How Hypnobirthing Makes Childbirth Less Painful

Let's face it: Fearing the pain of childbirth makes the experience feel so much worse. Luckily, there's a way to fight that fear and, dare we say, consider giving birth to children more naturally.

In the 1990s, educator and hypnotherapist Marie Mongan invented what she called "hypnobirthing." Her philosophy stems from the works of British obstetrician Grantly Dick-Read, who originally promoted the concept of "natural childbirth."

By following Dick-Read's guidance on how to relax during delivery, Mongan successfully gave birth to her third child in 1959 without the need of medicine. And when this child, Maura, became pregnant 30 years later, the event would spark Mongan's series of books, seminars and programs on the topic of hypnobirthing.

Mongan recognized fear as a major hazard to childbirth. In the fight-or-flight response, our body's main priority is to escape immediate danger— not to have a baby. Blood travels away from the uterus and towards other organs, such as the heart and the limbs, to help us face or flee from our fears. Unfortunately, this makes the cervix tighten, leading to an even longer and more painful labor. Additionally, if the baby is deprived of oxygen-rich blood, then the doctors and nurses must intervene further. All of this leads to even more fear, which leads to more pain.

By turning childbirth into a more relaxed and rewarding experience, hypnobirthing teaches parents how to avoid this pain altogether. First, parents will learn how the female body is fully equipped to take on the labor of childbirth. Next, through guided imagery and new vocabulary, they'll associate the experience with more positive emotions. As the due date approaches, they will practice breathing exercises, rehearse visual imagery, and develop other self-relaxation techniques.

Several women owe the success of their pregnancies to SleepPhones® headphones. You too can follow hypnobirthing affirmations in supreme comfort with our quality headphones. Lay on your side without the discomfort of traditional earbuds and headphones, and listen to anything that will help you prepare for that big day. We'll be there with you, helping you through those long and tiresome hospital stays. Read more at the links below.

"I used these all throughout my last pregnancy, when I had to lay on my side; it was so nice to not have ear buds digging into my ears." —Fayeon