Hypnotic Briefs:

Calmer Mother - Calmer Baby
by Amanda Larner

I thought you might be interested in my story of using self hypnosis through childbirth, as I believe I have had a unique experience.

I went on a Hypnobirthing course when I was 5 months pregnant. The initial surprise to me was the empowerment it gave me. I had already had one baby and had totally trusted Doctors and Midwives to take charge and I had had an awful experience. But this time I knew it was myself in control. Secondly my mind, which after the first baby I had, was dreading giving birth to my second child. The course then totally changed my mind and I began to look forward to the birth as I knew this was my body bringing my baby to me.

I practised releasing anaesthetic into my body and numbing different parts. I practised releasing all my worries and fears and found a truly special place in my mind which was safe and free of pain. I practised positive thinking which then made me decide to have the baby at home so I could keep everything I had built up in my charge.

My labour started at home at 9pm. I told my partner that I would call the midwife when my contractions were 1 minute apart. But I was so in control that I did labour of 1 minute apart contractions for over an hour without once screaming for the midwife. When I finally realised that the time had come we had obviously rang her too late and the baby would be here before she arrived. I had one moment of panic before refocusing my mind to the happiness that would soon fill us and I began to relax.

My baby was born after 6 hours with no drugs and no medical staff present (although I don't recommend this practise). But it was a wonderful feeling my partner helped deliver the baby and we all just hugged and smiled at how well it had all gone.
Our midwife was amazed and when I was asked whether I had been frightened without her there, I said there had been nothing to be frightened of my body knew what to do and my mind worked in harmony with my body to allow a pain free birth.