HypnoBirthing

Insight Life Services

301 Maple Avenue

Dogwood Building, Suite G

Vienna, Virginia

(703) 585-9364

Ask the Doctor

Lorne R. Campbell Sr. M.D.

When I began delivering babies in 1983 I believed in the use of medications to manage obstetrical

pain. I saw many complications, including babies with compromised breathing. I believed

that Epidurals were a medical blessing. I had a 25% C-Section rate.

As time went on, more patients asked for natural births. I interpreted natural childbirth as “no

drugs”. I then performed hundreds of deliveries using pushing, blowing and holding off analgesics

until the mother could no longer take the pain. I saw babies that no longer had compromised

respiratory conditions, but were exhausted and quite often needed respiratory support with oxygen.

But my C-Section rate had fallen to 5%.

Then I began using visual imagery to manage pain. I occasionally still had to use narcotics and a

rare epidural. I still saw exhausted babies who were not fully able to bond, but my C-Section rate

stayed at 5%. After more study, I began using hypnosis to manage pain during birth. The results

were ok. Mothers still had pain but it was significantly managed. Babies were less often compromised

and very rarely needed oxygen. I still had a 5% c-section rate.

I have since made the transition to Hypnobirthing® and I now believe that birthing involves no pain.

I have attended over 100 births where HypnoBirthing® was used. I realize that I no longer perform

deliveries; I attend births and observe as the birthing companion receives the baby. It is as if my new

role is to be present to witness the miracle of natural birth through HypnoBirthing®.

I have given absolutely no analgesic drugs since I have used HypnoBirthing® with mothers. Every

mother has been excited about the birth event, and the hospital staff is excited about performing

births with me. One nurse commented that these births are so wonderful, but the best part is she has

to do nothing but give the mother reassurance and support. That is why she became a nurse. Support

people become involved in a meaningful way.

I recently attended the birth of the granddaughter of a nurse. She had worked on the Labor and

Birthing Deck of Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester NY for over 30 years. Her remarks after

the birth were effusive. She had never seen anything as incredible as the birth experience that

her daughter had the day before.

I have had no complications with HypnoBirthing. No babies have needed oxygen or any support other

than warming by mother’s body. My C-Section rate is 1. [That was very early and she was a VBAC

(Vaginal Birth After Cesarean-section).]

I routinely lecture to medical groups about Hypnobirthing®. I am more than happy to talk to any

Health Care Professional (or anyone else) about my experiences with truly natural birthing. I have a

number of patients and husbands who also love to talk about their experience.

I am a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo

School of Medicine. I am also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the

University of Rochester School of Medicine.

Sincerely,

Lorne R. Campbell, Sr. M.D.
3 Tountas Ave.
Leroy, NY 14482
585-768-2620