August 19, 2015

Hypnobirthing

Here is a letter from one of my clients regarding using hypnosis to have the most positive birth experience possible:

Hi Ladies,

Just want to send a long overdue thank you to Joanne Gramo, L.Ac, Kayla Garnet Rose, Certified Hypnotherapist and Dr. Elizabeth Quinn for their wonderful support during pregnancy and after Noemi was born.

Joanne and I met about every two weeks for much of my pregnancy. She helped keep me relaxed and worked hard to keep my anxiousness to a minimum. These visits with Joanne were such a blessing… each time, I would drift off into la-la land and let all cares slip away… and snore. I believe that the ease of my pregnancy was largely due to her acupuncture treatments. The week of my due date, I was ready to get things moving. I had had enough of the difficulty of getting around and the what felt like every 5 minute-pee breaks. Joanne gave me a special labor stimulating treatment and some Chinese herbs to drink as a tea on Wednesday. I started drinking the tea Thursday and by Thursday night at midnight I was in labor. Woohoo! Joanne also offered her services if I experienced any complications during the labor process, which I thankfully did not need. She also followed up with me post pregnancy and assured me that my healing experiences were normal. Joanne - I am so appreciative of the time spent with you. You really work wonders.

Kayla and I met twice for a hypnobirthing session. Once at her office and once with Joanne for an acu-hip session. During the first session she spent a considerable amount of time talking with me about concerns and goals for my birthing experience. She asked pointed questions beyond the labor experience which I found especially helpful as my due date drew near. For instance, she asked how I invisioned my hospital experience, who would be in the room (if anyone) during the labor process, what the next couple days would be like postpartum and the eventual trip home with baby in tow. These were parts of the birth experience that I hadn't thought of much before she brought them to my attention. What was most helpful during the labor process was recalling the recorded hypnosession and her use of the words 'cool' and 'calm' water and the vivid transition of colors that we talked about to describe the 90 second ride through each contraction (Midnight blue turning into Caribbean blue). I made a vision board (picture attached) to represent the cool calm and blue colored water we talked about. Although I didn't look at it much while in actual labor, my ability to recall the hypnosessions and the act of making the vision board gave me something to concentrate on. Both doula and midwife were impressed with my ability to stay focused and breathe. I believe this was largely due to my time with Kayla. Thank you so much, Kayla! I know wholeheartedly that hypno-birthing had a huge impact on my labor experience.

Dr. Elizabeth Quinn and I met shortly after Noemi was born. I think it was week 3 or 4. With all the new weighted and unusual movements I was now making lifting baby, taking the car seat in and out of the car, nursing, changing etc. my back was more than tweaked. One morning I experienced a strange twinge in my back and decided to call Dr. Quinn. She was available the following day! With her magic touch, she realigned my vertebrae, pelvic bones, rib cage and shoulders. She also talked with me about important exercises to help encourage core strength. I left her office feeling much improved and with renewed attention to the importance of moving/lifting/shifting with thought and care. I haven't had to go back yet, but I will in a heartbeat if any further issues arise. Thank you, Elizabeth!

Motherhood is amazing, both extremely rewarding and challenging at the same time. I think of you all often and hope everyone is doing well! Have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

With much gratitude,

Ellie

Ellie D. Whisner BS CNCCertified Nutrition Consultant

If you are pregnant (or even thinking about getting pregnant) and would like to experience hypnobirthing, please call or email for more information today!