Can Hypnobirthing Help Ease Labor Pain?
How Hypnobirthing works
To properly learn the Hypnobirthing method usually requires five classes, each about two-and-a-half hours, once a week. “Between classes you can practice as much or as little as you like–you get what you put in,” says Elliott. “But it’s not something you just ‘try.’ You need to commit to it and make it work for you.”
The first step, Elliott says, is to let go of your preexisting beliefs about birth. These include beliefs that childbirth is a frightening, excruciatingly painful process. “These kinds of beliefs aren’t helpful and just put fear in your body–and fear is your biggest hurdle because it causes tension, tightening and problems with oxygen getting to the baby.”
In Hypnobirthing classes, the predominant philosophy is that birth is something your body is designed to do–and that you can manage it, says Elliott. You’ll learn hypnosis and breathing techniques, as well as exercises to build and strengthen your connection to your baby. Visualization also plays a role, including imagining your body during labor and delivery and visualizing everything going well.
