In my first post for the series, I mentioned that we did hypnobirthing with our first birth, and plan to do it again. It helped so much—this time, I want to be even better at getting ‘in the zone’. If you’re considering hypnobirthing, or just want to learn more, let me tell you about it!
Why should you do Hypnobirthing?
The course we took teaches you what to expect, how to trust your body, and the natural process that birth is. I have personally found out a lot about about my body through pregnancy and breastfeeding, and think it’s crazy that so many women are just like me: we have no idea exactly what our bodies can do! This knowledge fights fear, and the overly-dramatic, unrealistic portrayals of birth in the media.
Also, training yourself to be calm and meditative helps mitigate pain, thus allowing for a better experience, and less unwanted intervention.
some great stuff in here
What does it entail?
We did the Mongan method, which I believe is the more ‘woo’ of the two—but it’s still got a lot fo great stuff. In class, we practiced going inside ourselves with non-birth-related imaginings (‘imagine your dream kitchen’; tell me all the details). This is useful, because partners can practice with you, so they have a better understanding of what you’re doing. We also did some therapeutic-type activities. I was particularly fond of the ‘fear-release’, as it helps you really dig deep, and make sure you can work through anything you need to before you go into labor.
The rest is homework. You are given scripts, and can have your partner practice with you at home, with the intent that you’ll use it during birth. You also listen to the Rainbow Relaxation CD, which has you focus on relaxing each section of your body, as well as birth affirmations, to get your mind in the right place.
How did I use it during my first birth?
The only thing that would have taken Gwendolyn’s birth from an A to an A+ would be if Todd and I had practiced together more. As it was, we didn’t have him try any scripts during labor. However, I had been listening to the CD regularly for a couple of months, and used what I learned to keep my ~cool~.
I was able to keep physically relaxed, and trust the process. However, I did do my own sort of thing: visualizing the ‘pattern’ my contractions had, as a means of working through them. Birth affirmations were really important to me, too. Any time I was getting frustrated, or needed to re-focus, I would think my favourites to myself.
Is it for you?
Yes!
If you’re looking to do a ‘natural’ birth, it’s tremendous for keeping you in your head, and in a calm place. At least in my experience, that is key.
If you’re planning a more medical birth, it can help you focus and work thought the earlier stages of labor. A calmer laboring mama is always a good thing.
If you’re pretty chill about giving birth, and are understanding of the process, it will help give you the tools to power the whole way through.
If you’re terrified of childbirth pain, it will teach you why you shouldn’t be, and how to stay in control of this very common process. And don’t rule yourself out as a wimp—I’m the wimpiest person everyone who knows me knows (I will likely cry if I stub my toe badly), and I was able to birth unmedicated. You’re more capable than you imagine.
Basically, I think that no matter your situation, hypnobirthing practice can help you out.
Do you have any more questions about it? I’d love to answer any you have! For those who have done hypnobirthing: what was your experience? What would you say are the biggest pros to it?
