What is hypnotherapy and Counselling for childbirth?

Hypnosis is a natural state of relaxation, similar to the type of relaxation we go in and out of when we relax or daydream throughout the day. Hypnotherapy uses this state of relaxation for a therapeutic purpose or effect. The therapist will help induce a deep relaxation and use the power of visualisation and suggestion to assist your birth experience.  In self hypnosis training for childbirth the instructor teaches you how to induce this state at will. We all have experienced a similar effect when we become engrosed in a book or movie, when we are focused and relaxed, our minds are open. In chilbirth preparation the subconscious mind can help you overcome fear and pain. The subconscious is responsible for regulating all your bodily functions including your heart rate, hormone production as well as the emotions. Hypnosis ad counselling can tap into this self regulation to help you to deal with, and overcome fear and anxiety. Hypnosis and counselling will increase self confidence, reduce pain, and help you trust in your body’s natural ability to birth. Heather can teach you self hypnosis as everyone is capable of learning relaxation and self hypnosis is easy to learn.

Why use Hypnosis for childbirth?

Hypnotherapy is widely used for childbirth to eliminate the Fear-Tension-Pain syndrome. Birthing is a natural process that your body understands how to do. Unfortunately we have recently turned birthing into a medical procedure and women are now in fear, anticipating the worst.

The Fear-Tension-Pain cycle theory was discovered by Dr Dick-Read. He found that labour itself was not inherently painful. He believed the pain in labour was largely due to fear of labour prevalent in today’s culture. Stress or fear produces the fight or flight response obstructing the birth canal to stop labour progressing. Unlike wild animals we no longer need this safety mechanism as we rarely encounter a threat, so stress causes labour to become dysfunctional. As the stress and pain increase more stress hormones (catecholamine) are released which cycles back to increase her pain and fear.

Why is fear unhelpful during childbirth?

The stress hormone catecholamine decreases blood flow to the uterus and placenta, reducing uterine contractions, and decreasing oxygen to the baby. According to the Fear-Tension-Pain theory of childbirth, the pain of labour can be lessened by stopping the cycle at any point. To stop the cycle, experts recommend preparing for labour through self hypnosis or relaxation and breathing education, visualisation and emotional release work. Heather recomends one on one hypnotherapy and counselling for people with specific concerns, a history of anxiety, or a previous difficault birth.

What are the benefits of self-hypnosis for birth?

Reduces the need for pain killers Shortens labour Reduces tiredness and exhaustion Improves oxygen levels to mum and baby Speeds recovery Assists with the natural birth process

How does it work?

The body reacts to reality and imagination in the same way; it cannot distinguish between the two. Hypnosis using guided visualisation gives you the opportunity to practice and experience your preferred birth over and over again in your mind. Now your body is familiar and comfortable with the rehearsed responses and so reacts accordingly during the actual birth. You remain relaxed, in control, and aware of the birth experience. You will flow easily through the uterine surges and sensations using deep relaxation, breathing and visualisations which tap into your bodies own pain killers (endorphins).

Hypnosis enables you to enjoy the experience in a calm and relaxed way leaving no room for tension and fear which are the main causes of pain. Learn hypnosis for childbirth in Sydney by attending a group or private classes. It is recommended that you take a course and practice with the free CD provided.

What will I learn?

Self hypnosis Relaxation and visualisation techniques Breathing techniques to assist labour How the mind affects the birth experience How to boost the body’s own pain killers Techniques to help bond with baby How to avoid medical induction How to avoid episiotomy or tearing How to support your partner in labour

"We did Heather's Natural Birth & Hypnosis Course and found it very useful. I laboured at home mostly, using the breathing techniques, active birthing and the Labour TENS machine. I felt so relaxed in between contractions as I used the hypnotherapy tachniques and counted the legnth between them. I also used the active birthing positions we were taught, pacing and rocking, leaning over the bed and just using the breathing to focus and stay calm. I also used the TENS at the start and then later kept it on boost until I arrived at the Hospital. Then I got into the shower and spa bath at the hospital. I was surprised when they examined me and told me I was fully dilated already as I felt fine, and was coping really well. Even the midwives didn't think I was so far along as I looked so calm. Three hours later our baby was born. I was pleased with my drug free labour -not even any gas and air. Thank you."

Lara and Warren.

Hypnotherapy for a natural birth consists of between one and four sessions. Either small group classes or private classes can be attended.

Private classes
First session 90 minutes $150 subsequent sessions 1 hour $110
Pre-book a private course and save
Hypnotherapy for childbirth course $320 three sessions (1x 90 mins 2 x 1 hour save $50).
Hypnotherapy and Natural Birth Course $375 (2 x 2 hours save $105)

Courses are held in the Lotus Centre in the Northern Beaches. To enquire please call 02 800786380

Next Group Course: 28th June and 5th July
Qi Yoga & Natural Therapies
53 The Corso, Manly NSW 2095

Limited numbers -Book NOW ph: 02 80076380 or 0405 821880 email info@naturalbirth.com.au

Subsequent Courses:
September and December