HypnoBirthing FAQ
What is HypnoBirthing®?
How does HypnoBirthing® differ from other childbirth preparation methods?
How is the Birth Companion involved?
Will I be unconscious or will I remember my birth experience?
Will HypnoBirthing® be useful to me if I don't opt for a natural childbirth or if circumstances necessitate medical intervention or surgical birth?
Is it true that I will experience a pain-free birth with HypnoBirthing®?
What if my doctor/midwife is not familiar with HypnoBirthing? Can I still use this method and how can my healthcare providers help me to achieve my HypnoBirthing® goals?
What is HypnoBirthing®?
HypnoBirthing® is a childbirth method that focuses on preparing parents for gentle birth. In HypnoBirthing® classes, you will learn proven techniques in a well-thought-out program of deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis. All of these are designed to help you achieve a more comfortable birth. HypnoBirthing® encourages a calm, peaceful, and natural pregnancy, birth, and bonding experience for families.
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How does HypnoBirthing® differ from other childbirth preparation methods?
Unlike other childbirth methods that teach you how to cope with and manage pain, HypnoBirthing® is based on the premise that childbirth does not necessarily need to be painful if the mother is properly prepared and relaxed. When women understand that pain is caused by constrictor hormones, created by fear, they learn, instead, to release fear thus creating endorphins—the feel good hormones. They are then able to change their expectations of long, painful labor and are able to replace them with expectations of a more comfortable birthing. Rather than exhausting, shallow breathing and the distraction techniques of typical “prepared childbirth” programs, HypnoBirthing parents learn deep abdominal breathing and total relaxation, enabling the laboring mother to work in harmony with her body and her baby. This allows her to achieve a shorter and more comfortable labor for herself and baby.
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How is the Birth Companion involved?
The Birth Companion of the mother’s choice is an integral part of the HypnoBirthing® experience. He or she practices with the mother in helping to prepare for deep relaxation. During labor the Birth Companion guides the laboring mother through hypnosis prompts, relaxation techniques, deepening methods, and visualizations, provides comfort measures, and joins in welcoming the new baby, often by receiving the baby as they emerge.
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Will I be unconscious or will I remember my birth experience?
Despite misconceptions and misinformation, you are definitely not unconscious during self-hypnosis. The HypnoBirthing® mother is deeply relaxed, but she is also an active participant in the labor process. Though she is deeply relaxed, she is totally aware and may return to a conversant state or choose to become mobile whenever she desires. HypnoBirthing® mothers often find that they experience time distortion and are not distracted by other people or their birthing environment, while they focus on their birthing and their baby.
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Will HypnoBirthing® be useful to me if I don't opt for a natural childbirth or if
circumstances necessitate medical intervention or a surgical birth?
Absolutely. The things you will learn in your HypnoBirthing® classes will help you to learn relaxation skills that will be useful to both you and your baby, regardless of your birth experience. In the event that medical intervention of any sort is needed, you will find yourself better able to remain calm and in control. Mothers who have needed scheduled cesareans for medical reasons report that they were totally relaxed before, during and after the procedure. Many report that they needed little or no medication following the birth, and they were able to return to normal functioning in a very short period of time.
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Is it true that I will experience a pain-free birth with HypnoBirthing®?
HypnoBirthing® does not promise painless birthing, though many HypnoBirthing® mothers do report having a relatively pain-free birth or one that they were able to manage easily. When the cause of pain--fear that constricts the birthing muscles—is eliminated, birthing can be accomplished in a shorter period and much more comfortably. A relaxed mother’s body will produce more endorphins, nature’s own relaxants. HypnoBirthing® mothers may still experience sensations of tightening or pressure; but most describe their birth experience as working with their body through the sensations, and thus avoiding the excruciating pain that is frequently spoken of by women who choose other methods of preparation for birthing.
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What if my doctor/midwife is not familiar with HypnoBirthing®? Can I still use this
method and how can my healthcare providers help me to achieve my HypnoBirthing®
goals?
More and more care providers are becoming aware of the benefits of HypnoBirthing®. Many hospitals offer HypnoBirthing® as an option in their childbirth education programs, and HypnoBirthing® is now taught in some schools of medicine to student doctors. If your care giver is not knowledgeable about HypnoBirthing®, take the opportunity early in your pregnancy to discuss the techniques you will be using and the type of calm birthing environment that you desire. In class, you will learn how to create a plan of Birth Preferences, which will help you to communicate your birthing goals and preferences to your doctor or midwife. Also, your HypnoBirthing® instructor will contact your provider with information on HypnoBirthing®.
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Prenatal Massage FAQ
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
I am in my first trimester of pregnancy and another practitioner wouldn't massage me. Why do you offer this service when others do not?
