What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is simply a relaxation tool designed to facilitate "focused concentration." It is a learned response to the mind that enables you to achieve your desired outcome, i.e. weight loss, anxiety or pain control. When used for the purpose of childbirth, your learned response is to achieve a relaxed and positive attitude toward each and every contraction.

HypBirth is designed to teach you on a mental, emotional, and physical level. HypBirth is also easily adaptable to any spiritual or religious belief. Covering all your bases is essential in childbirth preparation. HypBirth will ensure that you will continually elevate your endorphin levels throughout labor, thus keeping you relaxed and at ease. This is easily accomplished through daily relaxation exercises.

Can I be hypnotized?

Hypnosis is a natural process and is part of our daily lives though we may be unaware of it. For example, haven't you driven several miles in your car and suddenly realized you couldn't remember what you had just passed? There is no threat of danger in these situations, your conscious mind has simply left the driving to your subconscious, allowing yourself some time for a good daydream. This is a form of self-hypnosis and generally occurs when you are driving a habitual route. Here's another example: when you're watching a movie or reading a good book, your awareness is only focused on the illusion. Your body and emotional being respond as if your experience were real by physically reacting with tears, fear or romantic bliss. Relaxing your conscious mind for the sake of momentary enjoyment is a form of self-hypnosis. Athletes do it all the time-- injuring themselves during a game and not even being aware of it until the game is over. Their focused awareness is on the game not the injury. This type of reaction can only be achieved through self-hypnosis.

What should I expect hypnosis to feel like?

Hypnosis simply feels like a deep state of relaxation. You may experience a feeling of floating as you become more comfortably relaxed. Another way to describe the feeling of hypnosis is daydreaming. Your mind becomes so at ease, it naturally drifts into a pleasurable state of awareness. Your subconscious mind takes charge, allowing you to access new suggestions as it reorganizes its old thought patterns. With HypBirth the old, outdated expectations of birth are made new with positive suggestions for a normal and easy, no-drama birth.

Will I feel my labor?

Another common concern is when using a hypnosis program women will become disassociated from their labor, or won't feel contractions. Not only will you feel your contractions but also because you are at ease, you will be more present with your body. Women using the HypBirth program often make such remarks as, "That was a really good contraction - I could feel my cervix opening!" with a smile of achievement on their face.

Will my mind be taken over?

The word hypnosis is commonly confused with the outdated perception of mind control, where a hypnotherapist places her subject in a trance to do some unspeakable crime. This is just not possible! You must always be a willing participant to practice a learned response. With an inevitable due date approaching, most pregnant women are happy and willing to learn tools that will create an easier labor. If you don't agree with our statement, simply send your HypBirth program back and we will gladly refund your money.