NATURAL CHILDBIRTH

In developing countries, when the woman is ready to give birth, she will go and deliver her child somewhere (for example quietly under a tree) then get up and carry on doing whatever she was doing before! In the western world, child birth has become a "medical condition" and women are treated as if they were "medical patients", which is, of course, not the case.

The World Health Organisation reports that Caesarian and epidural births are on the increase and that:

"In childbirth, there should be no reason to interfere with what is a natural process."(4)

So many drugs are now available and used in the process of childbirth - for pain control, nausea, etc. from general anaesthetics, to epidurals, and morphine to gas and air. ALL drugs have side effects - not only to the mother, but obviously to the baby too.

Along with that, we expect pain, we expect needles; we expect a difficult time when we are not in control at all. This programs us to expect a long, uncomfortable labour and also programs us with FEAR. FEAR of the unknown, FEAR of things going wrong, FEAR of being cut or torn, FEAR of extreme pain and discomfort, FEAR of the whole process. This FEAR is then passed on to the baby and the process of being born becomes frightening and traumatic for the baby.

The baby is born frightened, traumatised and, in many cases, drugged.

WHY USE HYPNOSIS FOR CHILDBIRTH?

"Hypno-birthing" (or using hypnosis during childbirth) has become increasingly popular, as it enables you to have a relaxed, controlled, natural, comfortable, and often pain-free birth. It has recently been featured in the local National Childbirth Trust newsletter and Mother and Baby Magazine. It is relatively easy to learn with guidance, and once learnt, can be used for subsequent births.

Instead of learning these skills in a large and impersonal group (most courses are for large groups of people) why not have the personal attention of a local hypnotherapist /qualified nurse work individually and privately with you over five weeks, giving you the very best possible chance of success in learning and using these excellent techniques - without even having to leave your local area?

BENEFITS INCLUDE

• Less discomfort during labour (or none at all)

  At least quarter of women experience no pain at all, and three quarters need significantly less pain medication. There is therefore much less chance of a drugged baby - so less chance of drug induced side effects for the mother and the baby.
  In hypnosis, or when deeply relaxed and our body produces natural endorphins or "feel good hormones" which are our bodies natural pain killers. The pain threshold is increased. (1)

• A Significantly shortened labour

  Research shows hypnotherapy can significantly shorten the first stage of labour and in many cases, the rupture of membranes, or "waters breaking", to the actual birth of the child, has been only a few hours using hypnosis. (3)

• A more alert and responsive baby - with a high apgar score

  Babies whose mothers have a relaxed and pain free birth, are more responsive and active, bond more easily, and the babies have a better motor orientation (are more alert and aware) (2)

• To feel good and have more energy!

  (There is much less chance of maternal exhaustion as labour is much shorter)

• To feel in control of the whole process - not controlled by it!
• A speedy recovery following birth
• Less chance of instrumental / surgical intervention (forceps, ventous, c-section)
• Reduction in fear and tension about the birth
• Increased feelings of confidence in yourself as a woman and a mother
• Less chance of premature labour, post-natal depression, excessive morning sickness and high blood pressure
• A safe and natural delivery

WHAT IS COVERED IN THE SESSIONS?

1. Overcoming FEARS - either real or imagined - conscious or subconscious - about giving birth and the whole birth process.
   
   
2. Learn and practise self hypnosis - which allows you to feel very deeply relaxed and rested, as well as in control of the whole process. (from the beginning of labour through to delivery.)
   
   
3. The expectation of uncontrollable PAIN is replaced with the expectation of easily controllable discomfort.
   
   
4. Several easy to use pain control techniques are taught - you can choose which you prefer.
   
   
5. Time distortion techniques - we all know that if we are happy and enjoying ourselves, time appears to pass very quickly, yet if we are in pain, unhappy, or frightened, one minute can seem like an hour. We tap into that and use it to your advantage! So during a contraction, time will appear to pass very quickly, and between contractions, time appears to pass very slowly, so you can use that time to rest, and re-energise.
   
   
6. Medical terms are demystified so that you feel comfortable (and not alarmed or worried) when you hear them being mentioned by the doctors, nurses or midwives.
   
   
7. Ego- strengthening and confidence building - so that consciously and subconsciously, you have every confidence in your ability to have a safe, easy, comfortable, natural birth.
   
   
8. Your birth partner/ friend can come along to the sessions if he/she wishes
   and techniques are taught that you can go away with and practice together, so that
   he/she feels involved.

A personal one to one Natural Birth course usually takes 5 sessions. (Partners are welcome to attend if they wish) This is tailored around you and your needs.

Please book 8 weeks before you expected delivery date.

This skill once taught -is a valuable skill to keep for the rest of your life - and of course can then be used for subsequent births.

To book your first appointment call 0800 0345 998 or click here to e-mail.

What do my clients say?

" I would highly recommend the hypnotherapy - as well as helping with the birth itself, I believe the positive tapes and reinforcement messages helped me keep in a relaxed state weeks beforehand….I learnt some great stuff that on the day got me to 6cm dilated with no pain killers!……having such a good birth experience made it easier to cope with the following days, and months of hard work that is involved in looking after a new baby"

"The birth was a fantastic experience I hadn't dared hope for"

REFERENCES:

1) Dr. Jack Gibson has performed more than 4000 painless surgeries using only hypnosis for anaesthesia.

2) Jenkins & Pritchard, 1993. Hypnosis- Practical and Theoretical Applications and Considerations. Brititsh Journal Obstetrics & Gynaecology . Vol 103. pp.221-223

3) A. Montague, 1997 (wife of Dr.Charles Montague - Hypnotherapist at St.Bartholomews Hospital EC1 ) one hour labour from start to finish.

4) Sunday Express. 11 November 2001.Article - Lack of Midwives.