Hypnobabies Pennsylvania profile picture

Hypnobabies Pennsylvania

I am here for Friends and Networking

About Me


Hi, I'm glad you stopped in!

I'd like to invite you to stay for a while and read a little about me and Hypnobabies hypnosis for childbirth.
In 1980, I gave birth to my first daughter. I was so excited that I was going to be able to use the skills I learned in my prepared childbirth classes. I was ready! What I discovered though, was that everything I learned in class became totally irrelevant during my birth experience. What did happen was incredible. I found my own birthing rhythm with deep breathing that totally relaxed my body. I was completely calm, quiet, and so amazingly focused on remaining that way. No one taught me how to do that, it came naturally. I instinctively knew to let birth happen. And so I was able to birth naturally, fast, easily, and without drugs – 3½ hrs. total “labor”.
I've had two more completely wonderful experiences that were nearly identical to the first. I always trusted the process of birth and was never afraid. What I now understand is that I was in a naturally occurring state of hypnosis during each of my three birth experiences.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity and honor of being present during several births. In 2004, at the prompting of a wonderful friend (thanks Kim!), I took a labor assistant training and became a Certified Birth Doula through the Association of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators (ALACE).
Already certified as a Hypnotherapist, I wanted to specialize in helping women achieve birth as easily as I did using skills and techniques learned with hypnosis training.
I began to research different childbirth hypnosis programs and discovered Hypnobabies. I was drawn to it because it contains exceptionally thorough childbirth education and includes incredible hypnotic tools for couples to learn. It was and is the program I believe to be the absolute best one available today.
What I know is that birth is meant to be powerful and transformative. It does not have to be painful in order to be empowering. Hypnosis for childbirth works. I’ve been there – I’ve experienced it. Now I teach mothers how to enhance the innate ability that already exists within them. Hypnobabies simply allows a couple to find their own way through a marvelously normal birth experience.
If you would like more information, I am available and willing to answer any questions you may have so please don’t hesitate to contact me for any reason at [email protected]
Enjoy your stay,
Lasi Leavy, HCHI, CD, CHt.

My qualifications include:
Certified Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor
Certified Hypnotherapist
Certified Birth Doula
Founder/Director of Mothering & More Birth Network
State Coordinator Operation Special Delivery, PA, NJ, DE


Enjoy Your Baby's Birth
in Comfort, Joy, & Love!


What an exciting time! You are planning for the arrival of your baby. I'm sure you are making the effort to eat right and stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. I know how important it is to you to make the best possible choices so your baby has a great start in life.
I'm sure you have taken the time to select the best and the safest options for your body, your baby, and your family too.
Imagine as well, that your baby's first experience of the world is one that is loving, peaceful, and welcoming. With a little preparation, you can create an atmosphere that is calm and reassuring at the moment your baby arrives in the world.
The possibility of birthing completely relaxed and comfortable is genuine. Make it your reality by using Hypnobabies and the incredible power of your mind.
Hypnobabies encourages women to explore what they already know - to go within to give birth - to trust in their bodies and their babies - to use the incredible power and wisdom they have inside while experiencing the bliss and joy of childbirth as they bring forth life - that's what hypnosis for childbirth does. And - it works!
Hypnobabies teaches powerful hypnotic methods and skills and provides you with the tools you'll need to create a truly calm, comfortable birth experience. Completely awake and aware, you will be able to fully relax and experience birth free from tension, fear, and pain. You can have an amazing birth with Hypnobabies.

Hypnosis is used
before, during, & after birth to:

~Alleviate fears and doubts
~Ease symptoms such as nausea,headaches, and backache
~Bring about deep restful sleep
~Stop preterm contractions
~Safely turn a breech baby
~Encourage the onset of birth
~Circumvent the use of drugs
~Avoid unnecessary intervention
~Conserve a mother's energy
~Instill the birth partner with confidence
~Rotate a baby from posterior to anterior
~Lower blood pressure, heart rate,and temperature
~Decrease the possibility of complications
~Eliminate the pain of labor
~Assure breastfeeding success
~& so much more!
Hypnosis simply enhances your body's natural and intuitive birthing wisdom. It is an amazing technique that provides beneficial skills and tools to help you realize your goals and desires during your pregnancy, through birth, and for the remainder of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions about
Hypnosis for Childbirth


Q) When in pregnancy is the best time to begin learning Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Childbirth?

A) Anytime! Some women find that they want to start early in their pregnancy, as soon as they have decided on a natural childbirth, which does help them to stay more relaxed and comfortable and this is obviously good for mom and baby's health. Others feel that they want to start later on, at about 7 months as they are able to devote more time to the program. (approximately 20 minutes a day and up.) Be aware that the tape/CDs and scripts need to be done regularly all the way until the baby comes, so you will need to decide how much time and effort is best for your family.

