South Orange, NJ - Supermodel Gisele Bundchen delivered her son Benjamin in a Boston bathtub during a water birth using hypnosis, yoga, and meditation. Nicole Ritchie, a former heroin addict was adamant about having a chemical-free childbirth. She claims she didn't even "pop an aspirin" while giving birth to both of her kids. As more celebrities opt for natural childbirth and alternative methods to pain free labor and delivery, more women are seeking information on how to incorporate these techniques into their own pregnancies and birth plans.
Frayda Kafka, a certified hypnotist specializing in pregnancy and birth, is excited that so many women are empowered enough to seek support in their quest for an optimal childbirth. "Working with individuals who are receptive to this work is an ideal situation for me," Kafka says. "I've been doing therapeutic work for more than 30 years. It's great that such positive publicity for hypnosis and meditation during birth is leading to more women exploring their options."
As a hypnotherapist, Kafka sees many individuals for smoking cessation and weight loss, two conditions that are known to be fairly easily remedied by hypnotherapy. "Smoking cessation is my bread and butter. It's what people think of when they think hypnosis," she says. "But I'm now spreading a message that I'm really passionate about: Hypnosis leads to an easy pregnancy, a calm birth, and a happy, relaxed mom."
This month, Kafka will be leading two hypnosis workshops in South Orange. The first, a free workshop for practitioners on June 21, is geared toward doulas, midwives, chiropractors, and other health and wellness professionals who support women during pregnancy and childbirth. "Hypnosis is a technique that can be used across the board," Kafka says. "There are some really simple techniques I can teach practitioners so that they can best support their clients."
"I just taught this class to a group of experienced doulas in upstate New York," she says. "They each walked away with something new they could use with their pregnant clients, particularly with women who have experienced a past birth trauma, sexual abuse, or those looking to have a vaginal birth after a prior Cesarean (VBAC)."
Hypnosis is a very effective tool for combating fear and anxiety during pregnancy, as well as ease pain during labor, Kafka says. "There are women who love the idea of having a baby, but are terrified by the pain they expect from labor or are so traumatized by something in their past that they can't experience their pregnancy with freedom and ease." Research shows that hypnosis during labor reduces nausea, vomiting, and pain. The benefits don't end there: Hypnosis also facilitates postnatal bonding, as well as healthy postpartum adjustments for new mothers.
Pregnant women will be able to learn how to use these techniques in Kafka's second workshop, on June 22, "Hypnosis for Pregnant Women and Their Partners."
Kafka, who has also served as a labor coach, postpartum doula, and even once as an impromptu homebirth midwife has always been most comfortable around babies and new mothers. "Going back to my childhood in Brooklyn, I was naturally calm and easygoing around babies. They must have sensed this because I've always been able to naturally soothe them. Before there was the term 'baby whisperer,' this was the reputation I had on my block."
Combining her natural predisposition for soothing babies and their mothers with her extensive training in hypnotherapy and psychotherapy, Kafka has created "HypBirths," with offices in South Orange, NJ and Lake Katrine, NY. In addition to workshops, Kafka sees clients on both an individual basis and in groups. For more information, visit www.hypbirths.com .
WORKSHOP DETAILS
WHAT: HypBirths Presents: A Hypnosis Workshop for Practitioners
Led by Frayda Kafka CHT
WHEN: Monday, June 21 from 7pm-9 pm
WHERE: Bodhi Tree Therapeutic Massage, 75 South Orange Avenue, Suite 211, South Orange, NJ 07079
COST: No Fee, Please register early. Space is limited.
Call Frayda Kafka at 845/336-4646
Or email AskFrayda@Gmail.com
WHAT: HypBirths Presents: A Hypnosis Workshop for Pregnant Women and Their Partners
Led by Frayda Kafka CHT
WHEN: Tuesday, June 22 from 7pm-9 pm
WHERE: Bodhi Tree Therapeutic Massage, 75 South Orange Avenue, Suite 211,South Orange, NJ 07079
COST: $50/person (bring your labor partner for no extra charge). Please register early. Space is limited.
Call Frayda Kafka at 845/336-4646
Or email AskFrayda@Gmail.com
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