Waterbirth without hypno-birthing, can anyone share their experience?

[AFergie]

This is my second baby and I would love to have a water birth.
It seems that every waterbirth story that I have read ( and that is many !!), the women have prepared with hypno-birthing.

Has anyone out there done a waterbirth without hypnobirthing, i.e. just coping, with breathing like they 'could'?

And for the women who used hypno-birthing, how much preparation did you do? Was listening to a CD and practising for 2/3 weeks enough?

Thanks for your help !! xxxxx

I had a waterbirth for DC1 (currently expecting DC2), had done no hypnobirthing and all just happened very naturally. Admittedly it was terrifyingly quick but my body just took over and seemed to know what to do so I'm not sure I'd have had time to 'breathe the baby out' even if I'd done some hypnobirthing research!

Loved my water birth. 8cm when I got to hospital- would have stayed at home longer but my bath isn't big enough. Just breathing that felt right. Gas and air and birth pool were so relaxing after 30 hours of contractions. I was tired and lazy so was pushing for 2 hrs, but when I pushed the pain went. A little uncomfortable between contractions at the very end when I could feel his head close to coming out.

Seriously amazing experience. The water diluted all the yicky mess so no need to be freaked out by fluids. Can't wait for next time- will have home water birth. I only gave birth 17 days ago!

Good luck.