I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
is soley christian based?
Thanks for your time
kjo
The Christianity or any religion does not over power what we practice for
birthing it is only a method and I have a lot of Catholics as well as
Christian doing Hypnobabies as well as hypnobirthing and it is not wrong it
is only a tool
'Special Care for Special Hearts'
Sizzly M. Acevedo
Childbirth Educator, Doula, Lactation Counselor, and Graduate Midwife Childbirth Options LLC
31611 Spoonflower Circle
Wesley Chapel, FL 33545 sizzlymacev...@childbirthoptions.net
http://www.childbirthoptions.net tel: fax: mobile: 813-355-4716
813-355-4716
813-407-7405
Want to always have my latest info?
Want a signature like this?
[mailto:birthingnaturally@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of kjo
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 3:55 PM
To: Birthing Naturally
Subject: [BirthingNaturally] Is HypnoBirthing bad?
I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
is soley christian based?
Thanks for your time
kjo
I am so glad to find someone to discuss this with that won't take it that I
am putting them down or being non informed. I have been a Bradley teacher
since 1981 & absolutely love it! My husband teaches with me although it
doesn't have to be done that way. I recently, well a couple of years ago,
had my first mom to say she was going to try what I believe you are talking
about, with their 2nd baby. Jesse & I can't advertise it because it is like
putting us in competition with other teachers, but we let our couples repeat
free with the next babies with us.
This mom was a nurse who went across the state line to Ala. to birth where
she worked even though she lived in Newnan. She did not make it with a
natural birth with the 1st & so she checked out videos or cds to work with
once a week on her own while daddy watched the daughter. I understand from
her friend who stays in touch with me that she still didn't make it &
wonders if she did review with us if she would had.
Anyway I have always been kind of scared of it personally because of it
dealing with hypnosis & what I liked about Bradley is we tune outselves into
our husband's voice talking to us during contractions as he massages tension
away. I would love to talk to you more about it. I haven't read that book
yet you mentioned even though I have had it for awhile. I have gone back to
school.
Are you in Ga. Birth Network with me or how do I know you? I live in
Palmetto, Ga. Where are you? Bonnie
On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM, kjo <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
> worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
> stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
> Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
> is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
> mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
> read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
> of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
> does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
> your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
> wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
> is soley christian based?
> Thanks for your time
> kjo
I was certified in Chicago in the HB method and practice in Minnesota.
Despite the name Hypno it is realy relaxation. I am not hand gesturing
or making anyone do anything against their will. (anthough the
institute would disagree w/me,most women who teach this method are
hypnotherapists,and believe all hypnosis is the same and good)We hand
out relaxation scripts so the couples can practice reading relaxation
to one another so mom is tuning into dads voice. There is also
positive birth affirmations on a CD and relaxation music and words on
CD to listen to daily,so when its time for birthing mom has an easier
time relaxing and does not enter into fight or flight.being engrossed
in a book or movie is like how you feel when listening to the cd. the
words are handed out so it is clear what is on CD before mother
listens. so there is no chicken dancing or anything weird. my hang up
is we are talking about birthing enegry and listening to body, realy
focus on body and baby working together. It is a technique so us
childbirth teachers are not at the births, its a preperation class for
birth, so i am not hypnotizing anyone for birth,women remember their
birth, they are very focused on their boby and baby. i've used it
twice,the results are amazing,my problem is we focus alot on ourselves
controlling the birth and not focusing on God is in control and we
relax through that. I'm sure the Bradley Method doesn't include God in
its method either, is it wrong to let women think a method is the
answer when its a helper?
Thanks
kjo
On Jul 13, 5:46 pm, Bonnie Winfrey <joyfulbirth...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I am so glad to find someone to discuss this with that won't take it that I
> am putting them down or being non informed. I have been a Bradley teacher
> since 1981 & absolutely love it! My husband teaches with me although it
> doesn't have to be done that way. I recently, well a couple of years ago,
> had my first mom to say she was going to try what I believe you are talking
> about, with their 2nd baby. Jesse & I can't advertise it because it is like
> putting us in competition with other teachers, but we let our couples repeat
> free with the next babies with us.
