Hypnobirthing: Is Painless Childbirth Possible?

Mommies often associate natural childbirth with feelings of excitement and fulfillment; however, they also know that it comes with anxiety and physical pain. Interestingly, some people say that painless, and sometimes orgasmic childbirths, is possible with hypnobirthing. But, is this method right for you? Find out here.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method that uses a combination of relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis to reduce the mother’s perception of fear and pain during labor and delivery.

Also called the Mongan Method, hypnobirthing is strongly linked to painless and calm vaginal births. If you check some hypnobirthing videos online, you might come across mothers who look nothing like they are in the process of delivering the baby vaginally: they seem unhurt and relaxed.

Testimonies on the effectiveness of hypnobirthing also include experiences of “orgasmic births.” These happen when, during childbirth, the mother reaches an orgasm or at least feels an orgasm-like sensation.

Hypnobirthing may sound too good to be true. But some women have used this method and said that it was effective for them. Is hypnobirthing right for you?

What Happens During Hypnobirthing?

To ascertain if hypnobirthing is the childbirth method for you, let’s have an overview of what will and will not happen should you decide to go with it.

1. You are aware of what’s happening

First, keep in mind that hypnobirthing doesn’t involve a hypnotist – no one will put you in a trance.

You may have a reduced perception of fear and pain, but that’s mostly because you are more focused on something or someone (usually your birthing companion) who makes you feel calm and safe. Generally, you are aware of what’s going on around you.

2. The Mongan Method doesn’t happen on the spot

Like many birthing methods, hypnobirthing is not a one-time, big-time event. Should you decide to go for it, know that you’ll have to attend multiple classes.

The number of classes varies depending on the program, but lessons typically include:

• Appreciating that birthing is a natural process and one should not fear it.
• Bonding with your baby while they are still in the womb.
• Training on various relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques. These usually include visualization, affirmations, breathing, touch, and music.
• How having a birthing companion helps during labor and delivery.
• Positioning for labor and delivery.

Hypnobirthing also encourages mommies to change some of the long-standing views on childbirth. For instance, you’ll be encouraged to let go of the thought that natural birth has to hurt.

Additionally, you need to “update” your vocabulary. Hypnobirthing doesn’t use the words contractions and pain; instead, it uses “surges” and “pressure.” This is because practitioners believe that positive language affects how women perceive pain.

3. Hypnobirthing still happen in the hospital

Many hypnobirths still happen in hospitals, unless the program you choose includes the service of a childbirth expert who can assist you in giving birth at home.

In the hospital or healthcare facility, hypnobirthing follows most of the medical procedures involved in vaginal birth. The difference, perhaps, is you may need less intervention for pain and augmentation of labor.

Final Reminders

The proponents of the Mongan Method say that there are other potential benefits to this method than just the possibility of painless childbirth.

One report concluded that many women who enrolled in the program felt more confident and in control. Other papers mentioned that with hypnobirthing, mommies needed less intervention in augmentation of labor using oxytocin.

Still, results vary from one woman to another. Just because it worked for one of your acquaintances doesn’t mean it will work for you as well. Should you sign up for hypnobirthing, you need to accept the possibility that a painless childbirth experience is not 100% guaranteed.

If you’re interested in hypnobirthing, don’t forget to discuss it with your doctors first, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.

Learn more about Giving Birth here.