Table of Contents

Introduction 1. About hypnosis 2. Pregnancy, birth and after the birth: hypnobirthing 3. Visualisation script for self-hypnosis 4. Birth images 5. Using the breath Breathing technique one Breathing technique two Positive affirmations 6. The biology of the female body 7. The biology of birth 8. Using the CD 9. Getting ready for the birth Getting the uterus ready for the birth Breastfeeding tips Perineal massage Pregnancy yoga 10. What to do if you have - Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy Needles, doctors and hospital phobias Swollen extremities Placenta previa Anxiety about having a large baby Breech baby Anxiety about bonding with your baby Anxiety about breastfeeding If you need a C-section 11. What to do if you go past your due date 12. How to use hypnosis for the three stages of birth Stage one Stage two Stage three VBAC 13. Other suggestions to dissociate from the feelings of the contractions 14. Things to do after the birth Arnica tablets Glucose tablets Breastfeeding tips Exercises to do after the birth 15. Enjoying your time as a mother

About the Author

Paola Bagnall has been a hypnotherapist since 2000 and before that was a biology teacher for 35 years. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping pregnant mothers to have a natural childbirth free from medical intervention.

Reviews

"As a GP with an interest in hypnotherapy I found this a fascinating book. I was fortunate to benefit from Paola's teaching and her clear communication skills make this an easy read. Techniques she describes and teaches could benefit expectant mums both during pregnancy and beyond." Dr Robert Overton, MBBS DRCOG "This book by Paola Bagnall is a very comprehensive and easy approach to the use of self-hypnosis in childbirth. The book will take you through all the tips that you need to know for a safe and natural birth. It will also give you an insight into pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period, and how hypnosis can help you in those different stages." Lucia Montesinos, Midwife, expert in homebirths "A most useful guide that can help mothers-to-be to have an easier and pleasantly memorable birthing experience." David R Hamilton PhD author of many books including How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body "The breathing techniques that Paola shares with you in this book are simply invaluable. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. She provides you with a large number of self-hypnosis scripts to help and suit every individual no matter what their experience, a wonderful CD that works effectively and efficiently - and much, much more. This book enables you to acquire skills not just for birth but for life." Elliott Wald, Hypnosis expert, television and media hypnotist, author and speaker "Paola Bagnall's method is revolutionary. It transformed my second pregnancy from dread to joyful anticipation and gave me a wonderful natural childbirth. Her empowering approach gives control of the birth process back to women, and minimises the need for medical intervention and pain relief." Emma Johnson - a Hypnobirthing mum "As one of the first mothers who were prepared by Paola for a birth without any invasive pain-relief, I can say hypnobirthing worked amazingly well. I have no memory of pain but only that of a very enjoyable event." Juliane Horn - a Hypnobirthing mum "In this modern technology-driven age it's a relief to have straight forward, practical and reassuring advice on childbirth, and it works! I am so grateful to Paola Bagnall and her techniques for helping me to experience two wonderful and natural births." Sarah Findell - a Hypnobirthing mum