Hypnotherapy, Bradley Method, or Lamaze

Just like questions about episiotomy, forceps usage, and induced labor, discussions about various methods of “natural childbirth” have been around for years.

In one way or another, these techniques all use relaxation and visualization to help women and their partners ease their passage through the labor and delivery experience, with the goal of using little to no medication or intervention and achieving a “natural” birth for the mother and her infant. While none of the methods promise a pain-free childbirth for everyone, many women report a more comfortable, in-control, and “not all that bad” experience having practiced the techniques for labor and delivery.

You’ve probably heard about hypnosis being used to help people lose weight or stop smoking; similar principles are used to train the mind of the pregnant woman to be able to relax when needed and not to dwell on the pain of labor contractions.

The Bradley Method teaches women about avoiding medication by the use of tensing and releasing exercises during childbirth.
Lamaze training also uses mental conditioning as well as breathing exercises and often eliminates the word “pain” in their classes.
All of these methods work best when the couple has actively practiced them before labor begins.

As long as all is going well with the woman and her baby, I believe she can use whatever techniques of exercise, relaxation, or hypnosis she wishes, as long as she is doing them in the hospital. I would be glad to discuss your birth plan with you – before you get pregnant or before you deliver.

For additional information:

• HypnoBirthing LLC
• Hypnobabies LLC
• International Childbirth Education Association
• Your local hospital’s OB department