Hello Frank,
 
Women don't need to be rescued from the pain of childbirth.  They need to be supported and believe in themselves.
The pain is important for all the reasons that Andrea listed, but also for the sense of power that it gives the woman (as Megan touched on).
 
Women who have come through labour under their own steam, really feel an enormous sense of achievement.  They feel that if they can get through the pain of labour, then they can do anything - even climb Mount Everest!
 
I think this confidence helps them in the early days and weeks of parenting.
 
I have seen powerless women in abusive relationships, become strong with the pain in labour.  Yes, the power in these women does appear to diminish in the days after birth, but who could deny these women their experience of strength - perhaps it does help them in less obvious ways, or will help them at some future time.
 
Women who have been 'saved' from their pain - with epidurals don't have that same sense of power from their births.  I haven't seen hypnotherapy first hand in labour, but if the woman feels she couldn't do it without the hypnotherapist, I imagine it would also stop the sense of achievement & power.
 
Just my two bob's worth!!
 
Jacky

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