"You should read, Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan." I say in all seriousness. Instantly a look comes across their faces and you can almost read their thoughts. 'We can't hire her, she is way too crunchy granola for us...' or 'Hypnobirthing...what kind of crazy mumbo jumbo hippie crap is she talking about.'
The funny thing is, I'm not crunchy granola, more like lumpy oatmeal and hypnobirthing, despite the name is not mumbo jumbo.
Contrary to popular belief Hypnobirthing will not allow your partner or me to make you bark like dog or act like a chicken during labour. It will however allow you t become completely relaxed and free of tension. When you are in this state, you are better able to listen to your body and follow your instincts.
You will still be completely conscious but during your contractions or surges as they are called, you will be able to go into a deep relaxation with the help of breathing and imagery.
Some of the best birth's I've been to have been Hypnobirths and my clients have been able to go unmedicated, and have been relaxed and stressfree.
So whether you take the classes or just read the book, I suggest that this state relaxation is something you should strive for in your labour. And it isn't surprizing for me to say that having a doula will aid in that goal
