"Will I be 'out of it' if I use Hypnosis?"
- Absolutely not. All hypnotherapy is self-hypnosis, you are always fully conscious and able to open your eyes or talk at any time. It is not possible to hypnotise an unwilling participant. Hypnosis is a state that everybody passes through at some point in their day - daydreaming, watching TV, reading, driving (have you ever arrived at a destination and not remembered the journey?)
"I had a Caesarean section for my previous birth, can I use HypnoBirthing to try for a VBAC?"
- Certainly. Using HypnoBirthing can signifi cantly improve the chances of a successful VBAC because the birthing process is so much gentler and does not use forced pushing.
"Can you guarantee a pain free birth?"
- Unfortunately not. 95% of women are able to achieve a comfortable birth, 60% of women that use HypnoBirthing use no pain relief at all, a further 20-25% use mild relief such as gas and air. There are occasionally 'special circumstances' where a mother will need assistance, but using HypnoBirthing will allow her to make informed choices about the options she has.
"Can't I teach myself just using a book and CD?"
- HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method book can be purchased with a CD and explains the theory and techniques well, using it to prepare for birth will certainly help improve the chance of a comfortable birth. Attending a HypnoBirthing course however will give you one-to-one guidance, opportunities to practice with your partner, help creating your birth plan, and hypnotherapy sessions in classes.
"I am a Christian, isn't HypnoBirthing against my religion?"
- No. All Hypnosis is self-hypnosis and is a state you allow yourself to reach. It is a normal natural state through which we all pass in a normal day, daydreaming, watching TV, reading. Using a technique like HypnoBirthing allows you to actually work with your body as it was made and is far more natural than using medication.
"Can I claim the cost of the HypnoBirthing course from my Medical Aid?"
- Medical Aids do not currently cover the cost of a course, however as awareness of the benefits of HypnoBirthing grows, it's likely that this will change soon. Discovery Health will however award Vitality points for attendance if you submit a certificate on completion of the course.
"Can I still have a hospital birth if I use HypnoBirthing?"
- The majority of moms still choose to birth in a hospital rather than birthing at home (around 30% choose homebirth). It is actually even more important to have tools, and to be more educated as to your choices about birth if you choose to have a hospital birth, where you are statistically more likely to face intervention in an environment less suited to a calm and relaxed birthing atmosphere.
For more information about Hypnobirthing, please see the following links:
What's pain got to do with it?
http://www.fearlessbirthing.com/Pain.pdf
Antenatal self-hypnosis for labour and childbirth: a pilot study
Hypnosis to facilitate uncomplicated birth
Hypnosis for childbirth: a retrospective comparative analysis of outcomes in one obstetrician's practice
HypnoBirthing: 'taking the world by calm'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v536xaNBMh4
What is HypnoBirthing?
http://birthing-options.suite101.com/article.cfm/hypnobirthing
What are the benefits for mom and baby?
http://birthing-options.suite101.com/article.cfm/benefits_of_hypnobirthing
HypnoBirthing and relaxation
http://birthing-options.suite101.com/article.cfm/hypnobirthing_and_relaxation
Natural birth using HypnoBirthing
http://www.babiesonline.co.za/natural-birth
Is a pain-free birth really possible?
http://www.parent24.com/Baby/birth/Is-a-pain-free-birth-possible-20100531-2
Birthworks.co.za article
http://www.birthworks.co.za/extra/hypno-birth
How HypnoBirthing® works for you...