hypnobirthing

[sassie23]

I am just about to decide whether to do a hynobirthing course or not. Had to be induced last time with DS and it sent my contractions into overdrive which then led to a epidural to slow things down. This time I want to do as much as I can to control the early stages myself. Also I am not a very 'relaxed' person so I figured I need all the help I can to get through without panicking. From reading this and totally accepting the fact it is extremely unlikely to have a pain free birth I would still like to increase my chances of a more relaxing first stage. But do I spend the money on the course or go with the books and cds? All practitioners in my area are connected with Marie Mongan thanks for your advice

I did the Marie Mongan course and I am also not a very relaxed person I did find it helpful with late pregnancy (trying to relax while being the size of a small whale) and the early stages of labour were manageable until I got too knackered to visualise anything other than some drugs.

The breathing exercises I found particularly helpful and I still use them when I'm stressed or can't sleep. By going on the course rather than just reading the book, I could be sure I was doing them properly.

One of my friends did it and did have a drug-free birth (it wasn't pain-free but she managed) but don't beat yourself up if it doesn't happen because going by threads on here it is very unusual. It certainly didn't happen for me!

Just done the course and the practice sessions put me into deeper relaxation than listening to the CDs so think it's worth it. Yet to find out if it works for real though!

I read the book and then decided to do the course. Not cheap but I thought it was worth it - you get lots of examples and practical support which brings the book alive. Also really good to be actually taught techniques rather than just reading about them.

Good luck.

I just did the book and CDs - but it all went out the window when it came down to it in the end and I was delighted to have the epidural!

During the early stages I did try the breathing, but instead found it more helpful to focus on small details on the floor/coffee table/wall when getting thru the contractions. Not sure if doing the course would have helped me to be more focused on the breathing and visualisations or not...

The relaxation techniques and CD were good though - helped me get some important rest every single day, especially towards the end of my pregnancy. Not sure I would do the course myself now that I've been through it all.

Good luck, hope it all goes well for you.

Hi Sassie
I'd recommend you do the course, primarily because there is a fear release session that your practitioner will do. This will help you release any negative emotions you're still holding on to from the birth of you DS.

The book & CD are great if you're the type of person who's good at home study, but the course, providing you can afford it, will help you gain a better understanding of areas that may need practical demonstration.

If you start off believing that you won't have a pain free birth then that's exactly what you'll get. However, doing the course will help you to override the negative beliefs and replace them with more positive ones. HypnoBirthing doesn't promise a pain free birth because there are so many variables that can affect it, however it should be manageable for you, and some find it just to be an intense pressure or slight discomfort rather than pain.

Whatever you decide, it will help you understand more about what is happening in the early stages, however I believe the course will be better to give you the chance to ask questions about what's concerning you that you may not find answered directly in the book.

I did the course last year when I was pregnant with DD and would definitely recommend it to anyone.

The book and cd is included in the course costs and I would read the book regularly and listen to the cd at least once a day. When you do the course, you can interact with the instructor and get a better grasp of the whole process (even just learning about the physiological side of the whole process helped to remove any fear of the process). Often your intructor will also have taught other parents who have had amazing birthing experiences and this also helps to get rid of any negative associations you may have with labour.

Also, I enjoyed the course as it meant my partner could have a more active role in helping me during labour and it was a real bonding experience for us all. (I must say that initially, he wasn't too happy about giving up his days off to do the course, however will now wax lyrical about it to anyone and everyone!)

I had a fantastic birthing experience, arriving at hospital 24 hours after my first contraction, very relaxed (they didn't do a physical for an hour) and 9cm! DD was born not long after, a very chilled out baba (hypnobirthing means your baby will experience as little trauma as possible). I didn't tear and really enjoyed the whole experience. At no point did I feel anything more than mild discomfort. I went into the whole thing open-minded and fully prepared to ask for pain relief should I need it. Another mum from my antenatal group only used the book and cd and, without going into details, didn't have as pleasant an experience as I did, with a 4 day labour, amongst other things!

Good luck with whatever you choose to do and remember that it's a natural process that doesn't have to hurt

thanks for all your replies I've ordered the book and cd and will decide after seeing them