Q: Is childbirth hypnosis new?
A: No, hypnosis has been used for childbirth since the 1920s. It is becoming more available in the United States, particularly when taught to a group in a class setting. Childbirth Hypnosis Training, however, is unique in that a Clinical Certified Hypnotherapist teaches it individually, and the training is personalized to each mother’s unique needs and concerns.

Q: Can hypnosis harm the baby or me?
A: No. Hypnosis simply uses relaxation and guided imagery techniques to help you focus on positive thoughts and create a calm state of mind. By reducing fears and tensions, you avoid creating physical resistance that can cause added complications or pain to the childbirth experience.

Q: Will hypnosis eliminate all the pain from childbirth?
A: Every woman’s experience is different. Many women do indeed describe their labor as serene and pain-free. In most cases (see birth stories), hypnosis greatly reduces the level of pain experienced.

Q: Will the hypnosis put me in a trance, make me groggy or “out of it”
during the birth?
A: No. You will be fully awake and alert. In fact, you will feel a heightened sense of awareness and probably much less fatigue than you would be without hypnosis training.

Q: What will my doctor think about it?
A: Most doctors do not object to Childbirth Hypnosis Training. The technique does not interfere with the doctor’s role or the childbirth process itself in any way.
(To give your doctor more information on Childbirth Hypnosis Training,
see For Physicians.)

Q: Will hypnosis keep me from having to take pain drugs during the birth?
A: Again, every woman’s experience is different. In most cases, hypnosis training can eliminate or significantly decrease the need for painkillers.

Q: Will my significant other be involved in the process?
A: He can be as involved as he wants to be. His presence is required in two sessions of our program, so he can learn what to expect and how to support you during the birth.

Q: Can I do other birth preparation methods with hypnosis?
A: Yes. Childbirth Hypnosis Training does not need to replace other methods. It can be used in conjunction with them. Yet it includes Childbirth Education, so whether you are choosing a home or hospital birth, you are covered.

Q: How much time do I have to spend in training?
A: A full program -series of five individualized 1 ½ to 2 hours sessions- is offered prior to the birth. Marie-Paul can also structure her training differently in time frame to fit a mother's urgent or special need.

Q: When in my pregnancy should I begin training?
A: You make the choice. Many women begin sessions when they are 16 to 20 weeks pregnant.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Each session generally costs $150; however 20% discounts are available at various times of the year. Right now the program is offered for $650. We also tailor our program to your own needs if you already had a baby, and use previously something similar to hypnosis for birth, the program can be made to feet your needs, and priced accordingly. Sliding scale pricing is also available.

Q: Will Marie-Paul be with me at the birth?
A: It's up to you. You can choose to hire Marie-Paul or one of the doula from her team to provide labor support, which is a separate service from the Childbirth Hypnosis Training itself. A doula's assistance can be particularly helpful when you give birth in a hospital setting, where the staff may not be familiar with Childbirth
Hypnosis Training. (For information about some of the births that have been
attended by Marie-Paul, see Birth Stories.) However, the training is designed
so that you will also be able to successfully use the techniques on your own.

Q: How do I get started?
A: Read the information available on this site and then call Marie-Paul at
310-901-9440 or e-mail: mariepaul@easybirthing.com
(Also see Talking with Marie Paul and contact info.)

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