Posted by Sasha Carrion
on October 17, 2011
Hypnobirthing refers to the use of hypnosis, most notably, self-hypnosis, during active labor as a means to achieve relaxation and pain relief. Actress Jessica Alba used this technique when she gave birth to her first child, daughter Honor Marie. She is due to give birth to her second child in the fall and she recently revealed that she’ll be using it again. Jessica says that using hypnosis during child birth is very relaxing, which makes for an easier labor experience. She describes it in this way: “It’s a relaxation technique that allows you to avoid going into panic mode and tightening up. If you are calm and relaxed, your body will just do what it has to do.” From her experience using it during her first labor, she goes on to say “I didn’t scream. The labor was more like meditation. I did Yoga breathing.” Her husband Cash, present for the birth, was surprised that she was so relaxed. “She didn’t make a sound,” he says. “It was amazing.”
Hypnosis during labor is not exactly a new technique. It had its inception during the start of the natural childbirth movement, first described by obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read in the 1930’s. “Natural childbirth” is simply the view that childbirth is a natural process that should be allowed to naturally progress as much as possible. This means using little to no pain medications or other medically intrusive treatments. One of the alternatives to pain medication suggested by Dr. Dick-Read and others was the use of hypnosis. Although much had been written about “natural child birth,” it wasn’t until the 1980’s that it gained traction.
Two important studies have validated the use of hypnosis during labor as a way of reducing pain and inducing relaxation in the expectant mother. The first is a 1993 study conducted by M.W. Jenkins and M. H. Pritchard entitled “Hypnosis: Practical Applications and Theoretical Considerations In Normal Labor.” This study showed that when hypnosis was used in conjunction with education regarding the childbirth experience, it made the labor period shorter and lessened the need for pain medication. The second study was published in the British Journal of Anaesthesea in 2004. It was conducted by A. M. Cyna, G.L. McAulliffe, and M. I. Andrew and it showed that hypnosis lessened the need for pain medication during labor. The reason that hypnosis may work to reduce pain and labor time is that it fosters a deep relaxation. The more relaxed the expectant mother is, the fewer the spasms of pain, and the easier the progression of labor becomes, culminating in the actual birthing.
Other applications of hypnosis in childbirth are to address past trauma and deep-seated fears associated with pregnancy and labor. These fears are often hidden in the subconscious mind where they provoke anxieties and other negative emotions. The source of these is often a mystery to the individual. In the hyper-suggestible state of hypnosis, the mind is extremely receptive to suggestions that the fears and anxieties be replaced by positive emotions and thoughts. Whether you call it hypnobirthing or some other term, there is a growing body of evidence that hypnosis during labor does make the birthing process less painful and easier. A less painful labor is less stressful and that means a happier, healthier newborn.
Sasha Carrion, Cht.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnotherapy_in_childbirth
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/27/fashion/thursdaystyles/27hypno.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_childbirthhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Leclaire_O%27Neill
http://celebritybabies.people.com/2011/05/17/jessica-alba-how-hypnobirthing-helped-me/
http://rixarixa.blogspot.com/2008/07/jessica-alba-hypnobirthing.html
