Hypnobirthing Hits Iran: Women’s Birthing Rights Begin

Hypnobirthing has been the most practised painless delivery methods during the past 30 years, worldwide. However not everyone around the world is familiar with this natural and easier method of birthing. Hypnobirthing is just starting to trickle its way into Iran; one of the last places in world, where Hypnobirthing was unknown.

Dr Mahdi Fat’hi, in a Farsi interview with IRNA, said, “The mother, 27, gave birth to a child using hypnotherapy which was performed under the supervision of Gynecologist, Dr Qodsiyeh Alavi.”

Secretary of the Iranian Hypnotherapy Association reported the second case of Hypnobirthing in Iran occurred at Bentolhoda Hospital in Mashhad. The first Iranian Hypnobirth was carried out at Sina Hospital of Mashhad, in March 2017.

Iranian Scientific Society of Clinical Hypnosis was established in 1989 with the approval of the Ministry of the Interior. This association is the only legal entity licensed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education to operate in the field of hypnosis and hypnotic therapies.

In a country where freedom is restricted; it is encouraging that Hypnosis and Hypnobirthing are starting to be allowed its right to be heard. Pregnant women in Iran, who usually have very little personal choice, can now choose a better birth for themselves and their babies.

Dr Mahdi Fat’hi, said, “In this (Hypnobirthing) method, the pregnant mother is prepared for labour by telling her that her childbirth would be painless and this process of creating mental imagery starts a month before the labour. While lying on bed, the mom feels herself walking in nature with her child. When uterine contractions begin, hypnosis helps mother in the process of childbirth”.

This associate professor of Anesthesiology at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences pointed out that the use of hypnosis in childbirth reduces 80 to 100 percent of normal labour pain.

As an Anesthesiologist, Dr Mahdi Fat’hi has seen many painful births, yet still strongly believes that natural painless birthing is entirely possible through Hypnobirthing.  He stated the following are among the benefits of using Hypnobirthing in a normal delivery and have no side effects.

• Painless delivery
• Not using medication during labour
• Reduction of postpartum analgesia
• Reduction of the patient’s anxiety

I would definitely say there are more than two Iranian Hypnobirths. Here at the Hypnobirthing Hub, I personally have sent out five Hypnobirthing Hub online packs to Iran in the past two years. In fact, our online hypnobirthing course has reached many nations around the world. I often need to consult a world map while scratching my head …’What country is that?’

We send our support and love to all the pregnant women in Iran. May you find freedom and fulfillment in the way you choose to birth.