whenskiesaregrey I listened to the CD when i couldn't sleep or just before bed. i often found I couldn't concentrate and my mind would drift on to other things or i would fall asleep but the course taught me that this didn't matter and if I listened regularly it would sink it. The important bits really did. DH used 3,2,1 relax regularly, reminded me to breathe through the contractions, told me that all I need to do is breathe and relax, nothing else, my body would do all it needed so we could meet our baby. He kept saying breathe slowly and evenly. It was like repeating a mantra and it worked so well. He would tell me to simply relax and allow the birth to happen. He knew that when my breathing got too fast he needed to get close to me and breathe slowly and deeply near me, without touching me, to encourage me to match his breathing. It was so effective on my behaviour. He also knew that when i was shaking my head or 'self doubting' it was time to encourage me to change something, a slight position change, a slight breathing change, make noise or go quiet, have a drink etc.
I know I had a short labour but it was very intense and the tens let me focus so when I pressed the boost button I literally felt as if I was turning down the pain dial.
I'm really not a woo sort of person, I am genuinely surprised at how much it helped me to focus and I really do believe it can help you do the same. I didn't manage any visualisation on the day, I guess you only take what you need to from the CD.
One really important thing from the course was that I shouldn't get into the pool until at least 5cm dilated. Again, this gave me a 'next point' to get to, same with waiting for the gas and air!
starlight can't believe the pipe didn't make it in time for you, maybe I wouldn't have stayed so calm and in control in that case! Amazing that you achieved it with zero pain relief. I totally agree that the process was about giving me confidence and the knowledge to know that I could cope.