Positive impacts
Natural childbirth
Grantly Dick-Read, born 1933, was one of the pioneers of ‘natural childbirth’ and recorded that some of his patients, from the onset of labour to the end, seemed to be in a trance. Studies of the Read method concluded that pain relief was not the only objective. He also wanted to ensure a psychologically and emotionally satisfying labour experience.
Platanov, a Russian psychiatrist realised the usefulness of hypnosis for the control of pain in childbirth and also in the area of Mother-Baby relationship and by 1938 there were ‘hypnothariams’ in cities such as Leningrad and Kiev for delivery of babies by his methods.
As a clinical hypnotherapist, I have completed advanced training to help with the wide range situations, encountered in pregnancy and childbirth.
Hypnotherapy can help with:
• improved sleep prior to and after birth;
• removal of fear and anxiety;
• shorter labour;
• an awake, and energised mother as a result of total relaxation during the birthing process;
• a calm and peaceful birthing experience;
• mothers who are less tired and more confident.
Hypnotherapy is not an alternative to ante-natal classes.