Is there anyone who shouldn't have a massage during pregnancy?
Should I tell my midwife/obstetrician I'm having pregnancy massage?
Are there any parts of my body that shouldn't be massaged during pregnancy?
Do I have to stop receiving massage close to my due date?
Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?
Can the baby feel the massage?
What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
Do you use a table or cushions that allow me to lay face down during a massage?
How often should I receive massage when I am pregnant?
How soon after delivery can I receive another massage?
Is massage safe during pregnancy?
If performed by someone who is trained in pregnancy massage, then massage is not only safe but also a wonderful experience throughout your pregnancy. There are some precautions that need to be kept in mind, but pregnancy is a natural phenomenon and women have received prenatal massage for thousands of years.
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I am in my first trimester of pregnancy and another practitioner wouldn't massage me.
Why do you offer this service when others do not?
The vast majority of miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy, with a 75% likelihood of this occurring in the first two weeks. For liability reasons, many massage practitioners and most spas do not massage women in their first trimester. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, massage during the first trimester is safe.
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Is there anyone who shouldn't have a massage during pregnancy?
There are some circumstances when massage during pregnancy isn't advisable. These include:
- Risk of early labour, risk of miscarriage, placental or cervical dysfunction
- Gestational Edema Proteinuria Hypertension (GEPH)
- Eclampsia
- Gestational Diabetes
- If you are suffering from any of the following signs and symptoms, pregnancy massage may not be for you. Talk to your massage therapist or midwife if you any concerns:
- Bloody discharge
- Continual abdominal pains
- Sudden gush or leakage of amniotic fluid
- Sudden, rapid weight gain
- Increased blood pressure
- Protein or sugar in urine
- Severe back pain that doesn't subside with a change in position
- Visual disturbances
- Severe nausea and/or vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Excessive hunger and thirst
- Increased urination in the second trimester
- In general, massage is also not recommended by people suffering from phlebitis, thrombosis or suspected clotting conditions; kidney, liver or spleen dysfunction or infection.
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Should I tell my midwife/obstetrician I'm having pregnancy massage?
It's a good idea to keep your midwife or obstetrician informed. If you have any health problems or complications with your pregnancy, it's advisable to seek their consent before having a massage.
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Are there any parts of my body that shouldn't be massaged during pregnancy?
Now more than ever your feet need relief from joint pressure and swelling. There are acupressure points around the ankles and feet (as well as your hands) that, when actively and aggressively worked, can bring on contractions. This is handy during labor, but those specific places and techniques are carefully avoided until then. Also, during the first trimester the abdomen and deep work on the lower back should be avoided. This is one of the many reasons to see a knowledgeable, pregnancy-certified therapist.
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Do I have to stop receiving massage close to my due date?
You may be relieved to know that in most cases it is safe (and beneficial!) to receive massage up to your due date and beyond. Many women schedule a session on their due date so they have something to look forward to if they have not yet gone into labor. A massage is a great way to prepare your body for the experience of giving birth. Women on bed rest should receive modified massage, (very light pressure on extremities and no abdominal massage) and you should always consult your doctor if you have special circumstances.
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Sometimes the skin on my belly feels so tight. Is it safe to have it massaged?
With proper technique and pressure levels, absolutely. I do not massage abdomens in the first trimester. It is completely safe, as your uterus is still the size of a plum and protected by the bony structure of the pelvis. However, due to the high incidence of miscarriage in the first trimester I avoid it because it tends to cause some anxiety, and the object of the massage is to reduce stress. After 12 weeks it is your option to request massage on your belly with light, circular strokes. This promotes skin elasticity and circulation to the general area. Especially in the third trimester, I like to think of it as baby's first massage. The main concern is mom's comfort level, so (as with any other aspect of massage) let me know what your preference is.
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Can the baby feel the massage?
They do seem to be aware that something's happening! Some women find that during a massage is the only time they can get some peace and quiet in their belly; others find their baby-to-be gets an extra bounce during massage. Several times I've found my hands being followed around a woman's abdomen by a persistent hand or foot.
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What are the benefits of pregnancy massage?
Regular pregnancy massage treatments help reduce stress and anxiety (great for first-time mothers!), help relieve back pain and muscle tension in the back, hips, neck and shoulders and aid relaxation.
Massage also encourages circulation, which can help reduce fluid retention.
The Touch Institute in Miami has also found that women who have regular pregnancy massage report shorter, less intense labours, with lesser need for intervention.
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Do you use a table or cushions that allow me to lay face down during a massage?
