1. Is childbirth really painless with Hypnosis?
Most women experience nothing more than sensations of pressure and tightening with hypnosis for childbirth. What I can promise is that you will be relaxed, peaceful, will feel safe and in control, thus lessening the perception of pain to a great degree, if not all together.

2. What does a Doula do?
In Greek, “Doula” means “mothering the mother.” A Doula will provide both parents continuous emotional support, comfort, and information. Her presence allows your husband/partner time for rest and refueling, as need be, with the awareness that you are never left unattended. With the assistance of a Doula, labors are 25% shorter in duration than for those without. A Doula is not trained to diagnose nor prescribe medical interventions as this is in the hands of your medical caregivers

3. What is a “Hypno-Doula?”
A Hypno-Doula provides all the same comfort measures and techniques as a Doula, with the added skill of Hypnotherapy.

4. Will the education I receive from your Tao of Birthing Classes be sufficient for birthing or will I need a Doula?
Your education will suffice, along with the presence of your intimate partner, as well as your commitment to practice at home. If you were planning to run a marathon or to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, you would be in serious training for these events. Childbirth is no different. A Doula will provide additional comfort and support, as a mountain guide would do, but you’ll have been well prepared before embarking on the journey. And YES, from my classes you will have all the tools you need to ensure an informed, empowered birthing experience.

5. If I’m so relaxed during childbirth, how will I push my baby out?
Good question. The uterus is made up of strong muscles that are designed to expel a baby. Dr. Michel Odent has written about the “fetal ejection reflex.” Animals do not push, and women in comas have birthed babies. That said, and with high respect for Dr. Odent as well as for anyone who has had a differing experience, I, personally, have yet to witness a first time Mom not pushing or “bearing down,” though I believe it’s possible. At some point, and in the case of “unforeseen circumstances,” a doctor or midwife will instruct you to push or to “bear down” while you follow the sensations and natural instincts of your body. In light of the high dose of endorphins rushing throughout your system, you will be highly alert, aware, strong and energized for the welcoming of your baby due to your prior hours in a relaxed state.

6. What if I’m not able to be hypnotized?
When we’re motivated and trusting of our Therapist, most of us are able to experience a state of hypnosis. And when we’re spoken to in a language that we can understand, our subconscious mind will be receptive. Part of my training is to first assess exactly how you take in information, e.g., inferentially or literally, and whether you’re more suggestible to visualizing, to tones and sounds, to feelings and sensations, or to logic. As mentioned on my Hypnotherapy Page, we all experience states of hypnosis, in varying degrees, each and every day.

7. What if I don’t come out of hypnosis?
You will. Hypnosis is an enhanced state of awareness and not a sleep state. Different brain-wave patterns are utilized in sleep than when relaxed with hypnosis. You’ll come out of hypnosis feeling refreshed and calm.

8. While under hypnosis, will I bark like a dog or quack like a duck?
No, unless, of course, you want to. While under hypnosis, you will not do or say anything you would not do in a wakeful state. You will be in control at all times, and will be able to open your eyes and/or get up and walk any time you choose.

9. Is it appropriate for children to observe labor and childbirth?
Absolutely…as long as you’re comfortable in their presence. I have worked with many children in both home and hospital births, and have never once found them to be uncomfortable or scared. In fact, children appear more comfortable than most grown-ups, and this may be due to being closer in time to their own birth journey, more so than you or I, or intimate partners. Their psyches remember what we have forgotten. To children, birth is nothing more than a natural occurrence, which is what I remind the grown-ups in my classes and trainings. As Assistants, their helping hands can be immeasurable - their purity can be an asset to a birthing room. I have found children to be enthusiastic, curious, calm and highly respectful of what is going on around them, though the younger ones may get bored and leave the room at various times. The youngest child, content at my side, was a boy of four.

Located in Ventura and Los Angeles, California
For more information or free phone consultation call:
805.659.3911 or 310.663.9390