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Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that we all use every day, e.g. when daydreaming and when drifting in and out of sleep. Anyone can use hypnosis therapeutically if they want to.
Hypnotherapy is a simple, gentle technique that is powerfully effective. Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation utilised to bring about positive change.
Hypnotherapy introduces positive suggestions to the subconscious part of your mind. This, in turn, affects the way you think, feel and behave.
Preparing for birth with hypnosis, known these days as 'hypnobirthing', was first introduced by obstetrician Dr Grantly Dick-Read in 1933.
He found that conscious or subconscious fear causes us to be tense, which increases pain.
The more relaxed and positive you are about birth, the more your body is enabled to give birth efficiently and comfortably. Research indicates that mums who have used hypnotherapy for birth have:
- increased confidence about giving birth
- reduced labour length
- reduced uptake of medical pain relief
- reduced rates of medical interventions
- higher baby APGAR scores
- quicker postnatal recovery
- reduced postnatal depression
- greater satisfaction with labour
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