hypnobabies + doula?

[pianojazzgirl]

I've read that there are doulas trained in the hypnobabies method ( http://www.hypnobabies.com/home.php ) but I haven't been able to find any in my area. I've also read that if you're going to be using the hypnobabies method it's important to just focus on the one method (not take Bradley classes as well, for example). So my question is - how does it work if your doula is not trained in that method? If other "coping mechanisms" for labour pain are counter-productive when using the Hypnobabies method would it then follow that having a doula present who hasn't studied that method could possibly reduce the effectiveness of it? Does that make sense? Sorry, it's late and my thoughts feel somewhat garbled, lol.

I've just been researching online, trying to find a doula, and at the same time I'm very interetested in this Hypnobabies course. Now I'm feeling very confused.

Any imput would be greatly appreciated!

[pianojazzgirl]

A little blurb from their website:

Doulas are such wonderful, amazing women, and I believe that every birthing woman needs to have one. Did you know? - Regular doula training techniques for natural childbirth may not be the best ones for many Hypno-moms. For instance, much of what a traditionally trained doula or midwife does to help the mom obtain more comfort during labor is very physical, and in a hypnotic childbirth experience, most physical and emotional comfort comes directly from going deeper into hypnosis by way of a number of cues and relaxation techniques as well as post-hypnotic suggestions. Couples using birth hypnosis have special needs and there is much you can do to enhance their childbirth experience. I invite you to learn as much as you can for the sake of these wonderful young couples and their Hypno-babies!

[Shelsi]

I'm not a professional of any sort but I am almost done with the hypnobabies course myself. I think the problem with doing other classes with it, like bradley, are that the other things teach you that labor is painful but here's x,y,z ways to deal with it. While hypnobabies is trying to retrain your mind to think of labor as pressure and not painful. That's the main conflict between them.

So I think if you had a doula who understood the concept of hypnobabies or hypnobirth in general and who was willing to use the terminology they could still be really helpful. You and your doula can learn cues together and I think there is an extra booklet you can order for your doula? I'm not totally sure about that, you'd have to double-check. Besides that maybe your doula could just be helping your dh help you. Or taking care of other things that may distract you from your hypnosis, kwim? Also with hypnobabies you have freedom of movement even while in hypnosis and I think it would be nice to have someone who could offer some different positions that you might not have thought of.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I like Hypnobabies, though I have moved away from the idea of any sort of "methods" for childbirth. But if you're going to immerse yourself in Hypnobabies, have the doula read the partner guide. Make sure she understands the program.

[courtenay_e]

Bah! I've attended several women who used hypnosis to birth. All you have to know is that your doula fully understands the basis of the method. I had a midwife with my second child's birth who simply didn't believe I was in labor, because I was so calm (and was using hypnobirthing). She left telling me to call her when I was REALLY in labor, and I had the baby an hour and a half later, at the hospital where I had been getting parallel care. *sigh* So, yes, finding a doula who UNDERSTANDS what it means to use hypnosis is a really good idea. But for them to say that the doula should be "trained" in their method is just a way for them to make more money! I understood the method before I took the training for MY births, which is why it worked so well for me. I'd find a doula you like, who is willing to study the method if she's not already familliar with it, and go from there.

It'll be helpful especially working with staff who are not familliar with the method. I was kind of like the "villiage freak" when I used hypnosis for my kids' births. The nurses would come and stand in the doorway in shifts (I'm told, I didn't notice), and just stare at me, and comment to each other very quietly that if they weren't watching the monitor every hour, they wouldn't believe I was in labor at all! My mom acted as my doula, and if any of them had gotten rude or loud, or intrusive, or suggested drugs, she would have quietly and firmly shooed them out of the room. Too, she reminded me to drink and to pee, and all the stuff that a regular doula does...just unobtrusively. I DID choose to be fully aware between contractions until I was breathing the baby down, so it was fine for her to talk to me at those points.

It can work.

[pianojazzgirl]

Thanks a lot for the insight from those of you who have BTDT (from both the doula and labouring mama standpoints). I'm feeling good about hiring a doula and using that method now.

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

But for them to say that the doula should be "trained" in their method is just a way for them to make more money!

I hear that!

Shelsi - just curious if you are planning on hiring a doula yourself?

[Veritaserum]

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

But for them to say that the doula should be "trained" in their method is just a way for them to make more money!

I can understand why you might assume that, but it is totally not true! I'm a Hypnobabies instructor (and doula, but not currently attending births). When I do a doula training it's a whopping $75 per attendee, which includes lunch and a whole bunch of materials--I don't end up making more than a few bucks for my time (all day). I do it because I want midwives and doulas to understand the special needs of a hypno-mom and how they can best meet those needs.

There is a hypno-doula notebook that your doula of choice can purchase for her to better understand Hypnobabies and hypnosis in general (it also gives tips on supporting other hypnosis moms like HypnoBirthing moms who have different techniques).

Or, you can have your doula read through your class materials. Class 1 will give her an overview of hypnosis and the language we use and there's also an article (in the live class anyway) about how Hypnobabies is different from other natural childbirth "pain-coping" courses and the importance of keeping things in a hypno-frame of reference. If the doula reads Class 1 and the Birth Partner's Guide she should have a good understanding of what it is you're doing.

Everyone should understand that Hypnobabies moms are taught traditional "pain coping" skills, but we talk about them as ways of "increasing mom’s comfort". Call them "comfort measures" and you'll be ok.

What you really need to look for in a doula is that she believes hypnosis is a viable, valid way of preparing for and giving birth. Some doulas and midwives are highly skeptical and some are even outright hostile and will sabotage (while thinking they are "warning" or "saving" a mom) a woman's birth. If your ideal birth is one with little or no pain, your doula needs to believe that type of birth is possible or at the very least be VERY open-minded about it and not ask you things like what you're going to do if it doesn't work, etc.

When I was taking doula clients I would only take hypno-moms because I don't feel like I can very well support the "pain-with-a-purpose" birth warrior kind of woman. I know my strengths and weaknesses as a doula and know that I am not the right doula for a woman who wants that kind of a birth.

I had doulas at my last two births and used hypnosis for the last three. I like doulas. You just want to find the right one for you.

[flyjawn]

awww kate i wish i could be your doula!!

seriously though, just look for someone who is familiar with hypnobirthing and more importantly - is someone you click with and feel that you can trust.

i used hypnobirthing with india but if i'd had a doula it probably would have helped me more.