Hypnotherapy For Giving Birth

Has anyone ever tried Hypnotherapy for giving birth?
My dh works with a woman whose husband is a hypnotist. He has helped people quit smoking and done hypnotism for people who are having a baby. I met him at a company dinner party, and he discussed the fact that hypnotherapy for birthing can either help the woman be in such a relaxed state that she needs NO epidural, and that others who DO have the epidural are able to make it through labor without using as much medication.

I know you have to start doing it at least 4 to 6 weeks before you're due date, but has anyone ever tried it? If so, did it work? I know some people are more susceptible to hypnosis than others...so it would ultimately depend on ME, and whether I was a good candidate for such treatment.

[aridza]

I don't know anyone who's done it but I've seen it on TV (on discovery health channel) and the women were still screaming because of the pain.
I think it's probably good to relax and breath through the contraction but I'm not sure it makes it painless like an epidural.
Also like you said, hypnose doesn't work on everyone

[Marcus's Mommy]

I never had time for drugs, my first pregnancy was really really fast. No pain or feeling of anything at 3am and by 3:45am I couldn't walk. Marcus was born at 5:39am. Three pushes and he was out.  Chiropractics and massage regularly is what I recommend.

At the hospital I laid on my side and during each contraction took a deep breath and tried to release instead of tense up. I read a book from prenatal classes that said try to visualize each contraction as the baby packing up close and getting ready to knock on your door. Imagine that each contraction is an inch closer to the final push.

They say the more you tense and worry, the more your body feels the pain.  I just kept focusing on the getting through each contraction with big calm breaths.  It worked for me. I almost was in a trans... because when they put Marcus on my belly, it startled me...lol. I almost forgot why I was there.

Now I'm praying for the same with his little brother.
Best wishes!