I was just checking out antenatal classes for gentle births and there are so many out there now using hypnosis that it must be really confusing to know which one to go for and what it involves. Some of the more recognised names include HypnoBirthing, Natal Hypnotherapy, Hypnobabies, Leclaire Hypnobirthing Method and many more. But what is hypnosis in childbirth? What's it like? How does it work?

Sometimes the perception of hypnosis in childbirth is that it's a special state which not everyone can achieve, or that it's something new, created as a 20th/21st century tool to mask the "pain" of childbirth, some people even consider it to be like "3..2...1..your back in the room and here's your baby". So to help clear things up for the reader, here's my own view on this (as a hypnotherapy trainer and an ex HypnoBirthing practitioner).

Hypnosis is among the oldest phenomena known to man and is found, in one form or another, in virtually every culture throughout the world. Many people believe they would be out of control whilst experiencing hypnosis, largely due to watching stage hypnosis, however it is actually a state where we are completely in control, with complete focus on one particular thing. In the case of childbirth, it's the complete inward focus on birth which is the natural trance ("hypnotic") state. This trance state, which can only happen when a woman is completely relaxed and feels safe during her birth has been happening since the beginning of birth itself.

If you haven't already experienced childbirth and wonder what this trance state feels like, you have probably actually experienced it before without knowing. Think of a time when you were so focused on something, that you had no perception of time, of people around you or of other noises wherever you were. Sometimes this can be through listening to music, reading a good book or being mesmerized by a great movie. It's also the state we go into just before we nod off and fall asleep. It's this ability which you already have which is called on for giving birth.

By practicing this existing skill before you give birth, you can help increase your confidence about your ability to birth gently and calmly, in complete control. A great way to practice this calm inward focus is to do so whilst listening to relaxing music you may have chosen to be played at your birth, so you automatically link the two together, plus visualize your birth unfolding just as you would like it too. Remember, if you would like a helping hand, you can get my free relax during birth guided visualization (aka hypnosis download!) just by entering your name and e-mail address into the top right hand box.

I hope this has helped clarify what hypnosis in childbirth is, if you have any questions, please do place a comment and I will happily respond.

As always, take care,

Juliet