Hypnobabies: An Overview of the Childbirth Hypnosis Program

The best decision that I made during my pregnancy was purchasing Hypnobabies. This in-depth program put my mind at ease as a first time mom anticipating the birth of a baby. Hypnobabies eliminated my doubts and fears surrounding childbirth, as well as helped me maintain PEACE during Aspen’s birthing time…even as my plans changed.

What is it?

You may have heard of HypnoBirthing, but have you heard of Hypnobabies? They are not one in the same. The Hynobabies program is a fully immersive hypnosis and childbirth education program, whereas, Hypnobirthing ususally doesn’t educate mothers on pregnancy, childbirth or the postpartum period. Hypnobabies also teaches medical grade hypnosis and eyes-open hypnosis techniques.

It’s important to know the difference, because your education on birth aids in the success of your mindset during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. The medical grade of hypnosis taught in Hypnobabies has successfully been used in the preparation of surgery for patients with life-threatening allergies to anesthesia. Eyes-open hypnosis is exclusive to Hypnobabies, and allows you to move around during childbirth…which is extremely important!

Hypnobabies supports the philosophy that birth is natural and easy. It’s that simple. With daily affirmations, regular hypnosis practice, and detailed childbirth education, Hypnobabies prepares mothers for arguably the most pivotal moment in their lives. The goal is to eliminate the societal fear surrounding childbirth, and in doing so, minimizing discomfort and anxiety during your beautiful birthing time.

Who is it for?

All expectant mothers can benefit from Hypnobabies. Here are some examples of women who can benefit:

• First time moms
• Experienced mothers
• Those expecting multiples
• Planned home births
• Planned birth center births
• Planned hospital births
• Intended natural births
• Intended medicated births
• VBACS (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Section)
• Planned C-Sections
• Low risk pregnancies
• High risk pregnancies

You get the point…ALL expectant women can benefit. The goal is to make you comfortable and educated during pregnancy and childbirth. It’s especially helpful when your birth plan doesn’t go as expected. Because this can’t be predicted, it’s another planning tool to have on your belt, just in case.

How to Study

With Hypnobabies, you have three options:

• Home-study with tangible materials
• Home-study online
• Local group class *taught by a certified Hypno-doula

I learn best on my own with physical paper copies. The home-study option with tangible materials worked best for me.

Everyone is capable of hypnosis

In fact, you’re in a state of hypnosis multiple times a day without even realizing it! Do you get addicted to watching movies and t.v. shows? Ever get lost in a book? Have you noticed how you can drive to work everyday and not even remember how you got there? Yup, you were in a state of hypnosis! Hypnobabies helps you practice consciously achieving this state of mind. There’s no right or wrong way of being in hypnosis, and the experience is unique to the individual. Believe me…if I can do it, you can do it!

You are in control

Another misconception of hypnosis is that someone else is controlling you. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Actually, you are completely aware and you get to decide when to come out of hypnosis at anytime. It’s not uncommon to fall asleep during hypnosis, but your mind is still consciously absorbing all of the information. Often, mothers will even wake up at the end of a track naturally after the count up! (I typically did)

What is Hypnosis Like?

I personally felt a physical tingly feeling while in hypnosis. Others are more visual. The experience can vary greatly from individual to individual.

What I can shed light on is how the tracks lead you into hypnosis. All of the hypnosis tracks have a specific musical background to them with intentional beats to aid in Hypnosis. A consistent voice leads you into deep breathing and coaches you through letting your body relax. Once in hypnosis, she proceeds to lead you so that you can fall more deeply into hypnosis. You are generally completely still, but there are techniques you can use to adjust and move around…especially during childbirth. Hypnobabies does not expect you to remain completely still during the birth.

At the end of each hypnosis track, there is a count up to smoothly transition you back into conscious awakening. You often open your eyes feeling completely relaxed and refreshed.

You must be fully committed

Hypnobabies really is an all or nothing kind of approach. Here’s an example of what to expect.

Time Commitment

• Lengthy, in-depth chapter readings and scripts for 6 consecutive weeks
• Daily affirmations track (45 min)
• Daily hypnosis track(s) (25-45 min)
• Daily Finger Drop Technique Practice (10-25 min)
• Practicing daily up until birth

It’s ideal to start the Hypnobabies program somewhere during the end of your 2nd/beginning of your 3rd trimester. This allows ample time to practice, but not too much time to become exhausted with the time commitment. I promise you can do it. It seemed overwhelming to me in the beginning, but I looked forward to my daily hypnosis before long. Here’s an example of a schedule that worked for me:

• Listen to my Joyful Pregnancy Affirmations while getting ready, or on my way to/from work (OK to listen to while driving)
• Finger Drop practice during lunchtime in my car
• Hypnosis track(s) when I got home or before going to bed (DO NOT listen to hypnosis tracks while driving)
• Read through the chapters and scripts with Matt on the weekends

Hypnobabies states that you can still benefit from the program by listening to your tracks at bedtime even while you’re sleeping. That’s huge! You can have the busiest of days, and other children to look after, and still have the opportunity to utilize Hypnobabies.

Focus on Hypnobabies ONLY

You must avoid all other childbirth education programs for Hypnobabies to be the most successful. Otherwise, it can conflict with the philosophies taught in Hypnobabies. You’re discouraged from watching any television shows or movies that include images of the childbirth process. This also includes reading and hearing traumatic birth stories. The purpose is to eliminate any potential negative connotations surrounding childbirth. Hypnobabies has all of the educational tools you could ever need to make pregnancy and birth a peaceful and joyful experience.

Language

A positive philosophy is the root of Hypnobabies. Joyful affirmations and alternate language help rewire the brain’s negative images of childbirth. Here are some examples of word replacements you’re encouraged to use:

• Guess Date vs. Due Date
• Birthing Time vs. Labor
• Pressure Wave/Birthing Wave vs. Contraction
• Disomfort/Pressure vs. Pain
• Transformation vs. Transition

It can be Pain-Free

Say whaaaat? Labor, pain free?! Yes. Read Hypnobabies birth stories, and watch Hypnobabies birthing videos. A painless birth is not guaranteed because everyone’s response to the program is different, especially depending on your commitment level.

It may seem far-fetched

Hypnobabies may seem out there, but the techniques work. I was a little skeptical in the beginning, but I’m so thankful that I gave it a fair shot. You truly have to be committed to gain the full benefit of the program. What do you have to lose?

Hypnobabies: My experience

I would never give birth without my Hypnobabies tracks. That being said, I wouldn’t describe my childbirth experience as “pain-free.” However, my discomfort was absolutely manageable, and my peace of mind during pregnancy and childbirth was sublime. My immense change of plans during Aspen’s birth could’ve been far more challenging without my hypnosis training. If I gave birth again, I would choose Hypnobabies in a heartbeat.

Are you interested in Hypnobabies? Get yours here.