Hypnobirthing classes anyone?

[spottyshoes]

I am hoping to try for a VBAC with little/no painrelief in Feb. Just wondered if anyone

a) used hypnowatsit during labour (if so did it help?)

b) went to any classes (were they worth it?)

Want a few opinions before I shell out on classes or buy the CD's and try and do it myself at home.

TIA

[PanT]

Hi SS - We went to hypnobirthing classes with our DS now 9 months and I can really recommend the course - I think it is a fantastic way to give birth. We did the course as we didn't want our DS to have any drugs during labour and I gave birth with no pain relief (and I have a very low pain threshold)! so yes hypnobirthing really did help me. The birth partner plays a vital role though as I would never have done it without my DH so make sure you have a supportive birth partner with you. Our hypnobirthing tutor was great and really knew her stuff and she was a great support to us as DS is our PFB - I would definatley say do the course if you can. Good luck with your pg and I hope you have the birth you want.

[spottyshoes]

Thankyou PanT that is really helpful. Can I ask how long your course was? The centre offers a 1 day 6hr session or 12 hours spread over 4 weeks. The one day-er sound like a good option for me but want to make sure that it will get enough iykwim.

[spottyshoes]

I'm not sure but our hypno-class-centre website dont seem to do the class until you are at least 6+ months. They are doing classes this month for people due Sept/Oct

[PanT]

Our course was 5 sessions for 2.5 hours each. We started when I was around 26 weeks pg and we went every 2-3 weeks as our tutor said it was important that we practiced each stage. I would say that doing a number of sessions would be better as there is a lot to take in as you a) have to practice hypnosis b) have to practice visualisations c) practice breathing and d) they explain exactly how labour progresses so that you have a good understanding of how your body works e) There are other areas covered aswell. Doing it over a few sessions really helped me get focused on the birth and having to go back to the tutor makes you do your "homework".
The most important thing to do if you do the course is to practice, practice and then practice some more.

[Anglepoise]

I think they are not really supposed to do the one day course any more (if it's supported by the Hypnobirthing Institute) but could be wrong. We did two days from 9-5, with the option to come along for an extra practice session for free (but had moved out of London by then).

I was around 32-33 weeks when we did it but think I was the least far along in the class (one woman didn't make the second session because she went into labour on the second date!).

I think it's probably possible to get by with just the books and CDs if necessary, but really enjoyed the course - it was really enjoyable and relaxing, made us practise the techniques to get them right with someone helping, and gave us a chance to ask any questions. Everyone was so confident and excited about the birth afterwards that it was really exciting and reassuring. Also, very importantly for me, it's made DH worry far less and given him something to do - I was getting concerned that he was more anxious about the whole thing than me!

Haven't had a chance actually to use it yet as I'm 36 weeks tomorrow, but hope that's helpful

[spottyshoes]

Oh yes very helpful Angelpoise, thanks. Good luck and I hope you get the labour you want

I think I will definately book one after both your comments. The practice sounds like it is good to relax at the end of pg too (I was quite stressed last time as worked until end). Will also be good for DH as he has no experience of drug free birth - and dare I say it, a bit sceptical.

[Anglepoise]

Not sure where you are but if you're in London then I can recommend Helianthe, who is just lovely. I only booked with her because there were only two weekends that we could do and she happened to have a space, but she was fantastic