Dr Gowri Motha vs Hypnobirthing

[Lite]

Hi, I'm a new mum to be and was wondering if anyone had any opinions or experiences on both The Gentle Birth Method (Dr Gowri Motha) and Hypnobirthing. What are their main differences?
EDD 24/09/10

Gentle Birth Method recommends homeopathy and eating a restricted diet

I used Gowri's book last pregnancy but did not follow it closely regarding diet. I was lucky enough that someone gave me a 'package' with all the things I would need for following Gowri (herbs, a few massage/therapy sessions, tapes of meditations) I unfortunately had a placental bleed at term so had to be induced but the meditations/imagery worked fantastically. DD was born after a 7 hour labour. Never used Hypnobirthing but Gowri could work out very expensive if you do all the things she reccommends. I am planning to pick and mix the Gowri stuff this time as I can't afford to see her this time.

Are the breathing/visualisation techniques similar?

Hi Lite. I am glad you posted this, I just asked about the Gentle Birth Method on the Sept. thread but haven't gotten any replies yet. I bought it and read it over Easter weekend and was also wondering if anyone else had followed it: loosely or scrupulously. I am gluten intolerant so the no wheat stuff doesn't bother me but I don't think I could stick to the diet religiously. I also think all of the treatments sound expensive! But am trying to use some of what she says and take it on board as I can.

Hi Running Guerita, I too have difficulty with wheat (and sugar), so the diet won't be at all bad for me too. I have experience with Craniosacral therapy so was going to have that anyway since I fell pregnant (before reading the book). I also love reflexology - so was going to book onto a few of those as a treat. I'll be having antenatal with my hospital (not NCT) so will save money there. Got the recommended yoga DVD (Tara Lee) on ebay for a fiver.

The one area I didn't quite understand was the actual visualisation and breathing methods - and how they compare to Hypnobirthing. TBH I haven't read the Gowri book completely - so I may find more answers there. I also need to read more regarding Hypnobirthing.

I'll keep you informed as to what I've discovered and what route I'll eventually take.

Thanks Lite. Will be interesting to see how you get on. I am thinking of buying a hypnotherapy book and CD as well but won't do a course as I've booked onto an NCT course and like most people I am limited on time and dosh!