has anyone actually managed to use hypnobirthing effectively?

[maybebabybee]

This might be better in childbirth, I'm not sure...

Anyway, am 32+2 with my first and have been reading up on hypnobirth. Have read JuJu Sundin and Mindful Hypnobirthing by Sophie Fletcher, both of which I've enjoyed. I get quite freaked out by drugs (any drug) and very strongly feel that I would like a drug-free birth if I can possibly manage it and no medical intervention is necessary. But I have a very low pain threshold and also am a bit of a quitter so am worried about my ability to cope.

In theory all the hypnobirthing stuff sounds great but in practice has anyone used it and found it really effective as a coping technique? My mind is constantly whirring so I have always been really crap at stuff like mindfulness, meditation etc.

Can't afford hypnobirthing classes so books are all I have really. Also can anyone recommend some good hypnobirthing tracks? I know you can get CDs but how would I listen to these in hospital - presumably on my phone? I have an android, not apple.

[Stuffofawesome]

Works for lots of people. Take a look at the hypnobirthing YouTube channel... seeing is believing!

[scandichick]

Yep, it helped - second time around though, so I think it helped that I knew what to expect. The more you can practice the better, and get your birth partner on side too. Does the labour ward have CD players?

[maybebabybee]

no idea if they have CD players actually...am hoping to go to the birth centre rather than the labour ward which is quite into water birth etc so hopefully they will be well equipped for hypnobirthing stuff....will ask my midwife at my 34 wk appt

[Dixiechick17]

I had the Maggie Howell cd and book and really credit it for how I coped with labour. I stayed calm, and focussed on my breathing. It didn't take away the pain but it helped me manage it without pain relief and really kept me focussed on what I needed to do. I started off in the water but found it too warm, am one of those that prefers to be cool when in pain :)

[goodnightdarthvader1]

A friend of my DH said she used it and it helped. She had a baby 7 weeks early (baby stopped growing) so obviously lots of stress all round.

[Cinnamon2013]

Ok this is really not the answer you're looking for but so that you have a range of responses....

I spent a ridiculous amount of money on a lovely calming course lying on a beanbag once a week. I had an emergency c-section and felt like a massive failure because of the expectations the course had set up. It's a genuinely lovely approach and I know it works brilliantly for some people, but I think it's important to be open to the fact it doesn't always work however much you might want it to.

[BusyCee]

Yep. Had 3 lovely births using The Wise Hippo. I think the reason it works is not because it makes birth 'pain-free' but because it helps you understand and prepare for what you want your birth to be like emotionally. Don't believe anyone who tells you they can alter the method and course of your birth - a good practitioner won't ever do this - but they can help your mental preparation, which in turn can have positive effects.

Congratulations and good luck! X

[BusyCee]

Sounds horrid Cinnamon - you poor thing.

A good practitioner will help you prepare for any eventuality, and to feel positively about your birth regardless of the circumstances. I prefer to think that 'works' means a woman feels she had a positive birth experience, not that it was spontaneous labour, or drug-free, or no intervention. It is possible to have an emergency section and still feel that it was the right thing and that you coped well. As you rightly say, no-one can guarantee what course their labour will take...

[Scoopmuckdizzy]

I used the Margaret Howells CD. I think I fell as
peep every time I listened to it but I was very calm in labour first time around. With DC2 I arrived at the birth centre almost pushing and the midwives didn't believe I was that far in labour as I was so much calmer than they thought I should be. When they realised I was minutes away from giving birth I started to panic but one of them told me to breathe my baby down and as soon as she said that I was OK again.
I'm expecting DC3 and definitely plan on using it this time around.

[Chilleman]

I also used the CD. Listened to it about 3 times a week from 36 weeks or so. It in no way made the birth pain-free (obvs!) and I didn't actually use it during labour, but it massively helped me cope with the pain. I was able to feel really calm throughout.

[Dixiechick17]

Oh and similar to scoop they didn't believe I was in established labour and left me waiting in reception for an hour before I was examined as were sure I would be sent home as I was managing the contractions and could just about talk my baby arrived three hours after they eventually sent me up to the birthing unit...

[Cinnamon2013]

Thanks Busycee. I didn't mean to hijack the thread! I actually agree with you completely. Tbh the birth was as positive as it could have been, there was no other option for safe delivery and I was fully consulted etc. Hypno techniques definitely helped while I had the epidural put in etc. I just felt so sad that my body let me and my baby down when I'd been taught that all I needed to do was trust it. Other friends had EMCS and were fine, as they hadn't had the expectation of a drug-free birth set up in the first place.

[ForTheLoveOfSocks]

My 1st labour I didn't using hypnobirthing. I was induced and screamed and panicked and got myself so worked up. Ended up having an epidural and a forceps delivery. 3rd degree tear too.

My 2nd labour I used a hypnobirthing cd beforehand. I listened to it every night from about 34 weeks. I didn't take the pain away nor did it stop me from needing another epidural. But what it did do is keep me calm and stop me from panicking. It helped me to keep in control. And I pushed DD2 out myself and only had a 2nd degree tear.

I'm now pg with DC3, and I will use it again. If you approach it with an open mind then I think it does help. Maybe not to have a pain free birth, but to give you ways to cope and try to manage yourself

[greenlizard]

I read a book and downloaded the associated MP3 track to my android phone and listened slept through it 3/4 times a week from about 36 weeks. I knew I was going to be induced and/or have a c section in advance and was a little bit gutted I wasn't going to have an all natural birth but it really did help me. I was actually looking forward to the birth whereas before I was scared witless about it due to no tolerance for pain whatsoever. I was induced at 39 weeks and whilst I didn't listen to it during labour but I did do the exercises and I only used gas and air and a tens machine. I did have a tricky delivery and had forceps and an episiotomy but I stayed completely calm throughout which helped manage the pain and I think the length of the labour. My midwife and DH seemed quite impressed with how calm I was!!

I would certainly use it again - regardless of the birth you end up with - i think it helps prepare you. Good luck and congratulations!

[BusyCee]

Cinnamon

Hope you're feeling ok about it all now x

[stargirl1701]

Yes. I found it excellent for both my births. I also used a TENS machine and lots of position changes. Pool with my first and a ball/mat combo with my second.

No drugs. Lovely experiences. I felt incredibly empowered after both births.