A new technique involving hypnosis and meditation may grant every expecting mother's wish to not feel pain during labor. And no sophisticated technology is required.
A new-age self-help hypnotherapy method makes pain minimal during labor. The method is called HypnoBirthing.
LANNY KUSWANDI: (JP/Alvin Darlanika Soedarjo)
"Hypno-birthing is actually not a new phenomenon. In fact, many people in Indonesia have been practicing this successfully for eons," said Lanny Kuswandi, the moderator of HypnoBirthing classes at the Pro V Clinic in Jakarta.
However, she added that the procedure had been scientifically analyzed and that the effects of the method had been enhanced.
She described HypnoBirthing as a natural effort to implant positive thoughts into a mother's subconscious in order to ensure a calm but conscious delivery. The method, which does not involved drugs, has worked for some people.
According to the book Laboring Without Pain by Evariny Andriana, HypnoBirthing was introduced in Canada in 1993. Australia and England were the first to adopt the method and now it has spread to more then 20 countries.
"The basic exercise is relaxation. The key to success is in the repetition of the relaxation exercises," said Lanny, who once doubted the method.
To ensure the technique is effective when the moment comes, a pregnant woman is advised to attend several preliminary practice sessions, including an introduction, a breathing class and a meditation session involving music, a pendulum and mental visualization.
After the classes, Lanny encourages people to practice the methods at home.
The exercises aims to activate endorphins inside the body so the labor pains can be eradicated or minimized. In other words, HypnoBirthing is a form of self-hypnosis used to combat pain.
The method taught at the Pro V clinic was derived from research conducted by Marie Mongen, a hypnotherapist from New Hampshire, U.S., who used hypnotherapy to help pregnant women cope with labor. She patented the basic theory and procedure, hence the double capital in the name.
"The subconscious mind is 82 percent responsible for making the self believe that labor is difficult. In rural areas, some people can give birth easily because they think giving birth is a natural and comfortable process."
Preparation is simple. You need a quiet room, soothing music, aroma therapy and guidance, which can be available on CD, to relax muscles, breathing and mind.
Our subconscious, she asserted, is never asleep.
Most of the classes are occupied by pregnant women in their third semester and their doting husbands, who have to fulfill their role of "coach" by giving assurance and speaking positive words.
Babies in the wombs are actually very sensitive and communicative, according to Lanny, who was a nurse before she developed her class.
"They have their own will and power to get out of their mother's womb. So actually expecting mothers should not need to push really hard during labor," Lanny said.
HypnoBirthing also ensures a peaceful and serene mood during pregnancy, increases the bond between mother and baby, and reduces nauseous and queasy feelings.
For those who have to undergo a Caesarean section, the relaxation method can help them avoid baby blues or post-partum depression. In general, a relaxed mind can help a mother increase the amount of milk they produce.
The ability for a pregnant woman to relax is not an innate ability, that's why repetition in practicing the techniques become essential, she noted.
Some female participants who have attended Lanny's classes lay claim to its success. One of them, Eka Faradhila, said the therapy helped her overcome her fear of childbearing.
"Basically I am a person who is afraid of having to feel pain," Eka told The Jakarta Post.
During her previous pregnancy, she slipped and fell quite hard on the floor. The incident caused the placenta cord in her womb to loosen.
In her third trimester of her first pregnancy, Eka signed up for Lanny's class. She followed her instructions closely and practiced breathing and meditated every night for a month.
The CD guide offered by Lanny's course consists of recorded instructions for soothing the mind and body with an overture of relaxing music. Other practices include using a pendulum to soothe's one mind and to help relate to the fetus.
"At the end of my pregnancy, I had to go through the excruciating induction process before giving normal birth. Because of HypnoBirthing, I became braver in facing the labor procedure," Eka said.
She added that she had not experienced any post-partum depression afterward, "Maybe in the two weeks after I gave birth to the baby boy, I only felt really bad on one day."
Another patient, Wina Natalia, who faithfully followed the course, ended up requiring a Caesarean section.
"I experienced no contractions at all after 40 weeks of pregnancy. Even after my water broke, there were still no contractions. So the best way to deal with that was a c-section."
She said she had followed Lanny's instructions, including controlling her breathing and meditating regularly. "Maybe it's not meant to be for me. I'm just glad that myself and the baby were in good condition after the operation."
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