HypnoBirthing

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Childbirth Without Pain or Drugs

By Anne Marie Robichaud

The thought of impending labor and delivery can produce feelings of fear and uncertainty for many expectant moms. Sharon Flatt is no different; when she had her first baby, her experience was similar to the majority of women in North America. It was a typical hospital birth; which meant a lot of fear and way too many interventions and interruptions for her liking. "The pain, anxiety and drugs all seemed so unnatural, I was anxious to look around for a better way for our next child." She said.

Giving birth should be handled the way nature intended, as a beautiful, personal and natural biological process in a women's life. But over the past few decades, medical technology has taken a lot of that away from women, having a baby nowadays is more like a medical procedure, with many moms and dads left feeling unprepared, and more intimidated than empowered during the birth.

Sharon Flatt wanted a safer childbirth method for her second baby, but one where she and her husband could also take charge of the birth. With a not so great birthing experience behind her, Flatt went in search of something better, hopefully something where she and her husband could take back the power that was rightfully theirs.

At the time they were living in Ontario, and found a South American Doula, who provided both her and her husband with the emotional support they needed during the delivery. The doula helped Flatt focus on things like breathing, visualization and relaxation. The results were amazing. "Through visualization and relaxation, the experience was peaceful and natural. I learned to believe in my body and everything worked out, it was painless (without drugs) and I delivered within two and a half hours. After that wonderful experience, I went looking for a technique I could bring to other western women. That's when I found out about HypnoBirthing, a technique that helps the mother achieve a rewarding, relaxing and often painless natural childbirth." Said Flatt.

A person who has never heard of HypnoBirthing can't help but be a little skeptical at first. The closest many of us have come to hypnosis is through the entertainer, the Great Reveen, but HypnoBirthing is not anything like stage hypnosis, nor is the mom in a trance or sleep state. It's learning how to put your body in a deep state of relaxation while you are fully aware of what's going on around you. When the laboring mom is not afraid and is able to completely relax, the pain and stress is relieved.

"All hypnosis is self-hypnosis." Says Flatt. "Nobody can make you do anything you don't want to do. I teach relaxation techniques to help eliminate the fear and tension that can cause pain and long labor. In return it is replaced with confidence, deep calm, and comfort, as nature intended. When we are all tensed up and full of fear, the baby slams against your muscles, obviously leading to unnecessary complications and interventions. When the mother is totally relaxed, she is able to work with the natural flow, not against it. As long as we relax, the baby will just float into the world." Said Flatt.

HypnoBirthing is not a new idea, but it is new to many Canadians. Ms. Flatt is the first Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner to offer this type of service in her home province of New Brunswick. The concept existed thousands of years ago and was re-vitalized by the father of natural childbirth, Dr. Grantly Dick-Read; he believed that in the absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor. This is one of the key concepts of the program at the HypnoBirthing Institute. HypnoBirthing is now practiced the world over and is making its way throughout Canada. It's been one of the most popular birthing methods in Quebec for some time now.

HypnoBirthing Practitioners work hand in hand with the medical system, in fact, the medical professionals Flatt worked with in Ontario were not only fascinated, but also pleased with the results of the HypnoBirthing techniques, because a calm and peaceful birthing environment is a happy and healthy experience for all of those involved, especially mom and baby.