Hypnobirthing: Putting the Subconscious to Work

What is hypnobirthing? We received so many requests from the community for information and an explanation that we had to write about it. On the Mum’s The Word Podcast, Dr Kaz had the chance to ask leading Melbourne hypnotherapist Alison Burton about her work, her mission and, of course, hypnobirthing.

Alison Burton answers the following questions:

– How can you relax during labour, both between and during contractions?

– What can breathing and visualisation do for you and your baby during birth?

– Hypnosis helps you tune into the subconscious rather than the conscious mind. What does that mean?

– How can you prepare for hypnobirthing?

– Is it suitable for everyone?

How did Alison become a hypnobirthing expert?

Alison’s interest in hypnosis began while she was at university in the 1970s. When she was pregnant with her daughter in 1982, Alison read Frederick Lobbyer’s book ‘Childbirth Without Violence’. It inspired her to look for a hypnotherapist who could support her during birth. Although she could not find anyone willing to do this, she used her own skills and had a six-hour birth experience that she describes as wonderful. When the first Hypnobirthing Practitioner training came to Melbourne in 2002, she was at the centre of it and has taught ever since.

She now has three adult children and two grandchildren.

Listen to the full interview with Alison Burton here, on the Mum’s The Word Podcast. Or browse our other blog posts here.