Natural Pain Relief “Nothing has more power over the body than the beliefs of the mind” Deepak Chopra

Introductions Name How you came to be on the course What is your experience of hypnosis to date? What do you want to get out of the day?

Hopes and Fears Write down one hope / fear per post-it note Be as honest as you can No matter how big or small Nothing will surprise me Stick hopes and fears on the board You can add to it during the course

What is Natal Hypnotherapy A set of tools and techniques to help you prepare for labour Simple and easy to use relaxation, breathing, visualisation and pain management exercises A way to reduce fear and increase your confidence and trust You absorb positive suggestions relating to the birth Once labour starts, all the techniques are in place It empowers you to have a better birth experience It increases bonding and communication with your baby It requires practice and reinforcement during pregnancy

Clinical Research on Hypnosis Shorter labours Less medication Less reported pain Higher APGAR scores More frequent spontaneous births Reduced incidence of post-natal depression Self Hypnosis Intra Partum trial (SHIP) – reduction in fear and anxiety

Additional Benefits Feel more positive Good sleep Less physical discomfort before, during, after birth Calmer partner and support team Calmer baby Easier breastfeeding Increased confidence Increased bonding

Hypnosis session

What is hypnosis? Exercise: Do a mind map of what you think hypnosis is with four branches on the mind, the uses, the process, concerns.

What is hypnosis? Hypnosis The Mind The Process Concerns Uses

What is hypnosis? Hypnosis is an altered state of consciousness involving focused attention when you have an increased receptiveness to positive suggestions It is a completely natural state similar to daydreaming It is not the same as being asleep or unconscious It is a natural state with no negative side effects You are under your own control, not anyone else’s Your mind is only open to positive suggestions and will always protect you

How the mind works Behaviours Beliefs Memories Physical functions Emotions Instincts Language Rational, analytical, reasoning, critical

Natural state of hypnosis It happens frequently while you are awake You are usually not aware of this communication Everyone experiences natural hypnotic states many times a day Hypnosis happens when we are relaxed and the conscious mind is less active, such as when daydreaming There is also powerful communication between the two levels of mind when we experience intense emotions

Intended hypnosis Hypnosis Beliefs Memories Physical functions Behaviours Language Emotions Instincts

How does it work It teaches you deep relaxation and breathing It helps condition your body to relax and focus It helps overcome fears by creating a new “video” It re-programmes the mind by changing beliefs and patterns Practice reinforces suggestions and creates new neural pathways

Post Hypnotic Suggestions (PHS) The “magic” behind Hypnosis All actions, behaviours, thoughts are pre-programmed Cause and effect when xxx happens your response is yyy PHS create a better response to actions in the future The more you hear them, the more your subconscious accepts them as reality The mind does not know the difference between what is real versus what is imagined so accepts suggestions as real XXX ZZZ

How do mammals give birth?

How do mammals give birth? Somewhere safe and quiet In the dark at night Very relaxed and serene Remain quiet and calm Moan quietly and rhythmically safe quiet private dark warm

Why is it often so different for humans?

Why is it so different for humans? School birth video Horror stories What if? My mum told me.. OBEM FEAR

Exercise Draw a “gingerbread” pregnant woman and indicate the physical, emotional, mental signs if she is: Group 1 – stressed during labour Group 2 – relaxed during labour

Pain cycle Fear Anticipation Adrenaline Pain Reduction of oxytocin Tension Pain Anticipation

What else can cause an adrenaline rush during labour?

What else can cause an adrenaline rush during labour? Anxiety Embarrassment Interruptions Hostile environment Cold Feeling observed Strangers Loud noises

Manageable sensations Calm relaxed birth Calm mind Deep breathing Increase in oxytocin Relaxation Manageable sensations Confidence and trust

The Baobab Tree

Lunch

Hypnosis session

Birth clips

Relaxation Relaxation is your foundation Relax all the other muscles in your body to channel all your energy to the uterus It sounds easy, but learning how to relax is a skill that needs practice Hypnosis naturally teaches you intended relaxation

3 2 1 Relax Close your eyes Stroking forehead repeating “3 2 1 relax” Hands on shoulders, “relaxing more and more” Stroking arms, “letting go, breathing deeply” Lifting hand “becoming heavy, comfortable, relaxed” Letting go hand “even more relaxed as I let go” “Enjoying this calm, quiet, peace, easy breathing …….” “Open your eyes when you are ready”

Personalising the exercise Adapt principles of 3,2,1,Relax Key is “when I xxxx, you will yyyyy” Practice at home Encourage using different positions Identify triggers and words that are personal to you

What are the benefits of good breathing during labour?

Benefits of effective breathing It relaxes your body It expands your abdomen and lungs makes more room for the uterus Your blood pressure remains at a healthy level It increases the level of oxygen to your muscles and to your baby It increases the production of birthing hormones It helps get rid of toxins and lactic acid

Breathing excercises

Make it your own Create your own affirmations, visualisations, positive suggestions and your safe place Think about what you DO want Make them specific to you Use powerful, positive, empowering words and images Refer to them regularly Keep them with you during the birth

Hypnosis session

Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. The strain in pain is mainly in the brain! Nothing has more power over the body than the beliefs of the mind.