The moment when two lines appear on the pregnancy test is a special one for any expecting couple. It is time you realise your baby and their big adventure has started. This can be a very exciting and emotional time, but it is also one when questions arise, concerns surface, and anxiety sets in. HypnoBirthing is an internationally recognised childbirth education program that helps the would-be-parents ease through these challenges of preparing for childbirth and teaches them the art and joy of experiencing birth in a more comfortable manner. Niati V Mariiyaa, Emotional Wellness Therapist & Trainer, Founder IDHAYA-Conscious Living, spoke to us in detail about HypnoBirthing.
What Is HypnoBirthing?
Founded in the 1980s by Marie Mongan, HypnoBirthing is a program that considers the physical and psychological well-being of a woman, her birth partner, and her infant. Its key ability is to reduce fear and anxiety during childbirth. Fear and anxiety can trigger the release of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, which can muddle the birthing process. By calming the mind and body through self-hypnosis techniques, women can reduce the release of these hormones, making the birthing process much more pleasant.
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The HypnoBirthing program is an educational process that includes special breathing, relaxation, visualisation, meditative practice, attention to nutrition, and positive body toning. It is a complete childbirth education course focusing on a positive mindset, deep relaxation, and a connection to our innate birthing instincts.
HypnoBirthing – the Mongan method is taught over five sessions of two and half hours once per week by certified HypnoBirthing practitioners. This schedule is very intentional because it allows enough time to educate parents on what to expect from their birth experience, how to prepare their minds and body for birth, and what they need to know for the fourth trimester. It also allows time in between sessions for parents to practise the exercises we introduce.
HypnoBirthing is about changing the way you look at birth and learning techniques to be able to use in all types of birth situations to make a choice rather than being told what to do.
Principles Of HypnoBirthing
The HypnoBirthing approach to pregnancy is rooted in three principles: trust, empowerment, and respect. As early as the second trimester, hypno-mothers are encouraged to take control of their birthing experience by empowering them with the correct information and techniques. She lets go of fear and "unlearns" all the negative programs she may have embraced over her lifetime. She learns that birth is a normal process and that her body is perfectly designed to give birth. She reconditions her body and mind for relaxation, trust, and calm through daily meditative practice, and the results are incredible.
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Parents gain numerous benefits from HypnoBirthing that can be felt during pregnancy, birth, and parenting. Those who take a HypnoBirthing class report less fear as birth approaches, fewer interventions and surgical births, shorter labours, fewer pre-term & low-weight babies, reduced rates of epidural use, and fewer cases of postpartum depression. Also, those taking the class reported shorter births, more comfort, and happier babies.
Bottomline
The benefits of HypnoBirthing extend way beyond the birthing process. These skills, such as deep relaxation and adopting a positive mindset, are also good life skills. You can also use these tools during pregnancy if you are getting anxious or sleep-deprived and your patience is thin. These things aren't just for birthing, you can use them all through life.
This makes HypnoBirthing a truly holistic program that holds the hands of would-be-parents through pregnancy and childbirth and empowers them to embrace parenthood with confidence and a deep connection with their babies. A win-win for all!
Image Credits: freepik
