Hypnobirthing

[becks130]

Hi,
I'm 34 weeks pregnant with my 2nd child and REALLY wanted to give hypnobirthing a go, I don't have the money to do a course and wanted to know if anyone has tried it themself at home? What did you use, book or cd? was it any good?

Thanks

[UnrequitedSkink]

There was a really interestng thread on this in the Childbirth section a couple of weeks ago - I'll see if I can find and link for you.

[UnrequitedSkink]

Actually, just do a search on Hypnobirthing, there's about a gazillion threads!! Better hurry up though, you've not got long to go - I think you can either do a course (more expensive) or buy the book and CD - but the more times you listen to it before the birth, the more effective it is. I'm planning a homebirth this time, so I definitely am planning on giving it a try!

[MumNWLondon]

i did the course - you'd need to buy the book (which has CD in it) and do lots and lots of practice, not sure you have enough time now though.

link

[becks130]

Thanks for all the advise, I have ordered the CD and i'm going to pick it up tomorrow so that I can start asap, I thought a few weeks practice would be better than non!

[detoxdiva]

Hi. I ordered the book and cd at about 35 weeks pregnant for my recent home birth and can def recommend it (if you can get past the irritating voice on the cd )

Practise practise practise and listen to the cd whenever you can as this is the key.

I found it really useful for managing the contractions - it helps you focus and the mw's were actually asking me to tell them when I has having a contraction as I was concentrating so much on my breathing

Personally, when it got to the pushing bit, I found it hard to stick to the techniques then, but this may have been easier with longer to practise - either way, I was so much more calm, relaxed and in control for the few hours before the pushing began than I was with dd, and I would def say go for it...good luck

[janiemouse]

Hi - definitely do it, it works! My baby is 7 months old and I still can't stop thinking about the birth (for all the right reasons). I actually really enjoyed it and was so pleased with myself afterwards. It was uncomfortable at times but I'd describe it as pressure, definitely not pain. It was pretty intense but an experience I'd definitely like to repeat.

I was 5 cms when I arrived at the birth centre. I had to transfer to hospital as there was meconium in my waters. This obviously wasn't my plan but hypnobirthing trains you to deal with things not going to plan.

The midwives and ambulance women who transferred me could hardly believe I was in labour. I kept the midwives out of the room until I was 10cm. I found they put me off and I was better off with my husband's support. The good thing about hypnobirthing is that your partner can have an active role rather than sitting in a chair feeing bored.

I had a bit of gas and air at 10cms when the sensations changed, but decided it was no use and did without. I preferred to feel in control.

The cord was round my baby's neck so the midwives got a little bit fraught at the pushing stage as his heart rate dipped if I was in any position other than flat on my back - not the ideal position for getting a baby out, especially given that I'd stood up until the pushing stage. Even so, I stayed calm and concentrated on my breathing.

I had a little cut at the end as I'd pushed for 2 hours and he hadn't made an appearance. After that he came straight out. I can remember thinking, is that all I have to do? My husband and I were both sort of in shock at how straightforward it had been.

Hypnobirthing reprograms you to think of birth as a natural, pain-free event. Definitely try it and make sure you practice the relaxations and breathing every day. Birth isn't supposed to be painful - you never see any other animal screaming in labour and needing pain relief.