HypnoBirthing: Natural Pain Relief During Labor

• Hypnobirthing involves a variety of elements to help decrease your levels of anxiety and fear
• It aims at offering comprehensive relaxation and comfort to the expecting mother 
• You can begin hypnobirthing at any time of gestation, preferably between 20-30 weeks

Hypnobirthing is a specialised technique that uses deep breathing, self-hypnosis, visualisation and other comfort measures. Hypnobirthing is aimed at reducing the levels of fear, anxiety and stress in pregnant women (tips for good mental health) and preparing them for a healthy labour and delivery.

Hypnobirthing techniques help a pregnant woman to become prepared mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

According to antenatal experts (antenatal care), hypnobirthing offers a wide range of benefits for the mother and her baby. Common benefits of hypnobirthing include:

• A shortened span of labour – Hypnobirthing reduces the time period of early stages of labour
• Lesser need for clinical intervention – This technique encourages women to have normal delivery in a safe and healthy manner
• Pain management – Hypnobirthing is considered a natural labour pain management technique
• More control – Hypnobirthing allows pregnant women to gain more control of their bodies and childbirth
• Healthy outcomes – Research has shown that women who opt for hypnobirthing have better pregnancy outcomes and healthier babies
• Increased comfort and relief – Hypnobirthing elevates your relaxation levels and provides heightened levels of comfort and relief during labour
• Enhanced postpartum experience – Hypnobirthing decreases your chances of experiencing postpartum depression (risk factors & treatment) or postpartum stress

There are several elements to hypnobirthing. Common techniques include:

• Guided visualisation
• Self-hypnosis
• Controlled and deep patterned breathing
• Focus on positive words
• Meditation
• Nutrition and body toning

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