> This mom was a nurse who went across the state line to Ala. to birth where
> she worked even though she lived in Newnan. She did not make it with a
> natural birth with the 1st & so she checked out videos or cds to work with
> once a week on her own while daddy watched the daughter. I understand from
> her friend who stays in touch with me that she still didn't make it &
> wonders if she did review with us if she would had.
> Anyway I have always been kind of scared of it personally because of it
> dealing with hypnosis & what I liked about Bradley is we tune outselves into
> our husband's voice talking to us during contractions as he massages tension
> away. I would love to talk to you more about it. I haven't read that book
> yet you mentioned even though I have had it for awhile. I have gone back to
> school.
> Are you in Ga. Birth Network with me or how do I know you? I live in
> Palmetto, Ga. Where are you? Bonnie
> On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM, kjo <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
> > worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
> > stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
> > Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
> > is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
> > mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
> > read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
> > of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
> > does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
> > your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
> > wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
> > is soley christian based?
> > Thanks for your time
> > kjo
> --
> Mrs. Bonnie D.Winfrey, B.S.,(AAHCC), CD (DONA)
> Loving Hands Support Services Counseling & Birthing Services
> http://www.geocities.com/joyfulbirthing/LHSS.htmlwww.bradleybirth.com... > "I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a
> 'life'."- Hide quoted text -
Hi Kjo, I am a midwife in OK. I have had clients that have used hypno birth as well as Bradley. From my experience I love Bradley and I agree hypno birth is not really hypnotizing. They do use colors to describe different laboring pain or as they say rushes. The wording is misleading to some, but from what I have seen it is just a little more relaxing than Bradley, with the husband still coaching his wife.
----- Original Message ----- From: "kjo" <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com>
To: "Birthing Naturally" <birthingnaturally@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:31 AM
Subject: [BirthingNaturally] Re: Is HypnoBirthing bad?
I was certified in Chicago in the HB method and practice in Minnesota.
Despite the name Hypno it is realy relaxation. I am not hand gesturing
or making anyone do anything against their will. (anthough the
institute would disagree w/me,most women who teach this method are
hypnotherapists,and believe all hypnosis is the same and good)We hand
out relaxation scripts so the couples can practice reading relaxation
to one another so mom is tuning into dads voice. There is also
positive birth affirmations on a CD and relaxation music and words on
CD to listen to daily,so when its time for birthing mom has an easier
time relaxing and does not enter into fight or flight.being engrossed
in a book or movie is like how you feel when listening to the cd. the
words are handed out so it is clear what is on CD before mother
listens. so there is no chicken dancing or anything weird. my hang up
is we are talking about birthing enegry and listening to body, realy
focus on body and baby working together. It is a technique so us
childbirth teachers are not at the births, its a preperation class for
birth, so i am not hypnotizing anyone for birth,women remember their
birth, they are very focused on their boby and baby. i've used it
twice,the results are amazing,my problem is we focus alot on ourselves
controlling the birth and not focusing on God is in control and we
relax through that. I'm sure the Bradley Method doesn't include God in
its method either, is it wrong to let women think a method is the
answer when its a helper?
Thanks
kjo
On Jul 13, 5:46 pm, Bonnie Winfrey <joyfulbirth...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I am so glad to find someone to discuss this with that won't take it that > I
> am putting them down or being non informed. I have been a Bradley teacher
> since 1981 & absolutely love it! My husband teaches with me although it
> doesn't have to be done that way. I recently, well a couple of years ago,
> had my first mom to say she was going to try what I believe you are > talking
> about, with their 2nd baby. Jesse & I can't advertise it because it is > like
> putting us in competition with other teachers, but we let our couples > repeat
> free with the next babies with us.
> This mom was a nurse who went across the state line to Ala. to birth where
> she worked even though she lived in Newnan. She did not make it with a
> natural birth with the 1st & so she checked out videos or cds to work with
> once a week on her own while daddy watched the daughter. I understand from
> her friend who stays in touch with me that she still didn't make it &
> wonders if she did review with us if she would had.
> Anyway I have always been kind of scared of it personally because of it
> dealing with hypnosis & what I liked about Bradley is we tune outselves > into
> our husband's voice talking to us during contractions as he massages > tension
> away. I would love to talk to you more about it. I haven't read that book
> yet you mentioned even though I have had it for awhile. I have gone back > to
> school.
