Re: Hypnotized during labor

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• In reply to: g: "Hypnotized during labor"

Hypnosis can be an effective means of pain control during labor. You do need to see a qualified hypnotherapist -- some psychologists are so qualified (there is an association of certified medical hyponotherapists -- try doing a search). Several sessions are needed during the pregnancy so you can learn how to put yourself into a relaxed state.

My husband and I did a couple of sessions with a psychologist with experience in hypotherapy during my pregnancy. Although I did eventually get an epidural, I made it to 5 cm of an induced labor, with sloooowwwww progress from 4-5, with no meds. My husband, who gets nauseated if I even talk about what I do for a living and who cannot even visit someone in a hospital, was able to be at my side for the entire labor and watched everything -- the hypnosis may not have been 100% effective for me, but it sure helped him!

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Kelly Shanahan, MD, FACOG

Replies are for educational purposes only. They do not take the place of a consultation with your own doctor, nor do they construe any doctor-patient relationship.
Private e-mails WILL NOT be answered due to the fact that I am answering this question after my baby is in bed and I do need some sleep myself! Plus, my husband is getting jealous of the computer.

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• In reply to: g: "Hypnotized during labor"