It is becoming more and more evident, that an approach to labour and birth which honours physiology over medicalisation and that places the choice and control with the birthing person can not only be a safer approach but a more positive one.
I feel very strongly about the importance of people having honest and evidence-based education around birth. It not only helps you feel prepared, but to also to have realistic expectations and the capacity to make informed decisions for you, your baby and your body.
The philosophy of the Positive Birth Program is that birth is a normal and physiological function of the body. It is an extensive, formal educational program that encompasses all you need to know to understand and feel confident about giving birth.
Hypnobirthing utilises hypnotherapy; a state of deep relaxation and teaches the skill of self-hypnosis, allowing you to access your subconscious mind. In this state of deep relaxation, your mind can learn to disconnect from negative thoughts or fears you may have about giving birth and instead condition your mind to release endorphins. This can help you to feel calm and in control for your birth as well as helping to reduce the need for interventions.
The messages given during a state of self-hypnosis can change unwanted patterns and replace them with more desirable ones. With the help of hypnotherapy, the birth of your baby can be a more calm and relaxed experience.
Hypnobirthing is not designed to teach you how to give birth; your body actually already knows. What it can teach you is how to shift your mind out of the way so your body can do what it was born to do. If you head into your labour with fear; fear about what might happen, fear of pain… then your mind is more likely to send those messages to your body. Your mindset is crucial to your coping.
It’s important to remember that the more you throw your mind and body into this course, the more your mind and body will gain. It requires time to practice techniques so you feel confident and prepared; that’s why the course is taught over a period of time.
