Since the childbirth preparation sessions are private, for you and your partner, the scheduling is quite flexible. So is the location. You are welcome to do in person session at my home office, and Zoom is also available. Either way works. I've successfully taught on Zoom to families as far away as Norway! Because they are private sessions usually only 3 are needed, unless there are issues to clean up before we begin childbirth preparation (like needle phobias, past traumas, etc.)
At the heart of the focus for Hypnosis for Birth sessions is to provide solid skills, and support, to develop an individualized format on how you can actually use the self hypnosis/mindfulness skills once you are in labor, and how your partner can best help. You are a team going into birth, what is taught is designed to support and enhance your partnership, and closeness, as you bring your baby into the world and your family.
The first session is laying the groundwork with an in depth explanation of what hypnosis is and isn't, and how to gauge for yourself where you are in the process. Some essential basics around birth are also covered. Then you have audio tracks to download for your use to practice self hypnosis, and build the foundation of going to a very focused and relaxed place. The next 2 sessions we pull it all together and add automatic responses to work well with your labor, and create a format for you to lean into automatically, to stay calm, focused, and work more smoothly with the birth process. .
For the more general overview and further information see the FAQ's section below.
Giving birth is a job for the mammal brain (also called the limbic system). Birth is one of the biggest times in our lives when this more primitive brain needs to be in charge. The biggest challenge we have in birth is our higher thinking brain wants to control and run the show. Allowing it try to do that causes all kinds of problems! Self Hypnosis provides effective skills to quiet the thinking brain while giving it jobs to do that support the mammal brain' s tasks. This can produce a calmer and often a shorter more smoothly flowing birth. Along with increasing calmness and focus, hypnosis can also help in diminishing the perception of sensations in labor. Watch a video for more.
The short answer is YES. This is probably the biggest question most people have. Usually because of stage hypnotist shows and movies people have seen. At no time does anyone give up control of their mind while using hypnosis. So you are always in control and have to be in agreement with what you are doing.
You can learn more about how hypnosis works in general by Clicking Here and go to FAQs .
Wouldn't it be lovely if this were true for everyone? I truly wish I could say it was! Hypnosis is a proven method for reducing/manipulating the perception of pain and increasing relaxation during birth. However, the degree of pain/sensation reduction is very individual. Some women report hypnosis allowed them to labor with little discomfort, while others say it allowed them to cope with their labor sensations more calmly and effectively.
Many women are thrilled to have the hypnosis skills, as they are committed to having a no medication birth. Others plan on getting an epidural. The hypnosis skills provide much needed tools to work well with labor, and progress effectively, until the optimal time for an epidural. It is helpful regardless of your birth plan.
Different techniques are like different flavors of ice cream - they reflect their originator's background, experiences, and beliefs. There are some basic ingredients and similarities between methods but they can taste and look different.
The tools/skills I teach has evolved over the years from my original certification as a clinical hypnotherapist in 1993, and in Mongan's Hypnobirthing® in 1995. Additionally I've studied several other methods of hypnosis for childbirth, as well as childbirth and midwifery in general. Those are some of the layers in my foundation, but what I teach is most strongly flavored by my personal experiences with birth. From birthing with a midwife to working with midwives, and attending close to 500 births. A big focus of mine is how will you actually apply and use what I teach once labor starts. That is key to having the tools and skills really support you in labor.
Also the longer I've worked with couples the more I've come to believe birth is an important opportunity for couples to connect more deeply as they bring their baby into the world, and move into parenting. This has become a big driving force in what and how I teach.
Childbirth classes provide an excellent buffet of techniques and information for birth and beyond, covering a wide range. Given that focus, there isn't time to really dig into how you are going to specifically use them in birth or individualized skill building. Hypnosis for Birth specializes in that.
Hypnosis for Birth creates habitual automatic responses designed for birth, along with specific jobs for your partner to do to support you. So when your birth begins you automatically move into using the skills you have developed. The hypnosis skills amplify and build on the information and techniques taught by other childbirth classes. As a result it works well with all childbirth preparation methods, with eyes open or closed and in any positions needed.
This childbirth preparation utilizing self hypnosis is taught in private sessions, ideally starting around 31-33 weeks. Many times this childbirth prep is in addition to whatever other childbirth classes are taken. For some this is the only childbirth class they take. Either way it is easy to tailor the sessions to what your specific needs are. There are 3 sessions over 5 - 6 weeks. Each one is about 2 hours long.
