Hypnobirthing

As more and more mothers-to-be try to find the best possible options for themselves and their babies during the birthing process, some are turning to a concept known as hypnobirthing, a longstanding practice and approach to childbirth, albeit under a new name. Some of the key elements to hypnobirthing include special breathing, visualizations, meditation, and relaxation; each of these is designed to help a woman address the stress that can arise not only during pregnancy, but during the culmination of those ten months when she gives birth to her newborn.

For generations, women have developed a fear of childbirth, building upon the stories of women who have gone before them. Stories of the pain, the negativity, and the grueling process that is childbirth have left many women hesitant or altogether reluctant to even begin on such a journey. For those who do wish to become mothers, the fear of childbirth has physical implications; muscle tension, increased blood pressure, and a host of other physiological reactions create tension that make a potentially painful experience legitimately painful. Ultimately, what hypnobirthing comes down to is mind over matter; when women are able to train their minds to translate the birthing process differently, when they are able to prepare themselves and their bodies for the tension and discomfort that is likely to accompany the birthing process, they can more successfully manage their pain and their overall experience, resulting in a better experience for mother and child alike.