The HypnoBirthing method of childbirth education is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. It is a rewarding, relaxing, and stress-free method of birthing that teaches a mother, along with her birthing companion, the art and joy of experiencing birth in an easier, more comfortable, and often pain-free manner.

The HypnoBirthing program was developed in 1989 by Marie Mongan and is based on the works of English obstetrician, Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, the father of Natural Childbirth. HypnoBirthing proponents subscribe to the belief that when a woman is given the proper preparation for childbirth, she and her birthing companion can experience a safe, serene, and satisfying birthing, free of the fear that causes tension and pain. When mind and body are in harmony, nature is free to function in the same well-designed manner that it does with all other creatures.

Today, many programs have become information channels for the local hospitals, designed primarily to acquaint women with the "medical model" and educate them to the drugs, technological equipment, and medical procedures that are routinely in use at the hospitals. Some programs teach methods that attempt to take focus away from the pain so that women in labor will not be so aware of it, training them to cope with pain rather than reduce or eliminate it. Others suggest that women look upon the pain as an "empowerment of womanhood," something to rise above and triumph over. The new mother is taught to accept the pain of labor as inevitable but not surmountable. Some teach that childbirth pain is an unavoidable, but useful, friend that can be tolerated, worked with, and learned from. These techniques are premised on a basic belief that pain must be associated with labor and the pain must somehow be accommodated.

The HypnoBirthing philosophy differs vastly from other views. HypnoBirthing is predicated on the belief that as a woman, you can experience birth serenely, comfortably, with dignity, and with as little medical intervention as possible. The program teaches you to go with the natural flow and rhythm of your laboring body; to release birthing over to your mind and body; and to trust your body to function as it was intended to, thereby alleviating pain.

Through classes taught by professional hypnotherapists, nurses, midwives, and birthing educators, trained in the techniques of hypnoanesthesia, you will become skilled in using your own natural abilities to bring your mind and body into perfect harmony. You will gain an understanding of the physiology of labor and learn special conditioning and labor techniques that will enable you to connect with and work with your body as you experience labor.

HypnoBirthing eliminates the fear-tension-pain syndrome before, during and after birthing. Relaxation and hypnosis techniques are taught to the mother-to-be and her birthing companion to do away with fear and tension. The couple is taught how the pregnant woman's body is designed to work in neuro-muscular harmony and with efficiency throughout labor so that each state of birthing is met with assistance, rather than physical, emotional or spiritual resistance. Guided imagery, visualization, fear releasing scripts, affirmations, breath patterns, hypnosis, progressive relaxation and physical preparation are all included as part of the training program. Four 2-hour classes with other couples are scheduled in the middle trimester. Individual couple sessions or classes may also be arranged.

Hypnosis is a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration --- a state of mind and body in which we communicate suggestions to the subconscious mind. This part of the mind influences what we think, how we feel, and the choices we make. It can actually control pain. There is no magic to achieving success with hypnosis. Almost anyone who chooses to can reach deep relaxation and redirected focus. However, success with hypnosis does require a commitment to practice the relaxation techniques.

Many women who have used HypnoBirthing, say that what they experience is similar to the daydreaming or focusing that occurs when you are engrossed in a book or when you start a fire. You will be conversant and in good spirits --- totally relaxed, but fully in control. You will be aware of your body's contractions, but will be able to determine the extent to which you feel the surge (contraction). You will experience the birthing in an atmosphere of calm and relaxation, without the fear and tension that causes pain. Your body's natural anesthesia (endorphins) will replace the stress hormones that cause pain. When it is time for your baby to be born, you will be fully awake and involved.

Childbirthing in this way mirrors nature, working with your body for a beautiful, peaceful, loving experience.

Christine Oberts has studied hypnosis and mind/body healing for over 20 years. She is a Doctoral candidate in hypnosis, Certified Hypnoanesthesia therapist and certified HypnoBirther. You can reach her at 907-283-4311.