I would appreciate your help in getting the word out to any couples you may know who might be interested in learning this wonderful technique. The course consists of five classes, each two and a half hours long. Techniques are taught to help the woman relax and work with her birthing body, instead of against it. The breathing, visualizations, and other techniques that are taught are unique to this program, and are not like the Lamaze or other natural childbirth methods. Generally, the mothers can bring their babies through with no pushing at all, just by remaining relaxed and focused in allowing the body to do the work it is designed to do. These births are calm, peaceful, and serene. Labor is usually shorter, and there are generally fewer complications [special circumstances].

Part of the training involves reframing the experience, including re-languaging it, to let go of the frightening aspects in the terms commonly used, and releasing the cultural programming that trains women to believe that this is a painful and terrifying event. For example, instead of ‘contractions’ we say, ‘surges’ or ’waves.’ The birthing process is clearly and simply explained, including the way the muscles in the uterus work to birth the baby. This makes it very easy for the mother to remain focused on helping the relevant muscles do what they are perfectly designed to do. When the mother is working with instead of against the process, it flows smoothly and the babies can be born in joy and peace, instead of in fear and anxiety.

The breathing techniques are wonderful and so much easier than what I learned with the Bradley and Lamaze methods years ago. There is no danger of hyperventilating with the HypnoBirthing breathing. This technique is much more instinctual and less structured. Again, it is about tuning into what the body is doing and working in tandem with it, using focused concentration. The relaxation routines help the mother stay in this calm and inward state of attention. The mother, the baby, and the birthing companion all work together as a team so the birth process can unfold in a gentle and peaceful manner.

One of the things that I like about this method is that it is designed to foster a positive working relationship between the birthing family and the medical professionals they will be working with. It is a very cooperative, rather than confrontational approach, and the doctors and nurses who have seen this in action soon become its advocates. HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy as it is a method or set of techniques. The goal is to return the birthing process to the sacred and blissful experience it should be. The babies are calmer and sleep better earlier. One wonders what future generations will be like when masses of babies are allowed to come into the world in this way. It will be interesting to find out.

During the training, each couple will receive a book, special relaxation tapes to help with their practice, and other handouts and information. They will review video segments of births, and they will practice with the self-hypnosis and other relaxation techniques. The mother and her birthing companion will also receive guidance in facilitating a healthy pregnancy, will do specific fear release processes, and learn the physiological stages of labor and the techniques that are geared to work with each phase. They will develop their own birth plan, which will outline and help to clarify what they want and do not want at each stage of labor. This eliminates having to make every decision in the midst of the process itself, freeing the mother to stay focused on the internal birthing journey.

Many of you receiving this newsletter may feel that you do not know anyone who could benefit from this training right now. I urge you to keep the newsletter handy so you can pass it along. You never know when a friend will mention that they are going to be grandparents soon, or you find out someone you know has other friends who are happily expecting.