Thread: Hypnosis in childbirth?

My midwife suggested recently that I read up on hypnobirthing to prepare for the birth of our 6th baby. I've read only a small bit about it so far, (and have no intention of hiring a professional for training), but it sounds pretty much like you find your happy place and relax. Ha Ha. Frankly, I don't see myself as the hypnotic type, but I am wondering if there are Biblical/spiritual issues that should be considered.

Hypnosis is not hocus pocus, in fact only high intellects can be hypnotized because it is a matter surrendering your will and not resisting it, you are fully aware of your actions while in the state and can not be coherced into doing anything you don't want to actually do, more or less all it does is drop your inhibitions but not your cognitive thinking.

Allegedly a half hour of hypnosis can be the restful equivalent of a full night of sleep, I'm a little skeptical of the claim.

Hypnosis may not be hocus pocus, but it definitely is hogwash. And that little factum about intellect and hypnosis sounds like the ultimate flamboozle. If only 'smart' people can be hypnotized, then who's gonna deny they were hypnotized?

Originally Posted by No Longer A Libertine

Hypnosis is not hocus pocus, in fact only high intellects can be hypnotized because it is a matter surrendering your will and not resisting it, you are fully aware of your actions while in the state and can not be coherced into doing anything you don't want to actually do, more or less all it does is drop your inhibitions but not your cognitive thinking.

Allegedly a half hour of hypnosis can be the restful equivalent of a full night of sleep, I'm a little skeptical of the claim.

I've undergone hypnosis a few times long ago. In my case it was anything but restful. More like battling demons in an afternoon slumber.

I wasn't a believer then, and it was for a psychology experiment. But I didn't like it. Sure, you don't do anything against your will, but you are open to all sorts of suggestion, either from the person hypnotising or from powers of the air.

I'd rather see a Christian go with prayer and meditation on God's word. God's strength and protection is always needed, but even more so in times of stress.

Childbirth is a very daunting thing. After a difficult birth with my first, I spend my subsequent three pregnancies petrified to a point far beyond reasonable. I can't say that I would recommend hypnosis, but I am not sure whether the method of self-hypnosis that is taught in this context isn't just a formalisation of the relaxation techniques that you already practice in labor, I'm sure, and which probably give you a mucjh greater sence of control over the situation than "the drugs" ever could! Have you tried anaesthesia before? Some people like it. I had gas once, but it made me feel "high" and out of control- very scary- so I have avoided all of those interventions since.

Try the Bradley Method of childbirth. It is very natural and every couple I know that has used it recommends it. Husband Coached Childbirth is another name for it. It is not the same as Lamaze. As a matter of fact Lamaze teaches some techniques that make the birthing process more difficult.

I would steer clear of hypnotism! When one submits one's rational / critical faculties into the hands of another (well-meant or otherwise) one lowers one's guard of the mind and heart. It is a psychic phenomenon, and I would allow no one such psychic access. Not even so-called "Christian hypnotists". I will not hand over my critical faculties, even for the sake of some kind of "peace".

This applies also to self-hypnosis, the lowering of one's guard.

Hypnosis - Christian or Occult?

I did not address hypnotism in my earlier post. But, a Christian should avoid it like the plague. When I was in college, on the swim team, we were taught self hypnosis as a means of increasing our abilities in the water. It worked. But, it began to be obvious that this was not a neutral activity. I won't go into all the details here, but some really obvious issues with demonic influence began to take place. BTW, this as a very conservative Christian university and our coach was a genuine man of God. That one season was the only season we did that. He has regretted introducing ever since.

Suggestibility does not seem like a virtue (hello, I am weak-minded and my mind can be manipulated at the merest suggestion)...


In college we had a hypnotist come and they picked me out of the audience, and so I sat there while my friends turned to dogs and chickens and nothing happened. One friend had a thought implanted that once he existed the door after the show was over he would yell something...and he did...and was shocked by himself. Sort of creepy. Glad my mind is stiff and narrow.

Originally Posted by rgreen

Have you tried anaesthesia before?

Yes, I've had an epidural, actually, for all 5 of my previous births with a "regular" OB (no other pain killing drugs, though). And I didn't mind the lack of pain However, in my last 2 births, toward the end of labor my blood pressure has gotten so low that I had a difficult time staying conscious - it was fairly terrifying. Anyway, I've gone through transition (the hardest labor) in two of the births already, so I know the pain, and honestly, I'd rather go through the pain than the fear of losing consciousness and emergency C-section.

Way too much info?

not too much info at all.
You are right, staying incontrol is the key to feeling better about the experience afterwards- but let's face it- it never is pretty- and unlikely ever to be so!

I would refuse it. Then again I am a man. It would take some major hypnosis for me to give birth.

Have you thought about, if I may make a suggestion here acupuncture?