When Patti Good began practising hypnobirthing in the UK it was the “alternative”, but by the time she left for South Africa it had become fairly mainstream, she says.
Described as a rewarding, relaxing and stress-free method, it presents a picture of giving birth unlike any other we’re accustomed to.
Movies show women screaming in agony, huffing and puffing their babies out into the world when delivering naturally.
Other women tell us horror stories about their natural birthing experiences or worse stories they have “heard”.
According to Good, when these stories come from close sources they implant fear in the mother’s mind, which naturally triggers fear responses in the delivery room.
“When the mother is afraid, catecholamines or stress hormones are secreted.
“Most of the oxygenated blood in her body moves to her arms and legs so that she can fight or run away – a ‘fight or flight’ response.
“As a result, blood is directed away from the uterus and the cervix, the muscles tense and constrict, and the body experiences pain.
“This lack of blood flow to the uterus means that the muscles start to work against each other and can result in baby’s head pushing against hard, unrelenting muscle.
“Conversely, when the mother is completely relaxed and free from any fear, her body is able to work naturally to help her birth her baby,” says Good.
All expectant mothers can benefit from asking themselves where their fear of natural birth stems from, then working at resolving it. It could be the voice of your mother even.
“If you are expecting a child, one of the best things you can do is stop listening to people’s stories,” says Good.
Hypnobirthing, as she explains it, is a question of mind over matter – a philosophy more than a technique.
It is a state of mind that can even be pain-free.
The concept was created by Marie Mongan in 1989.
In the 1950s, when Mongan discovered she was pregnant with her first child, she got her hands on Dr Grantly Dick-Read’s book Natural Childbirth and was looking forward to a natural, relaxed birth.
It was not. She was heavily drugged, the first and second time.
Only when the third child came did she insist on giving birth on her own terms and with her husband at her side – revolutionary for those days.
Years later, Mongan’s programme is gathering steam among women who refuse to believe that a body that can create and grow a baby cannot deliver or, as Good would say, “birth” it.
Good teaches breathing, relaxation and visualisation techniques .
Her message?
While modern medicine is there to be used and while you should never jeopardise the safety of your baby, you should have a little confidence in yourself as well.
For further information, visit www.babyjourney.com - The Mercury