Hypnosis for Birth is a term often used interchangeably with Hypnobirthing, and it does emphasise a little some of the interesting aspects of the process that we teach.

When you talk about hypnosis people instantly seem to associate the activity with television shows - you know the type where the volunteers go up on to the stage, and are then hypnotised into doing strange things they would never normally do.

Well Hypnosis for childbirth couldn't really be MORE different from that!  Important things to consider are that when you experience hypnosis either in the class or during the actual child birth process, you are always able to control your own actions and decisions. 

In fact that is why you use it, because it gives you more control over what is going on!

For example lets take an example of a woman giving birth - if she's listened to one friend or seen one television childbirth she is expecting some kind of a medieval torture.  So its only natural she should tense up, and as the process develops every muscle in her body will be absolutely rigid - not the easiest way for your little pride-and-joy to find its way into the world.

With hypnobirthing we use the power of relaxation and positive suggestion to give you a series of exercises which allow you to alter this process.  One of the simplest aspects is thinking about the childbirth process in a different way, and the next is to avoid tension with simple relaxation exercises, which your husband or birthing partner can coach you with.

Now your childbirth experience becomes something quite different, and by using these techniques to take control of the process for yourself you find yourself able to relax, and allow your body to do what is perfectly evolved to do - give birth to a beautiful healthy baby.

I feel this is an absolutely key aspect of understanding hypnobirthing - or hypnosis for birth - as it facilitates your extra control rather than removing it.

So the next time someone mentions "Hypnosis for childbirth", please don't expect anyone to be barking like a dog on a stage - just relaxing and enjoying the birth of their baby, in calm and peaceful surroundings!