HypnoBirthing FAQ

Common Questions

• What is HypnoBirthing?
• How does HypnoBirthing differ from other childbirth classes?
• Does HypnoBirthing really work?
• I have a lot of questions about hypnosis...
• If I'm hypnotized, will I remember my birth?
• What if I "come out" of hypnosis during my birth?
• Will HypnoBirthing guarantee me a completely pain-free labor and birth?
• Does the hypnotist need to attend my birth?
• Does my partner/husband need to attend the HypnoBirthing classes?
• How do I find the right HypnoBirthing instructor?
• When should I start my HypnoBirthing classes?
• I have the book and CD from a friend/ bookstore/ library/ online. Do I still need to take the class?
• What if my doctor/ midwife/ hospital doesn't know anything about HypnoBirthing?
• Should I also take the childbirth classes my hospital/ doctor/ midwife offers?

What is HypnoBirthing?

HypnoBirthing is based on the work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, who started the natural childbirth movement in the 1920's with the premise that pain is not a necessary part of birth. He believed fear and tension interfered with the normal, natural process of birth and created the pain. By avoiding the fear-tension-pain cycle, the body is free to work as nature intended and pain can be reduced or even eliminated. As you learn more about the biology and biochemistry of birthing, you'll understand why this is true.

With that in mind, HypnoBirthing applies proven, effective hypnosis techniques to each part of this fear-tension-pain cycle:

1. Fear: hypnosis sessions to replace fear with confidence
2. Tension: self-hypnosis training to create profound physical relaxation
3. Pain: hypnotic anesthesia to deal with pain if needed

You will also learn specific imagery and suggestions to use in hypnosis that will program your subconscious mind to work with your birthing body. Simple breathing techniques actually make labor easier and more effective (none of those complicated panting breathing patterns that only attempt to distract you from the experience of your birthing).

Put it all together, and HypnoBirthing offers parents the tools to create safer, easier, more comfortable births!

How does HypnoBirthing differ from other childbirth classes?

Many other childbirth classes do not totally embrace this fear-tension-pain philosophy, instead believing that birth is inevitably painful. This leads the classes to focus almost exclusively on how the laboring mother can endure or distract herself from the expected pain. This completely ignores how the elimination of fear and tension can prevent or reduce pain in the first place. In fact, the expectation of pain can end up contributing to the fear and tension in the fear-tension-pain cycle, thus increasing pain.

Even many other childbirth classes that use hypnosis come from this same philosophy of expecting pain. These other hypnosis classes focus on hypnotic anesthesia as if preparing a patient for surgery. Yes, hypnotic anesthesia is so effective it has been used in many different surgeries as the sole anesthetic, and yes, HypnoBirthing does include training in hypnotic anesthesia so the mom can use it if needed. But the focus of HypnoBirthing is on eliminating the fear and tension to reduce or eliminate pain in the first place.

HypnoBirthing's basic philosophy is that birth is normal and natural and should be welcomed as a fulfilling and joyous experience. Not a medical crisis. Not inevitably painful.

Does HypnoBirthing really work?

Definitely! HypnoBirthing's popularity is growing precisely because it works so well. I've personally attended more than 40 births and have seen firsthand the calm, gentle, comfortable way most HypnoBirthing babies come into the world.

But don't take my word for it. Dateline aired a special in September 1999, investigating the effectiveness of hypnosis in childbirth. They followed two couples through the classes and showed their calm, pain-free births. Interviewing these couples afterwards, they both said their births were easy, comfortable, and everything they hoped for. After people saw the special, interest in HypnoBirthing skyrocketed.

Read through the birth stories on my site and others. Real women sharing their real experiences with hypnosis and childbirth.

Read the news articles that have been written about how effective HypnoBirthing really is. Many of these articles contain more wonderful birth stories from real women using hypnosis.

And when you attend your own HypnoBirthing class, you'll see videos of some of these beautiful births: calm, gentle, comfortable.

I have a lot of questions about hypnosis...

I have a separate hypnosis FAQ just for you.

If I'm hypnotized, will I remember my birth?

Yes. You are not asleep or unconscious while in hypnosis. Hypnosis is similar to the feeling you have when you are daydreaming, lost in a book, or involved in a really good movie or TV show.

Most moms describe having selective awareness during their birthing: tuning out distractions and tuning in to what's important. For example, you might not notice the sounds of other people in the room, and at the same time hear every word your partner is saying.

You can also expect a feeling of time distortion during labor and birth. Time seems to pass quicker; an hour could feel like just a few minutes.

What if I "come out" of hypnosis during my birth?

The classes teach you how to put yourself in and out of hypnosis at will through self-hypnosis. If for some reason your concentration is broken, you will be able to regain your state of relaxation.

Will HypnoBirthing guarantee me a completely pain-free labor and birth?