> Are you in Ga. Birth Network with me or how do I know you? I live in
> Palmetto, Ga. Where are you? Bonnie
> On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM, kjo <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
> > worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
> > stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
> > Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
> > is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
> > mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
> > read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
> > of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
> > does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
> > your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
> > wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
> > is soley christian based?
> > Thanks for your time
> > kjo
> --
> Mrs. Bonnie D.Winfrey, B.S.,(AAHCC), CD (DONA)
> Loving Hands Support Services Counseling & Birthing Services
> http://www.geocities.com/joyfulbirthing/LHSS.htmlwww.bradleybirth.com... > "I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a
> 'life'."- Hide quoted text -
The fact that you even thought to ask this question should mean
something. I know that Hynobirthing and hypnobabies are different but
I will be avoiding both.
According to Hypnobabies website instructors must have "A background
in hypnosis means 50 hours of study from a reputable school of
hypnosis, and our participants need only get basic hypnosis training."
According to a sample of hypnobabies
"You'll choose a special word cue that will train you to become
completely relaxed and calm in any situation, from now on."
Cue=hypnotism
To say that this isn't hypnotism is not true.
Therefore as a Christian, I would avoid it. It doesn't matter if it
doesn't include any "new age" terms, the very concept is very new age
for the lack of a better word. The very nature of hypnotism is not of
God.
> Hi Kjo, I am a midwife in OK. I have had clients that have used hypno
> birth as well as Bradley. From my experience I love Bradley and I agree
> hypno birth is not really hypnotizing. They do use colors to describe
> different laboring pain or as they say rushes. The wording is misleading to
> some, but from what I have seen it is just a little more relaxing than
> Bradley, with the husband still coaching his wife.
> Alice in OK
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "kjo" <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com>
> To: "Birthing Naturally" <birthingnaturally@googlegroups.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 8:31 AM
> Subject: [BirthingNaturally] Re: Is HypnoBirthing bad?
> I was certified in Chicago in the HB method and practice in Minnesota.
> Despite the name Hypno it is realy relaxation. I am not hand gesturing
> or making anyone do anything against their will. (anthough the
> institute would disagree w/me,most women who teach this method are
> hypnotherapists,and believe all hypnosis is the same and good)We hand
> out relaxation scripts so the couples can practice reading relaxation
> to one another so mom is tuning into dads voice. There is also
> positive birth affirmations on a CD and relaxation music and words on
> CD to listen to daily,so when its time for birthing mom has an easier
> time relaxing and does not enter into fight or flight.being engrossed
> in a book or movie is like how you feel when listening to the cd. the
> words are handed out so it is clear what is on CD before mother
> listens. so there is no chicken dancing or anything weird. my hang up
> is we are talking about birthing enegry and listening to body, realy
> focus on body and baby working together. It is a technique so us
> childbirth teachers are not at the births, its a preperation class for
> birth, so i am not hypnotizing anyone for birth,women remember their
> birth, they are very focused on their boby and baby. i've used it
> twice,the results are amazing,my problem is we focus alot on ourselves
> controlling the birth and not focusing on God is in control and we
> relax through that. I'm sure the Bradley Method doesn't include God in
> its method either, is it wrong to let women think a method is the
> answer when its a helper?
> Thanks
> kjo
> On Jul 13, 5:46 pm, Bonnie Winfrey <joyfulbirth...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > I am so glad to find someone to discuss this with that won't take it that
> > I
> > am putting them down or being non informed. I have been a Bradley teacher
> > since 1981 & absolutely love it! My husband teaches with me although it
> > doesn't have to be done that way. I recently, well a couple of years ago,
> > had my first mom to say she was going to try what I believe you are
> > talking
> > about, with their 2nd baby. Jesse & I can't advertise it because it is
> > like
> > putting us in competition with other teachers, but we let our couples
> > repeat
> > free with the next babies with us.
> > This mom was a nurse who went across the state line to Ala. to birth where
> > she worked even though she lived in Newnan. She did not make it with a
> > natural birth with the 1st & so she checked out videos or cds to work with
> > once a week on her own while daddy watched the daughter. I understand from
> > her friend who stays in touch with me that she still didn't make it &
> > wonders if she did review with us if she would had.
