Hypnobirthing - Is This Alternative Childbirth Method Effective for Pain Reduction?

Natural childbirth is getting more advocates in recent years with many mothers choosing it over birthing with medications or anesthesia. The main issue with the natural method is the pain. There are various techniques designed to ease it. Hypnobirthing has been invented fairly recently but it is quickly becoming popular especially due to celebrity endorsement. The big question is whether it works.

Hypnobirthing is a technique which involves natural childbirth with the use of self-induced hypnosis. The mother uses deep breathing, imagery and self-reassuring mantras to get into a state of hypnosis. Hypnosis is described as a relaxed state of mind in which the person shuts herself from the outside world and focuses on her inner perceptions. Through hypnosis, both the mind and the body of the woman can relax. In this way, all the natural processes that occur during labor and delivery will go smoothly and perfectly normally.

Women who use the hypnobirthing method share that they feel totally relaxed during labor with some even falling asleep between contractions. They report feeling considerable yet bearable pain. At the same time, they are perfectly aware of what is going with them and around them. Some even say that they could feel their cervix opening to allow the baby to come out. They can communicate effectively with their partner and everyone else around. They have perfect control over their body and know when and how strongly to push.

According to obstetricians who support hypnobirthing, the stress which women experience during childbirth due to fear and other factors makes the natural pain from contractions a lot worse. This is because of the release of specific hormones, which stimulate the withdrawal of blood from the uterus and its concentration in the arms and legs. When the woman is relaxed, the blood supply to the uterus is normal and the pain is considerably reduced.

Several studies have focused on determining the effectiveness of hypnobirthing for pain reduction and easy labor and delivery. A study from 2004 found no sufficient evidence proving the effectiveness of the method. A more recent study from 2006 has revealed that women using this method are half less likely to resort to pain relieving medications and one-third as likely to resort to epidural compared to those using other techniques for natural child birth. Obstetricians report that mothers using this method usually give birth more quickly. Hypnosis is generally considered safe especially when it is self-induced.

Overall, the hypnobirthing method seems to work well especially compared to its counterparts. It is best to consult your health care provider before resorting to it.

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