In part one of my interview with Hypnobabies childbirth educator and doula Crystal Di Domizio, she shared what it is about Hypnobabies that resonates most with her. You can read about it here. In the second part of the interview, Crystal goes into more detail about Hypnobabies, what sets it apart from other childbirth hypnosis programs, and how giving birth to her daughter has enriched not only her life, but also her work.
Let’s talk first about about what Hypnobabies is and how it differs from HypnoBirthing. How do you describe the difference to soon-to-be parents?
Hypnobabies and HypnoBirthing are two different brands of childbirth hypnosis programs. Since they are completely different programs (with a few similarities) I encourage pregnant women and their partners to research their options so they can choose the course that resonates most with them.
Here is what makes Hypnobabies unique and different from other hypnosis for childbirth programs:
Comprehensive Childbirth Education – We cover all the advantages, disadvantages and natural alternatives to the choices you have available to you during pregnancy and birthing. We also cover nutrition, exercise, optimal fetal positioning, stages of birthing, positions for birthing, comfort measures, doulas, breastfeeding, postpartum care, newborn care… and much more! You’ll find all the information that a regular prenatal class covers plus we teach you how to use self-hypnosis.
Eyes-Open Childbirth Hypnosis – We teach pregnant women how to enter self-hypnosis quickly and easily and how to maintain deep levels of hypnosis and relaxation while walking, talking, eating and actively moving through their birth process. While a woman is birthing with Hypnobabies she is fully present, aware and in touch with her body and her baby.
Medical Hypno-Anesthesia – The goal of Hypnobabies is an easier and more comfortable birth. To accomplish this we teach the same kind of hypnosis techniques that are used by people who undergo surgery with hypnosis as their only anesthetic.
Birth Partner Support – Birth Partner’s walk away with a calm and confident attitude towards pregnancy and childbirth due to receiving their own hypnosis CD and detailed Birth Partner’s Guide that we cover fully in class.
Why did you choose to become a Hypnobabies educator?
After becoming a holistic nutritionist and birth doula I knew that I wanted to also teach a form of childbirth education. Upon researching my options the Hypnobabies philosophy and course resonated most with me. I was and still am deeply moved by the Hypnobabies births that I have experienced as a Hypno-Doula. It is the most comprehensive course I have found that combines information to make informed decisions about your care and deep relaxation techniques for an easier and more comfortable birth.
You became a Hypnobabies childbirth educator before having your daughter. Was your plan always to use Hypnobabies with your own labour even before you became an educator?
The first birth that I attended as a doula was a Hypnobabies birth. That mom inspired me deeply and from that moment forward I knew that I wanted to use Hypnobabies for my own birth one day! Now that I’ve experienced the program and the tools as a pregnant and birthing woman I am even more passionate about the program!
Without giving away too much information (in order to protect the privacy of your past client), what exactly about her birth (or the way she birthed) inspired you?
When I went through my doula training I learned about the stages of labour, what happens during those stages, what women look and sound like, etc. My first birth blew all of that information out of the water. Attending Hypnobabies births where the moms were happy, smiling and comfortable deeply inspired me as I prepared for my own birth. I love the idea that there is such a wide range of experiences that women can have birthing their babies and that they aren’t all scary, hard and painful. [This idea] has forever changed my life!
How has having your own child informed your work (doula, hypnobabies childbirth educator etc)?
It is hugely valuable to me that I have personally experienced the work I do from holistic preconception and prenatal nutrition to Hypnobabies and natural birth. I feel like I bring a deeper level of knowledge and expertise to the work I do having now experienced my own pregnancy and birth. That being said I never claim to know it all and respect each woman’s individual journey through pregnancy and childbirth and support them on their own path to motherhood.
Crystal Di Domizio is a Holistic Nutritionist, Doula and Hypnobabies Childbirth Educator in Vancouver, BC. She is passionate about reaching first time moms with the information they need to have a positive pregnancy and birth experience. You can download a free “Relax Me” self-hypnosis session at cultivateyourhealth.com/mp3. You can also read more about her journey at prenatalcoach.com
*Photos of Crystal teaching her Hypnobabies class are courtesy of “Revolution Health.” www.revolutionhealth.ca
* Hypnobabies photo courtesy of Hypnobabies®.