No one can promise you that your birth will be pain-free, nor is that the goal of HypnoBirthing classes. Sometimes parents feel that "pain-free" is what HypnoBirthing is all about, since they see and hear so many stories from mothers who do experience pain-free birthing and so many news articles tout it as such. But our focus is on "safer, easier, more comfortable birthing." Many mothers birth pain-free, experiencing their surges as tightening, or pressure, or drawing up. But that does not mean a HypnoBirthing mother who does feel some discomfort, or requests drugs, has "failed" at HypnoBirthing. Often, in fact, these mothers credit HypnoBirthing with making their births much easier than they would have been without.

Also, if you want the best birth possible for both you and your baby, you can't expect the HypnoBirthing classes to do it for you. You must practice and use the tools that you are taught.

Does the hypnotist need to attend my birth?

No. The classes teach you and your partner everything you need to have a wonderful HypnoBirthing experience on your own. You learn self-hypnosis so you can put yourself into hypnosis on your own. Your partner learns how to support you in your relaxation and imagery techniques.

But if you want the added support, many HypnoBirthing practitioners are also trained as labor companions and can help you apply your HypnoBirthing training in your birth. Personally, I love being asked. The opportunity to attend births is one of the best parts of teaching these classes.

Does my partner/ husband need to attend the HypnoBirthing classes?

Your primary birth companion is an integral part of the HypnoBirthing program. Their support will be invaluable during your birthing, and our program trains them how best to support you. In the end, this is more than the birth of a baby, it's the birth of a family.

If your partner/ husband absolutely cannot attend the classes, or if there is a chance they won't attend the birth, you may want to consider adding a second support person, whether a relative, friend, or professional labor support. Additional support persons are welcome and encouraged to attend class with you.

How do I find the right HypnoBirthing instructor?

Make sure the instructor is certified through HypnoBirthing and is teaching the HypnoBirthing curriculum.

Some instructors have prior hypnosis training and certification, and some do not. They all have the same HypnoBirthing training, but if your instructor is not a certified hypnotist and you need additional hypnosis beyond the standard class, you would then need to find a hypnotist for added sessions.

When should I start my HypnoBirthing classes?

The sooner you start, the more time you have to practice and master the hypnosis techniques you will use during your birth. The earlier you start your classes, the more time you have build positive expectations around birthing and block out the negative feedback from others who have never seen or experienced calm, gentle HypnoBirthing. The sooner you begin, the more time your baby has to enjoy the peace and calm of your HypnoBirthing practice (HypnoBirthing babies are happier, calmer babies) and the more time you have to enjoy the positive effect HypnoBirthing can have on your whole pregnancy!

Ideally, most parents have started HypnoBirthing classes by the end of the second trimester. I have also had couples start as soon as they knew they were pregnant. And a few last minute stragglers didn't have time for the full 5-week class before baby was expected, so we had to squeeze it in over a two-day marathon class.

Remember in your plans that classes can fill up ahead of time, so don't leave it to the last minute. Make sure you plan your classes in advance!

I have the book and CD from a friend/ bookstore/ library/ online. Do I still need to take the class?

The book and CD are designed for use in conjunction with live HypnoBirthing classes. The live instruction is an irreplaceable part of the HypnoBirthing training (which is why we do not offer a home-study course). The feedback you get from your HypnoBirthing instructor is invaluable in helping you master the hypnosis techniques you will use during your birthing. Also, the classes contain additional information, hypnosis training, and take-home materials beyond what is included in the text and CD sold in stores. And, the videos you will watch of calm, gentle HypnoBirths add to your confidence and belief in your body's ability to easily and safely birth your baby.

So that you can fully enjoy the benefits of HypnoBirthing, please make every effort to seek out a HypnoBirthing class. If you truly cannot afford the tuition, ask the instructor, many will offer you a payment plan or a sliding scale you can afford. If there are no classes near you, ask the closest instructor if they will accommodate you with a weekend class. If baby is expected too soon to finish the 5-week classes, you can also ask about a weekend class (these are the only two situations where weekend classes are offered - distance or time).

If you absolutely cannot attend live classes, well any HypnoBirthing training is better than none. Read the book several times. Practice the CD every day diligently. Close your mind to any negative feedback that portrays birth as a medical crisis or as severely painful. Listen to and repeat the affirmations. Choose healthcare providers who support your wishes. Ultimately, it's your birth, and your decisions will shape it.

What if my doctor/ midwife/ hospital doesn't know anything about HypnoBirthing?

The classes focus on teaching you and your partner what you need to know to have the HypnoBirthing experience you desire, no matter where you choose to birth. So your medical caregivers don't need to know anything about the program, as long as they support your birth plans.

Should I also take the childbirth classes my hospital/ doctor/ midwife offers?

I don't recommend it. The HypnoBirthing classes teach you what you need to know to create the best birth experience you can, and the right questions to ask should any special circumstances arise. Most other classes have a different philosophy of birth and can instill fear and doubt in your plans. Only take another class if you are sure it will increase your confidence.