Scheduling is very flexible with the private sessions, including Saturdays. The cost is $390 for the full series of sessions. You are welcome to pay $130 at each session, or all at the first session, whichever is better for yout budget.
Be sure to share with Nancy if you have any specific worries, fears, or anxiety around birth or procedures. These can often be addressed as part of the your sessions as well.
**1 session is all that is needed for returning clients to prepare for additional births.**
Payment is expected at the time of a session(s). It is $390 for the 3 session series or $130 for each session (whichever is better for your budget needs). Cash, checks, and all major credit cards are accepted, as well as Paypal. A sliding scale is available for those with financial hardships.
If you have a HSA or FSA accounts with your insurance, those cards may also be used for payment.
You are invited to a No cost informational session. Come join a gathering of pregnant women/families and get your questions answered. Discover why more and more birthing families are choosing this powerful technique.
Space is limited, reserve your space early. Call the office at 425-827-9498 to schedule or Click Here.
Thank you so much for all your help. Spending time with you really helped me stay calm and relaxed during my labor. I was able to stay home during my early labor, and while I eventually got an epidural, my labor and delivery was a beautiful, peaceful event. I put my "Dr." side away and trusted in myself. I also used your relaxation techniques before my oral board exam, and again remained calm and collected. I passed without problem! Thanks again K. J.
Having you at our baby's birth and all the work before was such a blessing. I am thankful to have had you present for the birth of both of my children. Your ability to inspire calm, peace, and well being is a gift and I thank you for sharing it with me.
Nancy is a clinical hypnotherapist, childbirth educator, birth doula, counselor, and life coach serving the Seattle area since 1993. She is dedicated to helping people thrive and live better through the changes, challenges, and births in their lives.
The foundation of Nancy's approach to working with clients developed from her personal path of healing, and the life experiences of marriage, divorce, motherhood, blended families, the joys and trials of owning businesses, plus overcoming cancer.
With a passion for holistic health and wellness her areas of study have included: Sciences, Psychology, Hypnotherapy, NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming), EMDR, Counseling, Coaching, EFT Tapping, Nutrition, Aromatherapy, Herbology, childbirth education, HypnoBirthing The Mongan Method, and energy psychology. She has also attended over 460 births.
Regarding her work in pregnancy and birth Nancy stated: "when it was my time to become a mother, I had my daughter with a midwife. It was an amazing experience, and the start of my continuing passion for the process of birth, supporting new families, and helping babies and parents, get off to a good start. I truly believe what we do as parents and grandparents, is the most important work on the planet. "
She went on to to say: "I have come to deeply trust the human spirit, and the power of the mind-body connection, for healthier living in this complex world. What I believe my work ultimately is about is nurturing. Nurturing women, and their families, supporting people in uncovering and expanding on their strengths, talents, and developing greater skills"
Women helping women in labor has been around for as long as there have been babies being born. Women have always gathered to support each other through birth. In earlier times it was most likely a family member or neighbor along with the midwife. Of course they grew up seeing and helping with births. We've lost that. Now providing a knowledgeable, constant and consistent nurturing presence during labor and birth is the job of the doula. Watch this video to learn more..
Having a doula supports the woman's partner to be able to be present without trying to remember all the info from birth class, what they should do next, etc. Nancy believes your partner is in labor too - emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. As a doula, her focus is on helping both of you to have the best birth possible, and your partner to be a rock star of support. To get started call the office or schedule a time to talk.
Birth is a very personal and intimate experience. Each doula has their own perspective and philosophy of how they approach their role at birth. Trust your feelings on whether or not a particular doula is a good match for your needs and family. Make sure you will feel comfortable with their approach, experience, and sharing this special time with them.
Nancy, deciding to work with you was one of the best decisions we made during our pregnancy. Not only were the hypnosis for birth skills essential tools to have in our toolbox to achieve the natural birth we so desired, doing our 'homework' and practicing the skills really helped us to create a special bond in our relationship. And we can't imagine our birth experience without you there as our doula.
You were amazing and a great, invaluable support - especially through the most 'intense' moments. Thank you again so much! It has been more than a pleasure working with you.
I am indebted to Nancy for her wonderful childbirth hypnosis work. Before Nancy's program I had extreme fear of natural childbirth. I valued it deeply but was full of fear of pain and the unknown. Through working Nancy's program and sessions I was able to have a beautiful natural birth WITHOUT FEAR! I am so happy with the outcome and I'm so glad I put my faith in her gentle and supportive methods. Thank you!