I do not use "Prego Pillows" or tables with holes for the belly. My belief is receiving a massage with such items is counterproductive to why so many of you need a massage — to relieve back pain. I use pillows to place you on your sides or semi–reclined so there is no pressure on the abdomen whatsoever, and the spine and surrounding muscles are able to relax. After week 22 you will need to be propped up on pillows as you lie on your back, so you're in more of a semi–sitting position. This keeps weight off deep blood vessels in your abdomen.
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How often should I receive massage when I am pregnant?
Each woman and each pregnancy is different, so there is no standard answer for this question. If you are planning to use massage therapy as an integral part of your prenatal care we suggest once a month in the first trimester, twice a month in the second and third. If you are having a difficult pregnancy with back pain, sharp leg and hip pains or sleeplessness we recommend increasing your session to 1 1 /2 hours or coming once a week in the last trimester.
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How soon after delivery can I receive another massage?
In most cases, as soon as you like. Massage soon after delivery can aid recovery by increasing your circulation and cleansing toxins like lactic acid from your muscles (after all, you've just run the marathon of all marathons!) I like to be able to help as soon as possible, but realistically there are issues surrounding the logistics of childcare and feeding times. Although I do not provide childcare, you are welcome to bring a caregiver with you. Then you can receive your massage without worry, and feed your infant before or after your session. Women who have had a Cesarean-section usually need to wait a few weeks and bring written approval from their physician.
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Reiki FAQ
Is Reiki safe for a pregnant woman?
What is Reiki?
What benefits can a pregnanct mom and her baby recieve from a Reiki treatment?
If I have a certain health condition, should I avoid a Reiki treatment?
Is it beneficial to recieve Reiki treatments after my baby is born?
I've never had a Reiki treatment before. What will it be like?
Is Reiki safe for a pregnant woman?
Yes! Pregnant women and their unborn babies both can benefit from Reiki's gentle and balancing energies. The most beneficial component of using Reiki during pregnancy is that it is safe. Reiki does no harm, only good. Plus, it does not interfere with any other treatments. This makes Reiki a great choice for helping comfort a pregnant woman. Reiki's energies heal and calm anxieties which are often associated with pregnancy and pending motherhood.
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What is Reiki?
In a nutshell Reiki is a simple, non-invasive, holistic healing modality where the practitioner channels energy to help heal the body. The channeled energy comes from Universal Energy, that exists around all living beings and objects. What is Universal Energy you ask? It's similar to holding your palms about a half inch apart from each other and feeling that fuzzy warmth between them — that is Universal Energy. It's all around us.
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What benefits can a pregnanct mom and her baby recieve from a Reiki treatment?
Reiki healing takes place on physical, spiritual and energetic levels by balancing the natural energy of the body. Pregnant and postpartum women have found Reiki useful for everything from relieving day to day stresses to turning a baby as delivery nears.
Reiki can be used to achieve whole body relaxation as it removes blockages, allowing energy to flow unhindered and helping pregnant moms cope with their ever-changing bodies. Having opened the energy channels of the body you won't hold onto things like stress, muscle knots and toxins. Plus, one of the secret added benefits of Reiki is that it leaves mom with more energy than when she arrived — always a nice bonus.
A recent study at The Hartford Hospital in Connecticut showed that Reiki used during pregnancy on a regular basis reduced stress and anxiety by 94%, pain during pregnancy by 78% and nausea and morning sickness by 80% after Reiki sessions. The study also showed that a woman's quality of sleep was improved by 86% when Reiki sessions were included during pregnancy.
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If I have a certain health condition, should I avoid a Reiki treatment?
Unlike massage, mothers-to-be don't have to be cautious when using Reiki while pregnant. The only precaution is that, as the pregnancy goes on, mom may have to sit in a chair or lay on her side rather than on the back. Treatment may also be shorter if mama is uncomfortable laying still for that long.
As we all know, an unborn child shares her emotional state with her mother. There is no better time than during pregnancy to experience the benefits of Reiki, both for you and your baby. The state of overall wellness that is passed from mom to baby helps nurture baby in the womb, during labor and after birth.
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Is it beneficial to recieve Reiki treatments after my baby is born?
After birth, postpartum, Reiki can be used to accelerate the natural healing process as well as provide relief and comfort to physical aches and pains. Baby can still participate in the session, with mom holding her new baby or lying next to her.
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I've never had a Reiki treatment before. What will it be like?
Generally, you can expect the Reiki practitioner to sit down with you to discuss your reasons for being there and ask what your intentions are. He or she will ask you to lay on their massage table, fully clothed with your shoes off. The practitioner may place their hands on your body over your clothes or may hold his or her hands a few inches from your body using gentle hand movements to channel energy. Either way, the vital energy force will be channeled through the practitioner to your energy field.
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