HypnoBirthing is now known as a new way of giving birth without much medical intervention, and relatively pain-free. But in reality, HypnoBirthing is not that new. It actually dates back a long time, at the times when hospitals and surgeons were non-existent. What puts many women at bay is the fear of pain. However, pain is relative and those who have attended HypnoBirthing classes know that birthing can be a pleasant experience.

To put it simply, a women’s uterus has three main muscle groups that contract regularly to allow babies to come out smoothly during birthing. But during this time, most women panic and unconsciously tighten those muscle groups, hence causing pain.

Today more and more women with low-risk pregnancies are turning to HypnoBirthing as an alternative way to give birth. They choose to give birth using no medications at all, including pain relievers like epidurals. Instead, they rely on techniques such as relaxation and controlled breathing.

With natural childbirth, the mother is in control of her body, usually with a labour assistant gently guiding and supporting her through the stages of labour. And the child comes into the world drug-free.

Pain medications are known to affect labour – the mum’s blood pressure might drop, her labour might slow down or speed up, she might become nauseous, and she might feel a sense of lack of control. All this can be avoided through HypnoBirthing.

For many moms-to-be, having a natural childbirth isn’t about being “brave” or a “martyr” – it’s about treating labour delivery as a natural event. Many women find the experience extremely empowering and rewarding. These women choose to embrace natural childbirth to feel more ‘in-touch’ with their birth experience.

Would be mothers and their spouses are encouraged to attend a HypnoBirthing Couple’s Course (Hypnobirthing classes) so that they can explore what natural birthing entails. It is usually held for a couple of hours each meeting, with five sessions spaced out over five weeks. Those who would like to become HypnoBirthing professionals, may attend a Practitioners course which can be done over six full days.

For more information on our other courses, go to www.petrahypnosis.com.

This article was first published in The New Age Parents e-magazine.

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