Does hypnobirthing work if you're not particularly suggestIble?

[weeblueberry]

I read a book recently that was about paranormal activity and why people think it exists. Part of the book was a test about whether you were suggestible or not and mine came back as very low. Now this doesn't surprise me as I'm a massive sceptic and am pretty damn cynical about, um, everything... but now I'm wondering if it means I'm less likely to get anything out of hypnobirthing? I admit I don't know much about it but if it's mainly breathing techniques it will likely work, but if it's all about 'going under' it probably won't.

Any thoughts?

[HorridHeffalumpsWickedWoozles]

I used hypnobirthing methods with dd2s birth, I'm the most cynical person alive but it was fantastic. It's not about 'going under' its about learning to relax and release the tension created by fear. I imagine some people can probably reach a more 'hypnotic' state if their brains are more suggestible or easily channelled but for me it was enough to learn how to relax and breath.

Good luck :)

[MyLastDuchess]

Well, I'm still waiting to give birth (any day now!) but will be trying it with DC2. In the meantime I have had several sessions with an actual (as in real, live) hypnotherapist as well as lots of practicing with the tapes she has made for me. Heffalumps describes it perfectly, it's nothing to do with 'going under', it's just allowing yourself to relax. During the sessions in her office I was completely aware of everything that was going on and just let myself ignore it. If she had said, "Get up and do the chicken dance" I would have just said no Likewise if the fire alarm had gone off I would have sat up and said, "OK, I guess we'd better leave". But as it was, I was aware of everything that was going on and chose to let it drift by me.

In other words, I don't think your particular concerns are relevant here ... hypnotherapy is more about practice rather than being 'suggestible' or a skeptic :)

[Birthandbaby]

Hi, I'm a Certified HypnoBirthing Pratitioner so perhaps I can help.

I would imagine that the book you read was talking about gullibility which is quite different from your unconsious mind being suggestible. Being cynical and sceptical is not a contraindication to being hypnotised.

I often have expectant parents coming to me saying that whilst they understand the theory behind HypnoBirthing, they are a bit apprehensive that they will not be suggestible (I was the same myself). I have yet to work with someone who could not be hypnotised although obviously some take a few more exercises to get there. In all cases, the client is in control and as yet I have never asked someone to cluck like a chicken as far as they know

HypnoBirthing, assuming you are doing a complete Mongan Method course is a lot more than learning how to breathe so I would say go along, be as sceptical as you like because when you are ready, your mind will decide it wants to go with the flow and help you have a great birth experience.

Good luck!

[PickledFanjoCat]

I am the most cynical person ever and u had hypnotherapy for smoking. Straight under! Worked a treat. Now trying hypno birthing.

[stinkinseamonkey]

its not really like stage hypnotism, infact I think the name "hypnobirthing" probably missleads a bit and puts a few people off!

its definitely worth doing it, IMO everyone should, its more about preparing your mind for labour and relaxation techniques, some people go very deep with the relaxations and some stay more conscious but IME it's beneficial to everyone!

[PickledFanjoCat]

Its like falling partly asleep and you can sort of hear the TV still on in the background, very nice and relaxing.

[weeblueberry]

Thank you for your advice everyone - it certainly can't hurt to try it.

Birthandbaby It was definitely about suggestibility as opposed to gullibility. In the chapter I was reading it was about hypnosis specifically and it's similarity to what causes people to believe they've had an out of body experience. The author made it clear he doesn't feel that it's possible to actually hypnotise someone so that's where the test came in.

I think if it's more about relaxation techniques then I'd be willing to try certainly. If it's like going into a meditative state I could definitely try and achieve that.

[PickledFanjoCat]

Mmm I had by first session Monday and I can't remember a thing!

When is your due date? I'm in feb. happy to report back.

[ReallyTired]

"I think if it's more about relaxation techniques then I'd be willing to try certainly. If it's like going into a meditative state I could definitely try and achieve that. "

Medical hypnosis is self hypnosis. You are in complete control and "not under anyone's power". Its nothing like stage hypnosis where people make a fool of themselves.

It is very much relaxation techniques. Learning always requires an open mind and flexible thinking whether its physics or poetry or learning self hypnosis. There are ways that you can lower your pain threshold. The more relaxed your body is the less pain you will feel.

I think for medical hypnosis to work you actually need a very good imagination. I imagine it would harder to hypnose someone with learning difficulties than someone who is very bright. A stupid person is not creative enough to do a decent visualisation in their mind. In fact the self hypnosis techniques require quite a bit of practice. I suggest you practice self hypnosis next time you have blood test or your legs waxed.

We enter hypnotic states all time. For example we don't think about the route when we drive to work. Or have you ever been so engrossed in Mumsnet or being day dreaming that you have lost track of time.

[noseynoonoo]

weeblueberry I think the author is demonstrating that he doesn't understand what hypnotism is if he thinks it is impossible to do.

I'm interested in what reallytired says about it being easier to hypnotise a brighter person. I often have people in my classes (usually the dad) saying that they are sceptical that they could be hypnotised because they are so analytical - and they hint strongly that they are just too intelligent to fall for hypnosis. People like this usually go deeper than the other people in the group who they effectively called stupid at the start of the session