Q) I heard a critique of Hypnosis for Childbirth - that it takes women away from their birth experience. Does this teach women to distance themselves from the labor and birth?

A) Great question! Hypnosis allows the woman to actually tune completely inside of herself, where her own incredible strength truly lies, feel every contraction, every move of the baby, and be hyper-aware of everything going on, while being confident, relaxed and comfortable, even joyous, and I cannot imagine being closer to birthing than that.

Q) Must I have a partner to do this or can I do it alone?

A) It is always nice to have someone to help you as you prepare for the baby's birth, but if this is not possible, you can still achieve a comfortable birthing by studying on your own. Just make sure that you have your hypnosis scripts on audio tape/CD and use them every day.

Q: I want to use different upright positions during my labor, but all the videos I have seen of women using hypnosis show them lying down. Do I have to be immobile for my birth?

A: No! You can choose a birth hypnosis program such as Hypnobabies, that uses techniques that allow you to walk, talk and move and still be completely comfortable. You will be free to choose any positions that work best for you and your baby. Ask any prospective childbirth hypnosis teacher or hypnotherapist about this before choosing a program or class.
And lastly, one of the most frequently asked questions about Hypnobabies is...

“What is Hypnobabies success rate?”

What a great and valid question. I wish I could answer it in one or two sentences, but that isn’t the case.
Before I can give you an answer that makes sense, perhaps we should first take a look at the word “success”. Just what does success mean?
The problem with the word “success” is that it really is open to individual interpretation. After all, if you were to ask 100 people to define what it means to be successful, you’re likely to get as many answers. And each of them would be correct. Aside from personal ideas, an overall way to define success might be “the achievement of anything planned or attempted”.
So how do you become successful? First, you need to have a motivating factor to accomplish something. Next, you need to have an idea of what you want, a goal. After that, you need to decide how to achieve your goal, a plan. Then you do it; you follow through. Of course, it would be ideal to have expectations that are realistic. With these principles in mind, let’s apply it to Hypnobabies.
As an Instructor, I can tell you first hand that the reasons mothers choose Hypnobabies are just as diverse as the women themselves. The reasons are important because they are what determine a woman’s individual goal or goals for childbirth. Perhaps you are just a bit curious why mother would want to use Hypnobabies in the first place.
Let’s explore a mere sampling of the numerous motives of those choosing Hypnobabies. Fear is one compelling force. Some women are fearful of childbirth - fear of the unknown, fear of the sensations, or even fear of losing control. Some women just want to be comfortable, some want help with relaxing, some want to be able to focus and remain present, some want to avoid drugs and other interventions, and some want a pain-free experience.
You already know that your motives determine your goals. Your goals might be any of the following: birthing without fear, self-control (not to be confused with surrendering to the process of birth), unmedicated birth, complete comfort, or even orgasmic birth. Hypnobabies is the path or plan used to accomplish your objective.
Now, you understand that those who choose Hypnobabies all have different ideas of what they want to achieve during childbirth. Therefore, the success of Hypnobabies is based on an individual’s expectations measured by the eventual outcome.
With that said, please keep in mind that outcomes in childbirth are, without question, influenced by a multitude of facts. For example, one of the most important aspects of whether or not one is “successful” using Hypnobabies, is the choice to use or forego the skills and tools that are learned and practiced. Additionally, the decision to deviate from an original “plan” of action might cause one to be caught up in a cascade of previously unwanted interventions. A change of plans may be the result of pressure from care providers or the consequence of extenuating circumstances. You and I both know that unforeseen physiological conditions and unexpected emergency situations also impact outcomes.
So back to the success of Hypnobabies. I’m sure you have already noticed, there is not a simple answer. But what I can tell you is this; based on feedback, the success rate of Hypnobabies is between 90-95%. You might find that to be an amazing and marvelous statistic. Yet, I’m not surprised at all by this figure. Hypnobabies works. And it’s the main reason I chose to become an instructor and teach this remarkable childbirth education course.
I want to be very clear on the issue of Hypnobabies success. It is in no way determined by the Hypnobabies Network, but by those who use the Hypnobabies program. Let me explain it to you this way. If I was the one trying to determine if my students were successful, then by what do I measure? To project my expectations and goals onto my students would not only be unfair, but irresponsible. After all, it’s not my birth. The only agenda Hypnobabies has is to help you realize the birth you desire, the birth you deserve, the birth of your dreams.
Perhaps you are wondering if you will be successful using Hypnobabies. My answer to that is simple. If you have realistic expectations, have care providers that support your choices, and you use the techniques you learn, then yes. Yes indeed. I have no doubt whatsoever, that you will be successful using Hypnobabies for the birth of your baby.

My Interests

I'd like to meet:

Hypnobabies objectives are to
help and teach expectant parents to:

~bond with their baby in utero;
~stay healthy and low-risk;
~be excellent consumers;
~trust in their body's ability to birth safely;
~become self-reliant and confident about birthing their way;
~achieve unmedicated birth in complete comfort;
~overcome negative belief systems and programming;
~get in touch with their body, mind, & spirit;
~learn skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.

