I am currently certifying as a Birthing and Pospartum Doula. In addition to this I am certified as a HCHD so that I can best meet the needs of my hypno-clients (Hypnobirthing, Hypnobabies, etc).
How is a Hypno-Doula different than a regular Birthing Doula?
Expectant couples that are using some form of hypnosis for their birth have different supportive needs than those using other methods. As a Hypnobabies Certified Hypno-Doula (HCHD), I have specific training on how to best help birthing couples use their hypnotic tools in their birthing time. Traditional doulas love their clients, but may unintentionally discount hypno-mother's education and tools. Hypno-anesthesia is a VERY powerful tool. It is proven to help women have easier and more comfortable births, sometimes even pain-free. In best circumstances it takes daily practice sessions and an in depth courses. The preparation is very worth it though, and gives the mother the most control over her birthing than I have see with other methods. I understand how hypno-anesthesia works and how to support hypno-mothers in their pregnancies, birthing, and beyond.
Traditional doulas rely on pain-coping measures to assist mothers in labor. Hypno-Doulas, understand that the strongest tool a hypno-mom has, is in fact, her hypnosis. Hypno-Doulas also understand that hypno-moms are in a very suggestible state during their birthing time. This means that if a mother is told to "give into the pain" or other often used birth phrases, that the phrase may actually trigger the mom to have pain that she wouldn't have felt otherwise. Being familiar with hypnosis in birthing, I can help the nurses know best how to help you.
Visit the Hypnobabies website for more Hypno-Doula details
Or to learn more about the Hypnobabies curriculum I found Hypnobabies after I started my journey to become a birthing and postpartum doula. It has already transformed my views on birth. I have seen the results in person. If you are planning a natural birth, do yourself a favor and look into it.
If the thought of hypnosis makes you uneasy, you may like reading through these hypnosis FAQs. I originally had a skewed understanding of what exactly hypnosis is. Once I learned that hypnosis is a natural state of mind that we experience daily on our own, and that we are always in control of ourselves I felt a lot more comfortable.
