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When a young woman was questioned by a doctor in 1913 about why she had refused pain relief in labour she replied "It didn't hurt. It wasn't supposed to, was it, Doctor?"
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This led the doctor, Grantly Dick-Read, to reassess all his prior beliefs about pain during childbirth. He examined how women in other cultures gave birth seemingly pain-free, and then carried on about their business. He also examined the apparent ability of animals to give birth pain-free.
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He discovered what he termed the "Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome". This is where the fear the woman feels about childbirth causes her to tense, which in turn causes pain. When you eliminate the fear the woman is relaxed and therefore the pain is dispelled.
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Amongst other benefits, studies into using hypnotherapy indicate:
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- A more relaxed pregnancy
- Fewer breech presentations
- Shorter labour and delivery times
- Lower rates of medication
- Lower rates of surgical intervention
- A more positive and comfortable birth experience
- Calmer and more alert newborns
- Faster post natal recovery
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Many women report that their experience of childbirth was an amazingly positive one with very little discomfort. People present at these births are often amazed by how serene the birthing mother is.
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Hypnotherapy can be very helpful in helping to alleviate many of the uncomfortable symptoms of early pregnancy enabling a more positive and relaxed experience.
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Benefits can be felt no matter what time in pregnancy you choose to start hypnotherapy sessions. However, I believe that the optimum time to begin in order to benefit fully during labour is when you are around 26 - 28 weeks pregnant. I recommend approximately 4-6 fortnightly sessions.
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It is also useful for birthing partners to attend one or maybe two sessions.
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