What You Need To Know About Hypnobirthing (It’s A Thing)
By Ilyssa M. Smith | September 19, 2014
Think hypnosis is just watching a pocket watch swing back and forth for kicks?
Think again.
As natural childbirth increases in popularity, hypnobirthing, or hypnosis for childbirth, is – unsurprisingly – increasing in popularity. The fact that celebrities like Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, and Jessica Alba have embraced the practice hasn’t hurt the cause, either.
To get the scoop on this growing phenomenon, 9BLISS recently sat down with certified hypnotherapist, Colin Christopher. Here’s what we learned:
1. Hypnobirthing is a brand/methodology for hypnosis for childbirth. Hypnosis can help control and alleviate pain in multiple circumstances and/or substantially reduce the amount of drugs that are needed.
2. Hypnosis can also be helpful for alleviating morning sickness and getting over food aversion. (Kate Middleton has reportedly used hypnosis for this during her pregnancy.)
3. Hypnotists are not created equal. Just like any profession, some are better than others. For a list of schools, code of ethics and other information about hypnosis, check out the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners website.
4. There are high levels (15% of people), mid-levels (70% of people) and low levels (15% of people) of hypnotizability in people. These hypnotizability levels influence the depth of trance a person can achieve and the amount of time it takes them to achieve a hypnotic trance. Depending where a person is on the scale, it will determine how many sessions they will need and the ultimate effectiveness of the hypnosis.
5. Hypnosis for childbirth practitioners are not medical doctors, so make sure to also take the advice of your medical practitioner when discussing hypnobirthing.
