My understanding is that the origins of the current Hypnobirthing is the work of Grantly Dick-Read. Grantly Dick-Read was a UK obstetrician who wrote "Childbirth Without Fear", and his work came about after he worked with women in the East End of London. In particular, one young women is supposed to have said to him - about childbirth "It didn't hurt. It wasn't meant to, was it, doctor?" He developed the theory that fear was the reason women found childbirth painful, and he developed the idea of relaxation for childbirth and so on. So, yes, it is the fear-tension-pain cycle that you refer to.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) that I am a member of, and trained as a CBE with, began in 1956 - with Sheila Kitzinger and others - based on his work. We look at it from the fear-tension-pain cycle viewpoint.
I found the following on a (US) website:
"An increasingly popular group inspired by Dick-Read is HypnoBirthing Childbirth Education. The group, founded by hypnotherapist Marie Mongan, is based on the fear-tension-pain syndrome and how understanding leads to relaxation and a painless birth."
Hope this helps.
Debbie Slater Perth, WA
Julie Clarke wrote:
Hi
I had a couple in one of my hospital classes, yesterday explain to me that they?d booked in to a hypnobirthing course in the Eastern suburbs which cost them several hundred dollars for 2 days.
The main thrust of the philosophy of the MAN conducting the course was (according to them):
?Birth is not normally supposed to be painful and it is only painful if the woman is scared?.
I expressed surprise and mild concern over the idea, I didn?t want to seem negative especially after all the money they?d spent, but my personal thought was what ridiculous bullshit!!! It certainly pushed my buttons!!!
Has anyone else heard of this philosophy? Is it accurate of all hypnobirthing courses?
I have wondered if this is simply a misinterpretation and /or exaggeration of the credible concept tension-fear-pain cycle.
What do you think?
Hug
Julie
Julie Clarke
Childbirth and Parenting Educator
Transition into Parenthood
9 Withybrook Pl
Sylvania NSW 2224.
T. (02) 9544 6441
Mobile 0401 2655 30
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