Which hypnobirthing course? Or is a book and cd just as good?

[ilovepinecones]

Googling hypnbirthing and getting a bit confused by all different teachers and methods out there. Any recommendations? Am in London/SE.

I've also got Marie Mongan book which I read for DS1 and it helped a bit but feel I can't remember anything now and whether I would benefit from an actual course.

First labour was not too bad but ended up losing lots of blood and on hdu so am a bit fearful and also upset I didn't get my serene birth.

Anyway, would love to know recommendations for practioners or whether doing the book and cd will be enough x

[Daysleeper1985]

I did Wise Hippo 1 to 1 (much better for 2nd births as its tailored to your previous experience) and Im so happy I did. I genuinely look forward to my birth, like a weirdo. My first birth was quite traumatic and I had no idea that inductions are actually a CHOICE!

only thing I've heard about Mongan is its quite black and white right/wrong so if youdon't 'get' it then you may feel you've failed. Wise Hippo has been much more CBT and focusing on relaxation as much as 'hypnotic state' stuff. Much more accessible for a sceptical stress head like myself. Hth x

[MabelSideswipe]

Natal Hypnotherapy is very good, very flexible and easy to use and learn. There is a real focus on giving birth partners the skills to help but nothing complex for them to remember or learn. You can use the book and downloads/CDs but I think going to the classes are better, one to one or group workshop.

[Dixiechick17]

I used the Maggie Howell book and CD and would really recommend it. The techniques were great for me during labour and I managed without pain relief.

[Raxacoricofallapatorius]

Natal and Howell.

I do NOT recommend Mongan for a second birth in particular. Her babies get into bad positions or labour hurts because of negative thoughts or a mother's inability to let go of anxiety schtick made me sob. I had a v traumatic first delivery and my DD was in an unbirthable position. Mongan as good as blamed me for that which isn't the positive, woman supporting message I'd hoped for.

[ouchmyfanjo]

Another recommendation for Maggie Howell. I used her cds for both birth and got through without relief both times. Both were different; I had some bits of placenta remaining and some blood loss first time and was in hospital and induced second time. I had stitches after both. She got me through all of it.
I'm sorry you had a scary time with first birth. I do t think it can promise a serene birth but it does make you feel calmer with whatever occurs and more in control.
I look back and see bits of mine were serene!
Whichever you choose all the very best.

[ilovepinecones]

Oh thank you! I've emailed my nearest natal hypno/Maggie Howell and got the cd. Will look into wise hippo as well.

Yes who knows if it will help. It went wrong at the end. The actual labour was manageable and I'm sure it was partly due to doing yoga and learning some breathing techniques. Though this time round I'm really nervous as it went so wrong first time! At least we were both fine in the end. But would love to not have quite so traumatic time this one.

[Daysleeper1985]

You will love it this time, it's a fantastic thing to train up if you're recovering from a previous birth experience. I never thought I'd say this on the back of my dds birth, but I'm really looking forward to my labour now! Transformative!

[dizzylemon]

I did my course via Birth Right Hypnobirthing (Nancy Keen) - she's Aylesbury based and runs group classes there, but will travel and do one 2 ones. She's is lovely and knowledgeable and successfully used the techniques herself on her own 3 births.

She uses the Katherine Graves (think you can get a book and CD and you get them as part of this course as well) which really appealed to my pragmatic nature. I'm feeling much more confident about the birth and will let you know if it works!

(I also feel it's worth saying that Hypnobirthing, like Hypnotherapy, varies in effectiveness between individuals and I'm not taking it as a magical solution to the most wonderful birth ever, but felt it has been worthwhlile so far!)