What is Hypnosis?

 

I have been so blessed to be able to use Hypnobabies for my babies births. At the time of my first pregnancy, my aunt was training to become a hypnotherapist. It was she who told me about using hypnosis for child birth. It was a confusing time for me -- “does this go against my faith?”, “is someone else controlling my mind?” So I did a google search for Hypnosis for Childbirth, and came across another program first. To be real honest, at the time – that other program offered me a couple cds and a book that was less about teaching me hypnotic tools, or even childbirth and more about guided imagery. As I got closer to my due date – I panicked. I needed more. I was trying to write my own scripts for pete’s sake!! That’s when I found Hypnobabies. Thank God. I learned so much about birth, about being a good consumer, and about hypnotic techniques that can help to keep me calm, relaxed and comfortable during my birthing time.

For those who don’t know the story already… my son came 10 days early, so I officially had only 9 days practice. But out of that, more than half of my birthing time with him was completely pain free. It was when back labor kicked in (and I didn’t know the belly lift technique!) that I lost focus. It really was an amazing birth. I was hooked on Hypnobabies. That summer I flew to California for instructor training, that next February I used it for a 2nd time during my middle son’s birth. And again this past Jan for my daughter’s birth – which got me through at least 36 hours of induced labor. For her birth story you can go here

For more information about Hypnosis – Here’s an interview with Hypnotherapist Scott Sandland, who provides us with important information about hypnosis and how it is used in childbirth.  For more information, visit www.Hypnobabies.com

An excerpt from the interview with Scott:

 

People ask me all the time if everyone can be hypnotized, or ‘I don’t think I can be hypnotized’ and things like that. It’s understandable, based on a lot of misconceptions. But what it comes down to, what the clinical studies have proved, is just about everybody can be hypnotized. There’s a very small percentage of people with a very low IQ, that can’t be hypnotized. But if you can functionally take care of yourself in the real world – you can be hypnotized.

 

I especially love how he describes what it feels like to be in hynopsis, because he’s right – at least for me – it does feel like that.

Some people describe it as a “light” feeling, like you’re floating. Others feel heavy, like they could sink right into their seats. I feel tingly, and it starts at the base of my spine and spreads through my body.

Just to clarify “to be hypnotized” does not mean someone is hypnotizing YOU.

All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis!
You are always in control of your mind and your body while in hypnosis. You choose to enter hypnosis, stay in hypnosis, accept the suggestions, and emerge from hypnosis at all times.

Hypnosis is a state of relaxation in which you are;
1. In total control and.
2. Can accept or reject any suggestions you hear

Hypnosis is not;
1. Being controlled by someone else
2. A loss of self control
3. A state of unconsciousness
4. A state of sleep

Examples of everyday hypnotic states which you have already experienced naturally:
1. Driving the car
2. Riding the elevator
3. Watching TV, movies, computer screens or video
4. Being bored by another person
5. Waking up and going to sleep
6. Daydreaming