> > Anyway I have always been kind of scared of it personally because of it
> > dealing with hypnosis & what I liked about Bradley is we tune outselves
> > into
> > our husband's voice talking to us during contractions as he massages
> > tension
> > away. I would love to talk to you more about it. I haven't read that book
> > yet you mentioned even though I have had it for awhile. I have gone back
> > to
> > school.
> > Are you in Ga. Birth Network with me or how do I know you? I live in
> > Palmetto, Ga. Where are you? Bonnie
> > On Mon, Jul 13, 2009 at 3:54 PM, kjo <kaisajo1...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > > I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
> > > worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
> > > stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
> > > Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
> > > is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
> > > mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
> > > read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
> > > of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
> > > does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
> > > your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
> > > wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
> > > is soley christian based?
> > > Thanks for your time
> > > kjo
> > --
> > Mrs. Bonnie D.Winfrey, B.S.,(AAHCC), CD (DONA)
> > Loving Hands Support Services Counseling & Birthing Services
> >http://www.geocities.com/joyfulbirthing/LHSS.htmlwww.bradleybirth.com...
> > "I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a
> > 'life'."- Hide quoted text -
You might not be surprised to find out this is one of the most common
Christian Childbirth questions I am asked. I will give you my
opinion, but understand this is merely my opinion on the subject.
Before I do, I am very curious to know if women from other faith
backgrounds have similar concerns about various birth methods and
techniques or if this is a unique issue for Christians. My somewhat
nieve assumption would be that all faiths and belief systems have
things that give their women strength which are helpful to work into
labor. But I am not familiar enough with other belief systems to know
if others have cautions women try to adhere to during labor. I would
love to read some comments from women of other faiths addressing that
issue.
As for hypnobirthing and Chrisitianity specifically, I find that most
things in this world are neither good nor bad in terms of
Christianity. Instead they are tools and can be used for "good" or
"bad" in so far as a good use draws one closer to God and a bad use
separates one from God. I agree with you that hypnobirthing is deep
relaxation techniques, nothing more and nothing less. Though you can
use prewritten scripts, it is my understanding that you can also write
your own scripts which would allow you to use the relaxation technique
(which is really not different from meditation which is practiced in
Christianity). And at the core, repeating verses from the Bible is no
different than what is taught for many hypnobirthing techniques.
Where things get scary for Christian women is when hypnobirthing
causes a person to become separated from God. I believe this is not a
danger for every woman. I often explain it like chocolate cake. For
many Christian women a piece of Chocolate cake is a way to celebrate a
birthday or other special event and they eat the cake praising God for
his good gifts. But for me, chocolate cake is more about satisfying
my gluttony - not because it is chocolate cake but because using food
for emotions and satisfaction instead of going to God is a problem for
me. Chocolate cake is not bad, but because of who I am, choosing to
eat a piece puts me on the edge of separating myself from God. But
for me to then decide no one should eat chocolate cake because it is a
problem for me is unfair to the rest of the people in the world for
whom chocolate cake is part of praising God. I believe this is why
Jesus tells us in the Bible that the unclean does not come from the
things around us, but from inside us, in our hearts.
If, after praying and studying the question in your Bible you decide a
Christian program is where you need to be, you will be happy to know
there are several organizations who train and certify individuals as
Christian childbirth educators or doulas. Check out the Christian
resource directory on the Birthing Naturally Website for the full list
and links to the various organizations.
Thanks for the question, you certainly received some great
perspectives to consider as you work through this concern. And again,
I do look forward to learning about any similar issues for women of
other faith backgrounds, and how they handle it.
> I have used the HypnoBirthing technique for both of my childbirths, it
> worked so well I got certified in it. I am wondering now that I have a
> stronger christian faith if this technique is wrong. Despite the name
> Hypno in Birthing it is not Hypnosis and I do not Hypnotize anyone, it
> is a relaxation birthing through self hypnosis or guided imagery. The
> mind is definitly not emptied for another to put beliefs in. I just
> read the book Birthing Naturally and found alot of the same concepts
> of birth in both books. HypnoBirthing addresses God in the book but
> does not soley seek him as Lord over our births. It is more trusing
> your body and baby method. I don't want to teach this method if it is
> wrong. Also is there a sound childbirth class to get certified in that
> is soley christian based?
