Hypnobirthing experiences

[NEmum]

Hi everyone!

This is my first post, I'm a first time mum to be & I'm looking into Hypnobirthing classes...Really interested to hear everyone's experiences of this? Would you recommend/any criticisms??

I'm based near Newcastle in case anyone has local experience...
Thanks!

[SoftyBlueFace]

Hi there, I have posted above as am having a high risk home birth (baby due in 3 weeks, first baby) and have been practicing hypno birthing so would be interested to know others experiences.

From me, I bought Katherine graves book and cd from Amazon, which I enjoyed reading but couldn't really make out the best way to practice the techniques. We weren't going to do a course but at the last minute we have done a mindful mamma course, which was brilliant! Although I haven't had baby yet ad can't say if it helped from that sense, I certainly feel more calm and looking forward to the experience. Also easy to follow exercises and mp3s etc

[SoftyBlueFace]

Basically making u feel like your body can do it, that u can stay calm etc

[queenofthepirates]

I did it and it worked really well. I have been practising hypno therapy since I was 17 so it wasn't new to me but worked well. I wouldn't discount alternatives but it makes you perhaps a little less scared.

[soundsystem]

I didn't do a course but I used the Maggie Howell book and MP3 and would recommend it. Although I never got more than about 30 seconds into the MP3 as I kept falling asleep, so I couldn't tell you what it's about. I think you go to a nice relaxing beach

My labour was relatively short (4.5 hours) and I was 10cm by the time the midwife arrived (home birth) so didn't really have much in the way of pain relief. Although I know my mum also had a short labour with just gas and air - after calmly driving herself to the hospital while in labour - and she definitely didn't use hypnobirthing!

It probably can't hurt, so I reckon you're as well giving it a shot!

[ADogCalledLamb]

Whilst pregnant I really enjoyed listening to the CDs, reading about hypnobirthing and we had a lady come to our house once a month for classes. All good.....until I got to transition and it all went out of the window!

Power of the mind and positive mental attitude is huge, as is educating yourself about what your body does and needs to do during labour.

All the best!

[AlwaysDancing1234]

I think whichever method you use, having techniques to calm you and keep you breathing deeply which you can focus on instead of contractions can only be a good thing.
With my first birth it was very long and I panicked a bit so it wasn't so effective in the later stages (I ended up with quite a bit of intervention)
With second birth I'd taken a proper course with a local lady who was lovely. Lots of gentle yoga type moves using birthing ball and focused breathing. I didn't have any drugs and had a lovely peaceful water birth.
But every birth is different!