Hypnobabies offers:

~a complete childbirth education course (over 15 hours);
~hypnotic scripts that couples do together;
~CDs for the mother;
~Birth Partner’s relaxation CD;
~detailed Birth Guide for Birth Partner;
~genuine hypnotic medical anesthesia techniques;
~Quick Reference Guide & Birth Guide CD to use during birth;
~"Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis";
~compounding (necessary for programming);
~hypnotic birth rehearsal;
~Certified Instructors that have prior training in both Childbirth and Hypnosis;
~Hypnobabies Yahoo e-mail group for support and help.


Please visit the following websites for more information about
hypnosis for childbirth, normal birth, doulas, midwifery, and more!

Music:

"Everything you imagine is a way of projecting a probable future. That is why it is so important to learn to change the pictures we habitually carry in our minds that do not correspond to the reality we want."
~ A Soulworker's Companion, Betty Clare Moffatt

Pregnancy and the experience of bringing a life into the world are of great consequence. It matters how a woman births and how a baby is received into the world. The experience should not be taken lightly. When embracing the wonder and power of birth, a chain of events is set in motion that transforms lives, families, and communities. We can make our world a better place by simply changing the way we birth. Trust your intuition, trust birth.

Movies:

Positive Affirmations for Childbirth


Birth by HYPNOBABIES

Hypnobabies instructor, Sheridan Ripley, shares moments of her calm, peaceful birth. When watching this clip, keep in mind that Sheridan is in a deep state of hypnosis. For more about this birth, visit Enjoy Birth.

Hypnosis for Childbirth


Birth Affirmations


Pregnant in America

This is a must-see movie by filmmaker Steve Buonaugurio. See how childbirth, our most sacred human experience, has become an industry in the United States exploited by the greed & betrayal of hospitals, insurance companies & other members of the healthcare system.

Ecstatic Birth

I want to make it clear that this clip does not show a woman using hypnosis for birth. However, I want you to know that it does demonstrate the kind of birth you can achieve with Hypnobabies.

Educational:
"Station" Explained


Educational:
Cardinal Movements


Question CPD -
Cephalopelvic Disproportion

CPD is when a baby's head or body is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. While this video certainly addresses the accuracy of a CPD diagnosis, don't stop there. Question all other reasons and excuses used to "justify" taking a baby from its mother via major abdominal surgery. Educate yourself and minimize the risk of becoming another cesarean statistic.

History of Childbirth


Support for Midwives & Homebirth

Senator John Loudon of Missouri speaks on behalf of midwifery. We need more open-minded sensible individuals like this in public office.

The Difference Between
Midwives & Doulas


Funny! Or is it?

Heroes:




My Blog

HYPNOSIS - A SAFE OPTION FOR CHILDBIRTH

HYPNOSISA Safe Option for ChildbirthDid you know that a person's attitude and thoughts influence the way they feel emotionally and physically?  Knowing there is a mind-body connection helps us to...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:04:00 PST

THE RISKS OF CESAREAN SURGERY

The Risks of Cesarean Delivery to Mother and Baby A CIMS Fact Sheet The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is concerned about the dramatic increase and ongoing overuse of cesarean ...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 09:57:00 PST

FAQs ABOUT HYPNOSIS

Hypnosis Questions Answered   Q) What is Hypnosis?No one really knows what hypnosis is and how it's described depends on the individual's point of view.  Hypnos means sleep.  However,...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:02:00 PST

GREAT WEBSITES

Women today are very fortunate to have the Internet as a resource.  There is such a wealth of information just waiting to be discovered at the tips of one's fingers.  Here are just a few o...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 08:02:00 PST

TIPS & TOOLS FOR CHOOSING A DOULA

Tips & Tools for Choosing a Birth Doula How can I select a birth support professional, or doula? If you decide that you would like to have professional support during your birth, meet...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:58:00 PST

RECOMMENDED READING LIST

The following books are recommended to women who want quality and evidence-based information about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.  You may want to avoid mainstream literature that tells you wha...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:47:00 PST

WHY USE HYPNOSIS FOR CHILDBIRTH?

Why Use Hypnosis for Childbirth? 1) Both parents participate in the Hypnosis and Fear Release sessions, providing them with a sense of calm and confidence. Mom and Dad are relaxed throughout ...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:54:00 PST

CIMS - THE MOTHER-FRIENDLY CHILDBIRTH INITIATIVE

The Mother-FriendlyChildbirth Initiative The First Consensus Initiative of theCoalition for Improving Maternity ServicesMissionThe Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS) is a coalition o...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:44:00 PST

Want more information?

I would love the opportunity to answer any questions you might have about using Hypnobabies for your birth!...
Posted by Hypnobabies Pennsylvania on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 02:17:00 PST