> Thanks for your time
> kjo
I wasn't going to respond to a Christian discussion because I'm a
Unitarian Universalist Pagan. However, since you've requested
responses from other faiths, I will be happy to add my .02 worth. Just
for some background: I was a Bradley CBE from 1978-1991. Since then
(because I haven't paid my dues, literally) I have been teaching
independent Natural CBE classes. I gave birth to four children at
home, two medically unattended, and have been at the births of two of
my three grandchildren, one in the hospital and the last one at home
(four months ago - he's such a cutie!). I also lead Meditation
classes. I consider myself New Age.
All that said, hypnobirthing would not work for me and I think you hit
the nail on it's head, Jennifer, with the separation factor. The
reason I chose Bradley over Lamaze (and those were the only two
choices then) was because Bradley asked you to tune into your body
whereas Lamaze asked you to focus outside yourself. For me, in order
to make it the most meaningful right of passage and spiritual event, I
had to be in tune with myself, not focused outside myself. That would
be a separation of sorts.
I LOVE how you take away intrinsic good or bad and instead point to
how it is used individually. I wish more Christians with whom I am
acquainted would adopt that attitude, especially the quote, "But
for me to then decide no one should eat chocolate cake because it is a
problem for me is unfair to the rest of the people in the world for
whom chocolate cake is part of praising God." What a far better world
this would be if ALL of us adopted an attitude of compassion,
tolerance, and being able to look at things from another point of
view.
So, basically, we may disagree on our religious philosophy, but we are
in complete agreement on our birthing philosophy!
> You might not be surprised to find out this is one of the most common
> Christian Childbirth questions I am asked. I will give you my
> opinion, but understand this is merely my opinion on the subject.
> Before I do, I am very curious to know if women from other faith
> backgrounds have similar concerns about various birth methods and
> techniques or if this is a unique issue for Christians. My somewhat
> naive assumption would be that all faiths and belief systems have
> things that give their women strength which are helpful to work into
> labor. But I am not familiar enough with other belief systems to know
> if others have cautions women try to adhere to during labor. I would
> love to read some comments from women of other faiths addressing that
> issue.
> As for hypnobirthing and Christianity specifically, I find that most
> things in this world are neither good nor bad in terms of
> Christianity. Instead they are tools and can be used for "good" or
> "bad" in so far as a good use draws one closer to God and a bad use
> separates one from God. I agree with you that hypnobirthing is deep
> relaxation techniques, nothing more and nothing less. Though you can
> use prewritten scripts, it is my understanding that you can also write
> your own scripts which would allow you to use the relaxation technique
> (which is really not different from meditation which is practiced in
> Christianity). And at the core, repeating verses from the Bible is no
> different than what is taught for many hypnobirthing techniques.
> Where things get scary for Christian women is when hypnobirthing
> causes a person to become separated from God. I believe this is not a
> danger for every woman. I often explain it like chocolate cake. For
> many Christian women a piece of Chocolate cake is a way to celebrate a
> birthday or other special event and they eat the cake praising God for
> his good gifts. But for me, chocolate cake is more about satisfying
> my gluttony - not because it is chocolate cake but because using food
> for emotions and satisfaction instead of going to God is a problem for
> me. Chocolate cake is not bad, but because of who I am, choosing to
> eat a piece puts me on the edge of separating myself from God. But
> for me to then decide no one should eat chocolate cake because it is a
> problem for me is unfair to the rest of the people in the world for
> whom chocolate cake is part of praising God. I believe this is why
> Jesus tells us in the Bible that the unclean does not come from the
> things around us, but from inside us, in our hearts.
> If, after praying and studying the question in your Bible you decide a
> Christian program is where you need to be, you will be happy to know
> there are several organizations who train and certify individuals as
> Christian childbirth educators or doulas. Check out the Christian
> resource directory on the Birthing Naturally Website for the full list
> and links to the various organizations.
> Thanks for the question, you certainly received some great
> perspectives to consider as you work through this concern. And again,
> I do look forward to learning about any similar issues for women of
> other faith backgrounds, and how they handle it.
Thanks for sharing Jody. And after I wrote I was reminded of problems
some Muslim women have with many birthing practices due to modesty and not
allowing males to see their body. I'm sure there must be much more I am
simply not aware of.
