What is hypnosis?
Hypnosis is a safe, natural state of selective, focused attention, and typically people in hypnosis feel fully present, though very relaxed. By intentionally creating the state of hypnosis, you can achieve a deeper level of relaxation than might normally be available to you, all the while remaining calm and aware of everything around you.
What is hypnotherapy?
Hypnotherapy uses hypnosis as a tool to facilitate change. While in hypnosis, the mind is very creative and responsive, and a skilled hypnotherapist guides the client to gently release fears, anxiety, or unhelpful patterns. Self-hypnosis for the purpose of conception, comfort, or coping is a learned skill.
Can I be hypnotized?
If you’re able to concentrate well enough to watch a 15-minute video, can focus well enough to follow simple verbal instructions, and if you have the type of imaginative thinking that allows you to become involved in a good story – yes, you can be hypnotized if you so choose.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Everyone experiences hypnosis differently, and even from session to session you will have somewhat different experiences. For some people, their conscious thoughts remain active during hypnosis -- not a problem, just take those thoughts as a signal that your mind is doing its job, and bring your focus back to the moment with simple tools that are part of the program. On the other hand, some people will enter very deep hypnosis right away and may not remember everything from the session, and that’s good too.
Most people are in the middle of the range of awareness, and feel deeply relaxed and comfortable within hypnosis, and as the session continues you may or may not remember all that was said in the session.
What is the most effective way to listen?
- Please never listen to a hypnosis recording while driving or engaged in any activity that requires your attention.
- Listen in a comfortable position where you’re free from distraction (arrange for pets and people to give you some space).
- Many recordings come with specific instructions about how often to listen and the best times of day or night.
- Earbuds or headphones are recommended, though not necessary, you can just listen through the speaker in your phone or computer.
- For the most part HypnoMothering’s hypnosis MP3s are about 25 minutes in length.
Could I stay frozen in one position and never come out of it? Or will I spontaneously cluck like a chicken for the rest of my life?
No. You are completely in control during every moment of a session making this common myth impossible.
Will hypnotherapy interfere with my religion?
No. Rather than “surrendering” to suggestions made during hypnosis, you will be engaged with heightened creativity and focus. This program is grounded in respect for each individual and is appropriate for people of all religions.
How often do I need to practice hypnosis?
Optimally, you'll find time to listen daily, though it's okay to skip some days, and it's okay to listen at night on your way to sleep. With all of the programs, instructions are clear for how and when to listen to each recording.
What if I feel like I’m asleep in the session? What if my mind was going the whole time?
Both of these, and everything in between, are okay.
Whether you go into a deep hypnotic trance and don’t remember much of the session, or find you’re mentally active throughout makes no difference to the benefits you receive from the hypnosis. The three ingredients to experiencing benefit are intention, permission, and the ability to follow simple instructions. If following the instructions causes you to enter a deep sleeplike state, trust that your unconscious is taking care of absorbing the suggestions. If following the instructions feels challenging or your mind sometimes wanders to something else, there’s no need to fight this, rather take these signals as cues to bring your focus back to the breath as instructed at the beginning each audio. Either way, your unconscious mind is receiving the information.
Why is hypnosis helpful for fertility?
The mind can have a powerful influence on the conception journey. Hypnosis can help you internalize calm states that engage the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn encourages physical balance and energy. At a deeper level, hypnosis can help release the cycles of dread, grief, and internal conflict, so you can begin a path of realistic hope that welcomes your baby.
Is hypnosis helpful if I'm having IVF?
Hypnosis is a wonderful tool for encouraging mind and body to create a loving connection with baby through all steps of IVF.
Is HypnoMothering for Fertility more than a program of audio recordings?
Yes. Although audio recordings are an integral part of the HypnoMothering program, you’ll also have the opportunity to engage in live online group sessions for encouragement, compassion, and resources you can use in the real world, in real time.
Is this a cookie cutter fertility program?
No. Everyone is different, and will experience their process uniquely. If there’s a session topic that you’re hoping for, please be in touch and I’ll endeavor to develop something that will speak directly to your need.
Is HypnoMothering More than relaxation & breathing techniques?
Yes. It’s a thorough childbirth education program that takes into account current evidenced-based practices. We’ll cover a range of hypnosis techniques that include relaxation and breathing, and we’ll also create a base of knowledge so you can make informed choices as you work with your birthing team.
In addition, live online group student meetings are available if you have questions along the way.
Will I be asleep? Will I be unconscious?
While using hypnosis for birth you will be fully awake and aware of everything around you and be fully capable of having conversations with others, and you can choose to move out of self-hypnosis at any time.
Will I remember everything?
Self-hypnosis will help you to be more relaxed and calm, and will not alter or eliminate any memories. The calm and absorbed state of focus allows you to create a mental, emotional and physical environment that’s primed for a positive birth experience.
Will my labor be painless?
Although we can’t promise that you will have a pain-free labor, using hypnosis for childbirth will help you to feel more relaxed and calm, focusing on welcoming the process.
Can a birth support person be involved?
Absolutely yes. Ideally, your labor partner will take the entire course side by side with you. They'll learn techniques to support you emotionally and physically throughout labor and birth.
I’m doing this on my own without a partner, will that work?
Yes, absolutely. This program is flexible, and it’s my goal for you to feel equipped to use these techniques independently.
Can HypnoMothering help if I’m planning an epidural, induction, or cesarean birth?
Yes, it can. Self-hypnosis is beneficial for all types of birth, regardless of whether you are choosing an unmedicated path, medicated pain relief, or having a cesarean birth. The techniques will enable you to discover ways of relaxing and ensuring a calm environment, all leading towards a positive and empowering experience.
How is self-hypnosis helpful for new mothers?
- Rapid Relaxation: Hypnosis provides easy to learn techniques to quickly relax your body while creating mindfulness and balance.
- Positive Emotional Resources: Quick self-hypnosis techniques allow mothers to tap into positive emotions even on difficult days.
- Hypnotic Time Distortion for Sleep: Whether you have five minutes or five hours to catch some rest, hypnosis helps your mind and body make the most of the sleep you have.
- Connection to Baby: Hypnosis helps a mother tune in to her baby and her own natural instincts.