New birthing technique uses hypnosis instead of drugs - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

By Kristin Beerman | email

Edited by Jon Bush | email 

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – First, it was natural childbirth, then doctors and women began encouraging epidurals to reduce the pain.  Now, there is a new trend increasingly becoming the method of choice, hypnosis.  Instead of calling for an epidural during delivery, these couples are learning to use hypnotic techniques in what's called hypnobirthing classes.

"Everyone kept saying are you going to be hypnotized so you don't know what's going on, are you going to be aware," said Anika Miller Rushing, who used hypnosis during delivery.  Everyone kept calling it the hippie, freak thing to do."

Yes of course there are skeptics, but hypnobirthing practitioners say they wouldn't be able to offer it unless the woman's doctor and hospital where she is giving birth supported it.

"Hypnobirthing  teaches them how to use breath, visualization, and relaxation in order to come into their birthing environment," said Laura Broderick, a certified hypnobirthing practitioner.

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