Jennifer
On Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 8:20 AM, Jody <jfb...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I wasn't going to respond to a Christian discussion because I'm a
> Unitarian Universalist Pagan. However, since you've requested
> responses from other faiths, I will be happy to add my .02 worth. Just
> for some background: I was a Bradley CBE from 1978-1991. Since then
> (because I haven't paid my dues, literally) I have been teaching
> independent Natural CBE classes. I gave birth to four children at
> home, two medically unattended, and have been at the births of two of
> my three grandchildren, one in the hospital and the last one at home
> (four months ago - he's such a cutie!). I also lead Meditation
> classes. I consider myself New Age.
> All that said, hypnobirthing would not work for me and I think you hit
> the nail on it's head, Jennifer, with the separation factor. The
> reason I chose Bradley over Lamaze (and those were the only two
> choices then) was because Bradley asked you to tune into your body
> whereas Lamaze asked you to focus outside yourself. For me, in order
> to make it the most meaningful right of passage and spiritual event, I
> had to be in tune with myself, not focused outside myself. That would
> be a separation of sorts.
> I LOVE how you take away intrinsic good or bad and instead point to
> how it is used individually. I wish more Christians with whom I am
> acquainted would adopt that attitude, especially the quote, "But
> for me to then decide no one should eat chocolate cake because it is a
> problem for me is unfair to the rest of the people in the world for
> whom chocolate cake is part of praising God." What a far better world
> this would be if ALL of us adopted an attitude of compassion,
> tolerance, and being able to look at things from another point of
> view.
> So, basically, we may disagree on our religious philosophy, but we are
> in complete agreement on our birthing philosophy!
> On Jul 18, 12:16 am, Jennifer Vanderlaan
> <JenniferVanderl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Hi Kjo,
> > You might not be surprised to find out this is one of the most common
> > Christian Childbirth questions I am asked. I will give you my
> > opinion, but understand this is merely my opinion on the subject.
> > Before I do, I am very curious to know if women from other faith
> > backgrounds have similar concerns about various birth methods and
> > techniques or if this is a unique issue for Christians. My somewhat
> > naive assumption would be that all faiths and belief systems have
> > things that give their women strength which are helpful to work into
> > labor. But I am not familiar enough with other belief systems to know
> > if others have cautions women try to adhere to during labor. I would
> > love to read some comments from women of other faiths addressing that
> > issue.
> > As for hypnobirthing and Christianity specifically, I find that most
> > things in this world are neither good nor bad in terms of
> > Christianity. Instead they are tools and can be used for "good" or
> > "bad" in so far as a good use draws one closer to God and a bad use
> > separates one from God. I agree with you that hypnobirthing is deep
> > relaxation techniques, nothing more and nothing less. Though you can
> > use prewritten scripts, it is my understanding that you can also write
> > your own scripts which would allow you to use the relaxation technique
> > (which is really not different from meditation which is practiced in
> > Christianity). And at the core, repeating verses from the Bible is no
> > different than what is taught for many hypnobirthing techniques.
> > Where things get scary for Christian women is when hypnobirthing
> > causes a person to become separated from God. I believe this is not a
> > danger for every woman. I often explain it like chocolate cake. For
> > many Christian women a piece of Chocolate cake is a way to celebrate a
> > birthday or other special event and they eat the cake praising God for
> > his good gifts. But for me, chocolate cake is more about satisfying
> > my gluttony - not because it is chocolate cake but because using food
> > for emotions and satisfaction instead of going to God is a problem for
> > me. Chocolate cake is not bad, but because of who I am, choosing to
> > eat a piece puts me on the edge of separating myself from God. But
> > for me to then decide no one should eat chocolate cake because it is a
> > problem for me is unfair to the rest of the people in the world for
> > whom chocolate cake is part of praising God. I believe this is why
> > Jesus tells us in the Bible that the unclean does not come from the
> > things around us, but from inside us, in our hearts.
> > If, after praying and studying the question in your Bible you decide a
> > Christian program is where you need to be, you will be happy to know
> > there are several organizations who train and certify individuals as
> > Christian childbirth educators or doulas. Check out the Christian
> > resource directory on the Birthing Naturally Website for the full list
> > and links to the various organizations.
> > Thanks for the question, you certainly received some great
> > perspectives to consider as you work through this concern. And again,
> > I do look forward to learning about any similar issues for women of
> > other faith backgrounds, and how they handle it.
