Shelby Vinson is a hypnobirthing instructor located in St. Clair County, Michigan and owner of SC Empowered Birth. I had the privilege of asking her some questions to further explain what hypnobirthing is and how mothers can benefit from this method.
What is hypnobirthing?
“Hypnobirthing is a childbirth method of reprogramming the mind to see birth positively using techniques such as guided meditations/relaxations, affirmations, and visualization. These
classes teach pregnant women how to get into a deep state of relaxation and remain calm while in labor—that’s the hypno part of hypnobirthing. Hypnobirthing is not about pocket watches and squawking like a chicken—all hypnosis is self-hypnosis and a learned technique. It’s really a mindset shift. Hypnobirthing classes also teach the anatomy and physiology of labor, labor coping techniques, birth preferences planning, birth partner support, as well as postpartum topics.”
How is hypnobirthing beneficial?
“Fear surrounding childbirth is very common in today’s society with the way birth is portrayed in movies and negative stories from friends and family. The mind stores these negative feelings as memories. When labor starts, the brain will pull what it knows about labor so it knows how to respond. When the mind knows to fear labor, the body goes into fight or flight and tries to protect the body from labor rather than letting it progress naturally. But hypnobirthing updates the files in the brain from fearful messaging to calm messaging. Daily repetition of hypnobirthing techniques creates new neural pathways in the brain to view birth as a calm, positive experience.
The benefits of hypnobirthing include reduced anxiety and fear regarding pregnancy and labor, shorter labor, less need for interventions, better management of pain, and a more positive birth experience. The benefits of hypnobirthing extend even after a baby is born. Moms will begin to connect with their intuition and motherly instinct which will help them stay calm and grounded during those early postpartum days.”
Who can benefit from hypnobirthing classes and education?
“First-time moms as well as fifth-time moms can benefit from hypnobirthing. Moms who have had previous births and experienced birth trauma would benefit greatly from hypnobirthing as it can help them understand the process of birth and work through their previous experience. It doesn’t matter whether the mom is planning on an epidural in a hospital setting or a completely medication-free home birth. Hypnobirthing is for any type of birth!”
When should expecting mothers begin learning hypnobirthing?
“I recommend expecting mothers to take this class anywhere from 20-27 weeks of pregnancy, but any other time is totally fine! It’s never too late (or early) to start. Even if the baby’s due date is in a week, we can do an accelerated class and can personalize it to the topics that are really important to the couple. But typically, the 20-27 week mark gives the expectant parent time to listen to the meditations and affirmations and really make it part of their daily habits. The more time spent practicing getting into that deep relaxed state, the faster they will be able to relax once labor begins.”
If you could give moms one piece of advice in regards to hypnobirthing and childbirth what would it be?
“My one piece of advice I would give moms would be to do their best to listen to their intuition and motherly instincts. Our bodies are amazing and will signal to us when something needs attention—whether with us or with our baby. Fear can cloud our judgment and instincts, but we know our bodies better than anyone else. It’s such an amazing feeling as a mom to be able to rely on ourselves and our motherly instincts rather than parenting out of fear and anxiety. It’s really freeing.”
Shelby’s can be found on Instagram or by email at [email protected].
By Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com
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All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
