It is a relaxation method that uses breathing, visualization, and thought-induced states of light and sound to help the birthing process. Most hypnosis-based births are a shallow risk.
The idea behind this is that laboring women can relax their minds as much as possible, allowing them to labor more effectively and control their bodies. There are numerous websites offering classes in many countries around the world.
Many couples look for alternatives to conventional birth as it is uncomfortable and has risks. In the UK, where I live, This classes are offered by a company named “Nadia Baby.” There are also numerous websites offering classes in many countries around the world. Some of it’s instructors claim that many of their clients give birth without drugs and have a normal birth, and it is now a possibility for all women. They also claim that women delivered with hypnobirthing had a more enjoyable and less painful birth.
When I first came across it ,I was very skeptical about its effectiveness and the potential risks. As a science student, I decided to conduct my research to find out the truth behind the so-called “evidence.” Another reason for me doing this was because there were so many glowing testimonials from satisfied clients on the websites.
This article is written from a critical thinking point of view, not to discredit the work of hypnobirthing. It is just that there are some claims made that need proper support to form a scientific basis for it.
Hope this helps you with your decision about whether or not to go for a hypnobirthing class! I would love to hear from you, and please feel free to ask any questions you may have about this research and the process. It is not a new idea; it was first introduced by an Australian obstetrician called Dr. Grantly Dick-Read in the 1920s
(1). He wrote three books about birth, believing that laboring women who were relaxed would have a better chance of having a natural birth. His views are still practiced today, even though his books are outdated. He had great success with his birth methods and did not use painkillers for births. He observed that women using painkillers during labor had an increased risk of requiring forceps and other interventions
(2). So, the idea behind it, is that laboring women can relax their minds as much as possible, allowing them to labor more effectively and control their bodies. Another reason for me doing this was because there were so many glowing testimonials from satisfied clients on the websites. I had doubts about many of these testimonies, but I decided to share my views with you in this article. We will see more evidence supporting or refuting these claims as time goes by. It is based on the observations of two American doctors: DeLee Montague and James Gordon.
(3). The two observed that women talking to their unborn child tend to have a more comfortable and accessible delivery. They believed that there was a connection between the mind and the body, and they encouraged women to alleviate pain by using positive statements, talking positively, or laughing during labor
(4). It is just that some claims are made that need proper support to form a scientific basis. It all works based on positive thinking, which I believe is not sufficient evidence in all cases, but we will get into why I think this later in this article. For example, one of its website recommends listening to music for at least four hours a day until you give birth.
It is based on the observations of two doctors who had their theories about the connection between mind and body. Though I believe there are several arguments to support these observations of Montague and Gordon (i.e., induction of labor with anesthesia can temporarily alter a woman’s relationship with her unborn child), neither one is a medical doctor. And it has no scientific backing as an alternative to pain relief or remedies for laboring women. If you are looking for a safer alternative, you may wish to consider using your methods such as breathing techniques, unique cushions, breathing techniques, and such things.
