I got this comment on my birth video on You Tube.

Would it have been SO awful if you used pain relief? The only person that would have been put out would have been you. Why is there such a culture against pain relief in childbirth – I’ll bet the next time you have a root canal you won’t be opting for hypnosis, but all the narcotics you can get your hands on. Why the difference in childbirth?

Here is my response.

Would it have been SO awful if you used pain relief?

No, it wouldn’t have been SO awful if I had used pain relief.  But I didn’t need or want it, so why use it if I didn’t need it?

Why is there such a culture against pain relief in childbirth

Where is this culture against pain relief in childbirth?  Most women in our culture worship pain relief in childbirth.  I am not against pain relief, I used it with much joy in my first 2 births, but it was even more awesome not to want or need it with Brysons birth.

My Hypnobabies tools really helped me stay calm and comfortable, so why would I have an epidural I didn’t need.  (Epidurals do carry risks which the worshipers of pain relief tend to ignore or at least downplay)

I’ll bet the next time you have a root canal you won’t be opting for hypnosis, but all the narcotics you can get your hands on.

AHHH, what a great lead into my video

Also a wonderful post by Tonya – Using Hypnobabies Tools at the Dentist where she uses hypnosis instead of drugs at the dentist.

Why the difference in childbirth?

Just in case you didn’t take the time to watch the video.  Birth is a natural process.  Similar to a tooth falling out, you don’t need narcotics for that.

A root canal is a dental surgery, so most people would need drugs for that.  So if you are having a surgical birth (cesarean) I can see that most people would need drugs for that.

However many people use hypnosis to stay calm and comfortable during a root canal.

(you can see the other videos on my Birth and Teeth page.)  

Hypnosis works even easier for moms using it for vaginal birth, because it is a natural process. (And there are actual accounts of moms using hypnosis instead of anesthesia for cesareans, having a medical trained hypnotherapist in the room during the surgery.)

So thanks for this comment, because it brings up some interesting points!

I have been thinking about the very diverse reactions to 2 different birth stories.

• Giselle VS  Kourtney
• Both had positive birth experiences.
• Giselle talked about hers and People SAW Kourtney’s.

Was there a difference in their responses?

YES!  People were much more doubtful and even critical of what Giselle said.  It is interesting how when they SEE Kourtney having a beautiful, calm birth other moms are inspired and easily believe it.

Kudos to Kourtney and Giselle for showing that birth can be normal and wonderful!

I am actually in the process of editing a few different moms birth videos.  A few of my doula clients have willingly shared their footage so I can share with my Hypnobabies students!

Here is a sneak peak of some.  I promise to share full versions in the next few weeks!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQXgqzAP8SA]

I am in the process of making an updated birth video for Hypnobabies Instructors to share in their classes.  I have been working on it since October, but the last week I have made some serious headway.

• Tanya – homebirth – done
• Angela – homebirth – done
• Sheridan (me) -hospital birth – almost done – but I will tell you what, I am SICK of my birth video.
• Sierra – homebirth -about 1/2 way done
• Hope – hospital birth – about 1/2 done
• Missy- just picked up today
• One other birth footage coming in the mail.

I would be ok, but then I made 2 videos for the Pushing Posts I did for a blog carnival.  Then the video that I will be highlighting tomorrow.  So I need a break.

BUT -

I really do love editing these birth videos:

so I have decided to make a new section of my birth business: Enjoy Birth Productions

I know a lot of moms out there have birth footage languishing on a tape somewhere, but don’t know how or have the time to edit it.   So once I am done this project and I take a long break, I imagine by September and the boys are back at school after a summer of fun, I will be ready to start this new venture!

A mom singing at 10 cm.  I think this shows how birth can be calm, peaceful and even beautiful!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-eW2miJN7U]

Thanks to Midwifery Ramblings, where I found this video!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4_hId8fjoc]

This mom used the Hypnobabies Home Study and ideas from Ina May’s book to have this beautiful birth!

You can read here story here!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3WA9iHz5ww#42FgT4LHVmA]