The hypnosis technique is a medical hypnosis technique that has been adapted to birthing.   When it was first used as a medical technique, it was used by people who were allergic to anesthesia, yet needed lifesaving surgeries.  It has been used extensively by people who need dental work and do not want the shots to anesthetize, and it has been used by people have been injured and need to be able to move about to get help for themselves.  As it gained popularity, it was recognised as a simple way to "anesthetize" any part of the body that needed relief.  Using it for birth, was an obvious use for it.  Women have had c-sections using it, and many women have used it as a way to deeply relax, yet remain completely involved with the birth.

The technique involves first learning how to relax.  It involves connecting with the baby,

checking in and getting to know him or her.  Parents who relax regularly and check in with their babies have a good idea of what their baby likes and dislikes well before the baby is born.  There is homework of course.  Hypnosis is a skill like any other that takes practicing to refine.  The beauty of the hypnosis is the compounding effect which means that the more you practice it, the better at it you get, and the deeper the relaxation becomes!  The homework involves practicing the relaxation by moving into the relaxation unassisted, relaxing by listening to a CD that assists with getting into the relaxation, and by combining the techniques to get yourself into the relaxation, with the CD.

Then, a switch is added to the relaxation so that you can instantly turn it off or on.  It is fascinating and fun to be able to instantly move into deep relaxation with the drop of a switch, then shut it off and continue with your day!

Next, you learn to use the switch so that you can "anesthetize" the parts of the body that you choose.  That means you can choose to walk around, talk, have eyes open, whatever you desire.  You are in full control.  While you are birthing, you are completely involved with everything that is going on if you choose.  You can also choose to be deeply relaxed with eyes closed and not moving around at all.  It is all up to you.

Finally, your partner will learn a few techniques to assist you with your relaxation if you were to request it.  Sometimes there is discussion about the father receiving the baby so that the bonding created during the daily check-in time, is cemented during the birth process.  Excited relaxation is the first experience that the baby has outside the womb.