“Hypnosis for childbirth? No thanks! That’s weird!”
That’s what I initially thought when I heard about women who were using hypnosis to birth easier and faster. Images of swinging pocket watches and cartoon swirly-eyes filled my mind. Why would anyone want to disconnect from their birthing experience through hypnosis? Isn’t hypnosis something for people who are a little “out there”?
Through a string of events, I ended up at a Hypnobabies hypno-doula training and ten minutes into it, I realized that this program was nothing that I had imagined it would be! Instead of teaching how to disconnect from birth, Hypnobabies instead offers tools that help moms deeply bond with their babies en utero. Additionally, the program encourages partner participation so a mother can feel supported and encouraged through her entire birthing time and partners feel very much a part of the experience. Hypnobabies is not only wonderful for birthing moms, but for the birth partner as well!
After the training, I realized that contrary to what some may think, Hypnosis has nothing to do with religion or spirituality, isn’t a method of mind control, and is something that everyone is capable of doing. All hypnosis is self-hypnosis, which is simply a relaxed- yet aware- state of body and mind.
I was impressed immediately by the Hypnobabies philosophy regarding not only hypnosis, but childbirth preparation and education for their students. The information taught to expectant moms and dads is phenomenal, covering educational topics such as diet and exercise, pregnancy and birth physiology, birthing choices in a hospital and home birth setting, and partner support techniques- just to name a few! Here is an outline of all the topics covered in class.
I used Hypnobabies for my own birthing time and needless to say, I am now a certified Hypnobabies instructor and absolutely love teaching my classes! As a schoolteacher for ten years, I try to make my classes fun and interesting. The information presented is dense and there is no need for any other birth preparation classes after taking this wonderful course! I not only teach the classes once a week, but I make myself available to my students after “classroom hours” for any questions they may have. You simply won’t receive attention like this from any hospital birthing class!
The Hypnobabies website is rich with excellent information. Additionally, these sites may be of great benefit for the hypno-curious:
Hypnobabies You Tube Station
Mandy, six hours into her birthing time.
Mandy's Hypnobabies classes typically fill quickly and often have a waiting list. If registration is low, sessions may be rescheduled, though extremely rare.
Mandy's next session begins March 5, 2013,
and will be co-taught with Lara Pujdak of www.lababyplanners.com
Classes will be held at:
Integrative Pediatric Wellness Center
955 S. Carillo Dr. Ste 210
Los Angeles, CA 90048
*Classes fill fast*
If you're interested in future classes, please email Mandy with your "guess date" and she will let you know when she schedules another session.