Hypnobabies Class #1

Hypnobabies is a birth class that builds on natural birth methodology by using self-hypnosis as the primary pain management tool.  In fact, it replaces words like "pain" and "labor" with "pressure waves" and "birth time" as a mechanism for training the brain to have a positive, easy birth experience.  When I first got pregnant, I started reading birth stories.  Some of them were painless birth stories that sited using self-hypnosis. The two main programs for self-hypnosis through birth are Hypnobirth and Hypnobabies.

Of course, I'm going to employ tools to have a happy and easy birth.  So, I ordered the Hypnobabies home study course.  It suggests that you have two months to go through the course materials and practice.  I didn't realize until I started going through the course that it advises to not do Hypnobabies with another birth class, even Bradley.  The reasoning is that those classes have stories of worst case scenarios and/or talk about managing pain.  The Hypnobabies program is supposed to work more effectively if mom is completely relaxed, expecting no pain, and has 100% confidence in the self-hypnosis tools.  The founder of the Hypnobabies program used to teach the Bradley birth method and much of the same material is supposed to be included.  I almost canceled the Bradley course after reading this, but I decided to go ahead and do both.    Since Baby Daddy won't be my birth coach, I felt that going through the Bradley class in person would connect Cortney and I together in this process.  And, that is so true.  I really do feel like it is already helping us to be a better team on Lily's birth day.  Then, it becomes a situation where I am adding hypnosis tools to the Bradley class, not the other way around.  I am also really thankful for the 12 week Bradley format and getting to check in with folks every week.  It keeps me accountable.

The two main components of the home study course is a workbook and CD's.  Two tracks are supposed to be listened to daily.  One track is a set of daily affirmations that runs 30 minutes.  The other track is one of the self-hypnosis tracks that also runs about 30 minutes.  Only one affirmation track can be listened to while driving.  Everything else is done through invoking a hypnotic state.

The program uses affirmations to change patterns of thinking.  The joyful affirmations CD is focused on creating a positive, healthy, and safe image of birth for a mother.  It is essential that we relax during the birth process.  Fear causes tension in the muscles, and tense muscles don't allow the uterus and rest of the body to function properly, so that causes pain.  A relaxed, calm birth will be less painful to the mother.  Hypnobabies goes one step further to encourage the body to release its own anesthesia into the body.  According to our Bradley instructor and the Hypnobabies workbook, birthing mammals instinctively seek out a dark, isolated, and quiet space in which to birth.  And then, they mimic sleeping while giving birth.  Humans can simulate this state by breathing deeply from our abdomen while making sure to completely relax.

This is starting off to be a great class.  I am working to make Lily's birth the most positive, happy, easy birth day possible.  I won't be disappointed if the plan has to change.  I can only do my best now and when the time comes to meet her.