Hypnobirthing

If you are planning on having natural labor and delivery, there are many relaxation techniques that you can use. It can be very overwhelming to find the program that is best for you. I too have dealt with this dilemma. How do you know what technique really works? How do you know if they are just selling you something? The truth is; you don't! You just have to trust something. But, I don't think you will really know until you are in the thick of labor.

I have come to terms with this. And I hope I have not made a mistake with my choices.

I am if you have read my birth plan you know that I am planning for a completely natural birth. This means that I will have a vaginal birth without medication. I have found a program that I feel fits me well.

Hypnobirthing

Hynobirthing is a birthing technique that teaches you to let go of the fear that can normally accompany labor. It teaches you that labor is a natural process and that all women are equip to do it. Our bodies were designed for it. 

It also uses breathing and visualizations techniques to help with the pressure of labor. They have also created words that have less negative feeling applied to them. An example of this is instead of using the term contractions; they call them surges, pressure waves. or birthing waves.

I don't think there was a Hypnobirthing class in my area and I didn't want to spend the money on it anyway; not knowing if it truly works.

But I did buy the book Hypnobirthing: The Morgan Method  from Amazon.com. Here are a few techniques that I will probably use while in labor.

Breathing Techniques

• Sleep Breathing

Sleep Breathing is a technique that is to be used between contraction. It is designed to keep you relaxed and focused in between contractions. With this technique you breathe in through your nose for 4 counts and allow your stomach to expand like a balloon. Then you breathe out through you nose for 8 counts.

• Slow Breathing

Slow Breathing is a technique that is used during a contraction. It is designed to help you relax into the contraction. The more you are relaxed the quicker you will dilate. With this technique you breathe in through your nose for 20 quick counts and breathe out through your nose with 20 quick counts. The focus on the breathing helps you cope with each contraction.

• Birth Breathing

Birth Breathing is a technique used to bring your baby down the birth canal. Instead of pushing, which is traditionally done, you breathe the baby down. This requires no pushing which can help with tearing. You take a short breath in through your nose and a long breath out allowing the baby to gently descend. 

Visualizations

The book also goes into visualizations. You are advised to visualize the baby coming down the birth canal. You are also told to visualize your uterus working properly and birth going smoothly.

Hypnobirthing does not require you to use all the techniques in the book. It tells you to choose the ones that work best for you. However, you are asked to practice everyday. They say this is the most important part.

I thought it wouldn't hurt to try it because it is also said that people that use these techniques have quicker births.