What is your background with hypnosis for childbirth?
While expecting my second baby I was looking for a childbirth education program that would give me tools to help cope with an unmedicated birth. I was fairly educated about birth and the birthing process and I wanted to learn something new. I eventually stumbled upon hypnosis for childbirth and after some research I decided to take an in-person Hypnobabies course.
I loved the program when I was learning and utilizing the techniques. When I became a doula I found that I really enjoyed working with families who had studied hypnosis for childbirth. Hypno-clients come to me with unique tools that can help me to better support them in addition to the traditional comfort techniques I offer as a doula.
After working with a couple HypnoBirthing families I was curious about how that program differed from Hypnobabies. I then audited a local course to learn how to better support the HypnoBirthing clients I worked with. I enjoyed the course and, always wanting to learn more, I decided to go ahead and complete the Hypno-doula course offered by Hypnobabies and here we are!
Do you teach hypnosis techniques?
No. I do not teach hypnosis techniques. I help support and reinforce the techniques that you have learned either through a hypnosis home-study program or in-person class. I can provide referrals to great local hypnosis for childbirth educators if you want to learn!
What do you do as a hypno-doula?
As a hypno-doula I help you utilize the tools that you have learned. I reinforce those teachings using scripts, cues, and prompts during your birthing time. I am familiar with the programs you're working with so I can assist you with practicing with them. I understand the power that words hold, especially when you're actively using hypnosis, so I communicate with you in a positive and sensitive manner that supports hypnosis teachings. In addition to the methods I use as a hypno-doula I also offer the same techniques I use with all clients as a birth doula to compliment your hypnosis tools.
Do you only work with hypno-clients?
No. Although I do work with a good number of hypno-clients I probably see more clients who do not use hypnosis. However, I bring my hypno-background wherever I go so I tend to utilize some techniques that are rooted in hypnosis with all of my clients.
Things like being sensitive to the environment and how you are experiencing things, I believe in the power of words so I'm conscientious about the terminology that I use with all of my clients and communicate in a positive way, I might even throw in a few word cues to help remind you to relax your body and release tension.
I'm a hypno-mom, do I need a hypno-doula?
Doulas are beneficial to every type of birth, including hypno-births! A doula can be beneficial to you both prenatally and during your birthing time, offering a full spectrum of support in addition to your self-hypnosis techniques.
A hypno-doula is the most efficient way to ensure you're working with a doula who truly understands the program and tools that you are using and can effectively help support you in a complimentary way. A doula who does not have additional training with hypnosis for childbirth can effectively support you, but it is very important to ensure that whomever you choose is familiar with the techniques you are learning and how they can best support you during your birthing time.
Hypno-curious? Any other questions about hypno-doulas that I haven't answered?