Good hypnobirthing book?

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

I bought the Mongon (I think) one for my first pregnancy bit didn't get on with it really and didn't make the time to read it. I'd like to give the breathing and other techniques a shot this time - is there a book or DVD maybe that anyone can recommend please?

I'm sure to get the most benefit classes would be the way to go, but I've left it too late for that - 4.5 weeks to go - and I'm not sure I could go the whole hog and buy into the chanting as well!

Thanks to anyone who can advise.

[PragmaticWench]

Hypnobirthing (the Mongan method) seems to be the most commonly used version in the UK but you could try Natal Hypnotherapy instead. It's easy to get on ebay and you get a cd with a written guide to go with it. If there isn't a class near you in time you could still practice with the cd.

I've read Juju Sundin's book 'Birth Skills' and found it really practical, rather than airy fairy! She talks about physical and mental techniques to focus your mind and distract it from pain. The first chapter was a bit slow-going but after that it was really helpful.

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Look at natal hypnotherapy. Much more down to earth. CDs can help in short periods if you are committed, IMO.

No disrespect but if you think it's about "chanting" why are you bothering? Do you actually know what happens at the classes ?

[AliceHurled]

Natal hypnotherapy is the maggie Howells one. I'm using it. CDs and book. Seems good. Like the style of the book a lot. She's British rather than American

There are some classes out there I think, but not common. It's usually just a cd and book thing.

Could look at lazy daisy if you want classes. Not just hypno, a range of stuff.

Don't know where you've got the chanting thing from though

[Gingerbreadlatte]

I'm doing a two day course for NH via a qualified practitioner, trained by Maggie. So far it's been great (done first day, next one this week)

Having just done the CD last time - the class helps bring it all together but agree I don't think it's easy to find.

Will see if it works in a few weeks. Regardless it's already facilitating a fantastic level of relaxation/ zone out when I want it to.

When are you due Alice?

[AliceHurled]

Mid October. Have you seen the book too? Wondering if doing the course is like having the book? I didn't to start with, just used the CDs, but find the book really enhances it. I probably would have done classes if there were any near. When are you due?

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

Ginger I was being a bit facetious when I mentioned chanting - I'm really interested in the theory and keen to understand the techniques but I know there are 'mantras' that can be used which I'm not sure I'm up for. Think it stems from finding some of the visualisation bits in the Mongan book a bit much, such as my cervix opening 'like a flower'. I'd probably do better if I bought into it fully but not all of it feels quite like me. Although I could do them in my head couldn't I, whatever works I suppose!

Thanks everyone for the recommendations.

[nancerama]

Maggie Howell's book and CD are brilliant. I did 30 hours with only TENS for pain relief. Unfortunately I did end up with an EMCS, but those 30 hours felt more like 3 to me. I was in my own calm little bubble.

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Hi
Alice - yes I have to book, it came as part of the extortionate course fees
I've also got the preg relaxation cd, birth music and home birth prep CDs.

I'm due early nov so not far behind you.

OP - I do believe the mongon book to be much more 'alternative' than Maggie Howell's. So MH might be better for you there is no mention of cervix/flowers but use of analogy is common place. Defo no chanting - you learn suggestions/ triggers in your head to keep you in control and to get you into hypnosis. I plan to tell my partner what these are for and he can say them as and when required but mainly it's internalised.

Anything that helps is good in my view. Lots of my friends have scoffed at it but their loss IMO !

If you choose a cd from MH I'd suggest the birth prep one and do it as much as you can.

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

Oh brill thanks for that - will defo try Maggie Howell then, sounds much more my cup of tea! Better get something ordered as have only got 4-5 wels to go!!!

[WhoahThereCrazyHorse]

wels? weeks

[Haribojoe]

I would highly recommend Maggie Howell's book Effective Birth Preparation.

Found it hugely helpful, I have also used her CDs and can honestly say the two births I used them for were the best in terms of feeling in control and not scared/overwhelmed.

[minipie]

I'm reading the Maggie Howell book at the moment and quite liking it. I wasn't so keen on the intro chapters as she does bang on a bit about how birth is much better in less developed countries (er, really? what about the massive rate of maternal and newborn death in those countries??). However once she gets into talking about what your body does it is much better. There are one or two mentions of unfolding like a flower but also lots of actual information and sensible explanation about why your body is well designed for this.

[Gingerbreadlatte]

Ha ha mini pie. My mind is clearly ignoring the unfolding flowers

[Susan111]

I was recommended the one written by Katharine Graves. Only half way through it but loving it and there are relaxations as well which send me to sleep! I did try some other relaxations but they annoyed me as were in an Amercian voice - sorry to all my US friends :-)

I got a recommendation for this and found a free download for the first chapter on the website so could try before I bought. I will go and hunt down the link and post it here.

[Susan111]

It is on the first page of their website half way down the page here www.kghypnobirthing.com/

[arbrighton]

Susan, why have you dragged up a five year old thread?

[Susan111]

Oh dear! I did not see the dates :-). Only found this whilst looking for something for a girlfriend. I guess it is still relevant for other people though, lots of people having babies :-)