Self-Hypnosis and Childbirth

Here’s a simple explanation of self-hypnosis and why so many women have found this technique very useful during birth.

The Mind Body Connection

The mind and body are in fact one. For something to happen in the body it has to be first conceived in the mind. The body in other words is a solid representation of the mind and the action part of the mind. The mind consists of two parts; the conscious and the subconscious. The conscious mind is powerful, analytical and is involved in decision making. Its language is words. The subconscious mind on the other hand is like a computer storing information. It is accepting, emotional, illogical, unreasoning and motivated to work for the individual. Its language is metaphor, symbol, visualization and imagination.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a means of inducing deep relaxation and suggestibility. The purpose of hypnosis is to provide access to the suggestible subconscious by bypassing the critical mind.

Why self-hypnosis in childbirth?

Everything we learned, experiences and emotions associated with these experiences are stored in the subconscious mind. In deep relaxation, the subconscious mind accepts the new suggestions such as positive birth affirmations and visualization to create a totally new mindset. This new mindset helps you to achieve your desired goal.  It also create a safe space where you can release any fear, anxieties and limiting thoughts surrounding birth.

During childbirth, using simple self-hypnosis techniques to reach a deeply relaxed state the body is completely free of tension  thus allowing the birthing muscles to work more effectively. When the body is free of tension and fear and the mind is relaxed, the birthing process can unfold gently with zero intervention.