Hypnobabies Course #1

It has been a couple weeks now since I started my Hypnobabies self study course, and I'd like to share how it has been going. In all, I love it. It is everything I hoped it would be.

Each of the 5 courses is designed to be completed in one week. When you are done with all 5 courses, there is a maintenance program that you do until your birthing time (whch is Hypnobabies' word for labor).

Course #1 begins with describing the power of positive thinking when it comes to birthing your baby. It includes visualization, imagery, the importance of affirmations and basically, how to convince yourself that you can have an easy and comfortable birthing. I find this all to be very empowering, and I think it's really amazing how much my attitude has changed since I started. I can honestly say I am looking forward to birth not just for the end result. I almost feel like natural birth is this challenge that I can't wait to try. I am actually excited about it, and am no longer scared and anxious like I was a few short weeks ago.

The course also describes what Hypnosis is and how it works. The role it plays during your birthing time is to help you relax, to not be afraid (when you are afraid in general it creates tension, which unfortunately can work against you while trying to have your baby), and to convince yourself that you feel pressure, not pain. The last part is the one I am most skeptical about, but I am definitely keeping an open mind.

In addition to the lessons in the workbook, Course #1 includes two tracks. The first introduces you to deep breathing and relaxation and helps you to create a "special safe place" that you visualize. The second discusses positive thinking and feeling empowered when it comes to your birthing time. So far it has been pretty amazing that the hypnosis tracks have been able to convince my mind that I can't open my eyes at certain times. I'm slowly becoming sold on this, and am really enjoying how relaxed I feel in the meantime.