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'Hypnobirthing' Eases Pain Of Childbirth

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May 29, 2008 9:49 am US/Mountain

'Hypnobirthing' Eases Pain Of Childbirth

NEW YORK (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Supporters of a new technique called hypnobirthing claims it vastly reduces or even eliminate labor pains without drugs by simply harnessing the power of the mind.
AP

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Giving birth is one of the most beautiful and painful experiences of a woman's life. Now there is a technique called hypnobirthing, that purports to vastly reduce or even eliminate labor pains without drugs by simply harnessing the power of the mind.

Luna Grande came into the world 11-months ago in a somewhat unusual way. Her mother had no anesthesia during a 17-hour labor, nor pain.

"I felt no pain," Isolde Grande told local CBS affiliate WCBS. "I felt a lot of pressure and it did get uncomfortable at times, but it's not like I was yelling and screaming."

Grande used the hypnobirthing technique taught by Kathryn Beck. The technique is a combination of breathing, visualization, and relaxation methods that help ease the pain of labor.

"By teaching you how to use your mind to relax your body, you relax you're relaxing the birth path, you're opening up your body and allowing this natural process to take effect," Beck said of hypnobirthing.

At times during her labor, Grande imagined her body as an unfolding rose. At other times, she pictured herself sunbathing on a beach. She said her mind ruled her body.

"You have to believe you can do it. Your body follows your mind, so if you know you can give birth naturally and painlessly, then your body will follow," Grande said.

Although Luna's birth was pain free, Beck said the technique can't promise everyone the same experience, but it can make childbirth it more pleasant.

"You can be comfortable and actually enjoy your birth experience and be present it in it," Beck said.

Gynecologists agree. OB-GYN Jacques Moritz feels hypnobirthing can be helpful to a point.

"If it works for you, great but you shouldn't be deceived that it's going to give you the same level of pain control that an epidural does," Dr. Moritz said.

For Grande, the technique worked, giving her what she wanted – enjoying her childbirth.

"Hypnobirthing taught me how to train my body in order to achieve that goal," Grande told local CBS affiliate WCBS.

Hypnobirthing is taught in five sessions. Even though women giving birth are hypnotized, they remain alert and awake during labor.