Re: [ozmidwifery] Hypnobirthing / slogan

[Jennifer Watkins]

Dear all :   The discussion about hypnosis and labour is interesting. I think it is so important that women feel that they have everything they need to take the journey through birth, without needing outside 'help'.  I am just concerned about the emphasis on labour being pain-free, and thereby the association that experiencing pain in labour is a failure.  (I am not suggesting that you are inferring this, Tracey).     I have not been in on the slogan debate, and maybe it is over - but I would like to ask that we maybe steer clear of the "push" word.  For women it evokes the breathe-hold-push your eyeballs out kind of thing they see on the telly - and I guess the slogan is being aimed at everyone.  Instead maybe, 'opening the way to birth reform'.   Just ideas, Jen Watkins.  ----- Original Message ----- From: Tracey Askew To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, July 14, 2002 11:08 AM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] Hypnobirthing I work with a women who teaches the technique to women and their partners, and has had mixed success. When it works, it is incredible to see how effortless labour can be and has succeeded in preventing interference on many occasions, when the onlookers think that labour has stopped when in fact it is progressing beautifully. In its purest form, some practitioners say that it can be used with anyone but it requires a solid belief and an ability to let go of the fear of labour. External coaching seems to be important for most people, to access that very deep state of relaxation. It tells us alot about the power of breathing and relaxation, but I think unfortunately the fear factor gets in the way and I wonder if there needs to be more emotional work done prior to labour. None the less, it is worth looking into and would be a worthwhile skill for any midwife. My third birth was pain free, as I (unknowlingly) placed myself in a hypnotic state, and next thing I was pushing. It was incredible. Tracey Anderson Askew -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]On Behalf Of Debby M Sent: Friday, 12 July 2002 4:57 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [ozmidwifery] Hypnobirthing I have just started reading a book on "hypno birthing" which is a form of self-hypnosis through relaxation and visualisation.   The concept sounds wonderful but it is an American book and I was just wondering if anyone has experienced this first hand or supported a woman who has tried it in labour - and what did you think/ how did you find it?   Debby Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit to subscribe or unsubscribe.