Hypnosis and Birth

In order to achieve our goals, we need to empower ourselves and be ready to change some aspects of our being to make room for another expression of G-d, or our individual notion of a power greater than ourselves. Your comfort with your role as a mother often depends on what others have told you about who you are and what you should expect; the role your own mother played in your life; and the information you have gotten from friends, relatives, books and or your care provider. It is up to you to decide: you can live by what others say you should be/do/ or think; or you can take full responsibility for your state – here and now. If your mental and spiritual programming is based upon fear and worry there is only so much you can do on your own to manage your state during labor and delivery. The waves of labor will take over your conscious state and you unconscious will run wild with whatever information you have given it.

Can We Change How We Behave?

Once ingrained in our childhood, most behavior becomes largely automatic; we experience a stimulus or trigger and react without conscious thought. That is why trying to change behavior, emotions or improve physical performance by using only our self-will often fails. It has nothing to do with our intentions, or our commitment to the change, or our will power: our minds just don’t work that way. We need to uncover the roots of the behavior, discover how and when they trigger us in our conscious living, heal and rebirth a new behavior now rooted in self-love and self-acceptance with the help of a power greater then ourselves.

How Helpful Is Hypnosis?

Hypnosis is an ancient form of healing dating back to the times of ancient India and Egypt. Hypnosis is still widely used in modern China instead of anesthesia for many surgical procedures. “Hypnosis is helpful to anyone who is going into medical treatment, because it helps the person to stay relaxed and de-stressed,” says Joanne Marrow, PhD., professor emeritus at Cal State Sacramento. The common side effects of therapeutic hypnosis are: improved self-image and confidence, and a profound sense of achievement and empowerment.

How Does It Work?

How you prepare you mind and body is the singular most important factor for the successful outcome of your birth. Far too often our joy and excitement are over-shadowed by fear, uncertainty and questionable self-confidence. With the help of a professional Hypnotherapist you can reach and embrace your ability to change your state of fear, worry and stress into calm and self-confidence. When your mind, body, and soul are in harmony, you have essentially created the perfect balance for physical comfort, mental relaxation and emotional confidence. Relaxation, achieved through self-hypnosis techniques, releases the fear and tensions that cause long labor. Therefore, pain is eliminated. Fear creates tension and tension creates pain. This negative cycle is replaced with confidence, calm, and comfort. Through hypnosis, a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration, suggestions are communicated to the subconscious mind.

Can You Do It On Your Own?

Yes. With the help of self-hypnosis audio tapes or CDs, you can train yourself to reach a state of relaxation that can and will help you achieve the birthing experience you desire. There are organizations out there that offer self-hypnosis CDs, personally I would reccomend those that have been created by birthign professionals like doulas, or hypnobirthing instructors.  But rememeber you are in charge of your birthign experience and you have the power to self-hypnotize.  Of course the help of a professional at your side insures that you will stay on course. But if you are willing to stay focus and use the techniques learned you can achieve a wonderful experience. Our subconscious mind directly influences what we think, how we feel, and the choices we make. Hypnosis can help you maintain the sacred space of birth and a conscious contact with your baby.