HYPNOBIRTHING

Unit 1: Getting Started

• Introduction to the HypnoBirthing^® philosophy
• Why and how you can have an easier, more comfortable, and safer birthing
• How Nature perfectly designed women’s bodies to birth
• How to assist, rather than resist, your natural birthing instincts
• The vocabulary for calm and gentle birthing.
• Visualizing gentle births by viewing beautiful birthing videos

Unit 2: Preparing Mind & Body

• The remarkable mind of your newborn baby—Prenatal bonding techniques
• Rapid and instant self-relaxation techniques and deepening techniques
• Breathing techniques for labor and birthing
• Hypnotic relaxation and visualization
• Selecting the right care provider
• The Birth companion’s role in birthing
• Preparing your body for birthing with massage and toning

Unit 3: Getting Ready to Welcome your Baby

• The remarkable mind of your newborn baby—Prenatal bonding techniques
• Rapid and instant self-relaxation techniques and deepening techniques
• Breathing techniques for labor and birthing
• Hypnotic relaxation and visualization
• Selecting the right care provider
• The Birth companion’s role in birthing
• Preparing your body for birthing with massage and toning

Unit 4: An Overview of Birthing – A Labor of Love

• Preparing Birth Preference Sheets
• Preparing the Body for Birthing
• Light Touch Labor Massage
• Your body working for and with you
• What if labor needs to be induced
• Releasing negative emotions, fears and limiting thoughts

Unit 5: Birth, Breathing Love, Bringing Life

• Onset of Labor – Thinning and Opening Phase
• Birth explained simply
• Settling in at the hospital or birthing center
• Preparing for home birth – or baby’s choice of birth
• As labor moves along – passing time through labor
• Hallmarks of labor
• If labor rests or slows – Companion’s prompts and activities
• As labor advances – birthing with your baby
• Protecting the natural birthing experience
• Birth rehearsal imagery

Is it true that I will experience a pain-free birth with HypnoBirthing®?

HypnoBirthing® does not promise painless birthing, though many HypnoBirthing® mothers do report having a relatively pain-free birth or one that they were able to manage easily. When the causes of fear-tension-pain that constrict the birthing muscles are eliminated, birthing can be accomplished in a shorter time and much more comfortably. A relaxed mother’s body will produce more endorphins and oxytocin, nature’s own relaxants. HypnoBirthing® mother may experience sensations of tightening or pressure, but most describe their birth experience as working with their body through the sensations, and thus avoiding the excruciating pain that is frequently spoken of by women who choose other methods of preparation for birthing.

What if my doctor/midwife is not familiar with HypnoBirthing®? Can I still use this method and how can my healthcare providers help me to achieve my HypnoBirthing goals?

Building A Positive Expectancy

More and more care providers are becoming aware of the benefits of HypnoBirthing®. In class, you will learn how to create your birth preferences, which will help you communicate your birthing choices to your doctor, midwife, and nurses. If your care provider is not knowledgeable about HypnoBirthing®, you can discuss the techniques you will be using and the type of calm birthing environment that you desire.

Will HypnoBirthing® be useful to me if I don’t opt for a natural childbirth or if circumstances necessitate medical intervention or a surgical birth?

Building A Positive Expectancy

The answer is YES. In HypnoBirthing® classes you will learn relaxation skills that will be useful to you, your partner and your baby, regardless of the circumstances. In the event that medical interventions of any sort are needed, you will find yourself better prepared to remain calm and in control. Moms who have needed cesareans for medical reasons report that they were totally relaxed before, during, and after the procedure. Many report they needed less medication following the birth, and were able to return to normal functioning in a shorter amount of time.

Will I be unconscious or will I remember my birth experience?

Building A Positive Expectancy

A hypnoBirthing mother is totally aware and may return to a conversant state or choose to become mobile whenever she desires. You will remain definitely conscious during self-hypnosis. The HypnoBirthing mothers are deeply relaxed and are an active participant in the labor process. They often find they experience time distortion, are able to rest, and focus on birthing and their new baby.

How is the Birth Companion involved?

The birth companion is an integral part of the HypnoBirthing experience. He or she practices with the mother to assist her during labor using hypnosis, relaxation techniques, visualizations, light touch massage, and receiving the new baby.

Will I need a partner?

All mothers are welcome in my class with or without partners. The partner is encouraged to participate.

Is HypnoBirthing covered by insurance?

All mothers are welcome with or without partners. The partner is encouraged to participate.