How it works is not quite so clear, Modern scanning techniques demonstrate that during hypnosis, activity takes place in a particular area of the brain - the anterior cmgulate gyrus. And, although what this activity is, is not yel fully understood, it shows that hypnosis is a physiological process, and that patients are neither weak minded nor gullible. Statistics indicate that between 85 and 90% of people can be hypnotised, although ! personally feel the figure is closer to 99.9%.

There are as many methods of preparing women for labour as there are Hypnotherapists, and I can only give you information on the methods I personally use.

In the first session, the mum-to-be is taught physical relaxation and given a 'safe place' to go to in her mind. I then teach her self-hypnosis so she can practise the technique at home. The next session is the part of the programme that is research based! Most of this session is taped, for the woman to listen to several times throughout the rest of her pregnancy. This 'drip-feeds' information on how normal labour is and what her reaction to contractions could be. This is thought to alter a lifetime's learning that contractions are painful, and teaches the woman to react in a different way. Suggestions are made that the woman will not suffer nausea or vomiting, and that the baby will arrive at the right time.

We build in 'anchors' so that her birth partner can use them in labour to help her reach deep levels of hypnosis during contractions. The use of anchors gives the birth partner something very useful to do to help the woman, which helps them both in perceiving labour as a positive experience.

These two sessions are the basics, and the woman can choose to have just these two sessions if she wishes. There are another four sessions which can also be helpful though: Glove anaesthesia. The Master Control Room, Letting go of Fear and Visualisations for Pregnancy and Labour. All six sessions include 'Ego strengthening', and the focus throughout is on a positive outcome to labour.

Unlike some other methods, I see all women on a one-to-one basis, which I feel is both safe and ethical, and the focus of my care is on the woman.

So what are the results? Well, from my initial work in compiling my own statistics, what appears to be happening is this: Increased rate of normal delivery, very low incidence of either episiotomy or significant tearing, and almost without exception extremely positive perceptions of the contribution made by hypnosis.

Even those women having very complicated labours with lots of intervention express real satisfaction with labour. As a Midwife, there are two results I find amazing: not one woman has reported post natal depression. (Normal UK rate 13%) and four women who have had to have an oxytocic infusion (to increase strength of contractions) have not found it necessary to have any further analgesia. It also appears, from the replies I have received from women, that there is a much lower than normal incidence of induction of labour.

Because of my own midwifery background, I was very sceptical about the role hypnosis could play in improving labour, and was cautious about offering it to women. The first woman I treated had an extremely good labour, but I could not accept that it was as a result of the hypnosis - after all, fantastic labours do occur in many circumstances. The second woman had an even better experience, and again I was reluctant to claim it for hypnosis -but I was beginning to wonder. Now, I don't expect anything else! Of course not all women have wonderful labours, but as one woman said, "It was a fantastic experience - i wish I could re-live that day." If only all women could say that!

To find a therapist to help you, make sure:

• He/she is a qualified hypnotherapist
• He/she has received extra training in hypnosis for childbirth
• Uses a method that is proven to improve outcomes
• You feel comfortable and safe
• You find their voice agreeable

I hope this article has given you a useful and interesting insight into hypnosis; if you would like to know more, please contact me - I will always be happy to speak to you.