested in Mongan's HypnoBirthing techniques, you may consider attending a local class, purchasing her book and CD. You can find out more on the website.
