Hypnobirthing - worth the money?!

[Saundy]

I'm tempted by hypnobirthing but the classes are really expensive, I have found some locally for £200 which I know is relatively cheap compared to other areas so am giving it some serious thought.

I'm not sure I'd get as much out of a DVD as the classes so was wondering has anyone done it, did it make a difference, was it worth it?

We've signed up for classes though have only had one so far. I am of the camp where I'd rather see birth as positive and exciting rather than have the mindset it will be horrendous so I was really up for these from the off. So far so good, me and dh are learning relaxation and I already understand more about how birth works than I did before (though to be fair it wasn't much). We haven't really told our friends though as It really isn't for everyone and our parents seem to think its 'Mumbo jumbo' that we are wasting money on but if you want to try it go for it. Plenty of people pay the same for NCT classes with the sole intention o making friends so comparitively its not too bad. I can't imagine that the DVD is as interactive as having somebody talk you through it, plus in my case it's really helpful to be able to ask questions throughout, but that's just better for me - I've heard lots of positive things on here about the books and DVDs etc x

Yes, i have had two wonderful birthing experiences, DS was a straightforward waterbirth and DD was induced due to raised blood pressure but still a very positive experience. It will totally change your outlook on birthing and if nothing else remove any worry during your pregnancy. Good luck.

Saundy hi!! Does your Nhs hospital do hypnobirthing classes? Mine does, they are separate to the normal antenatal classes and you need to put your name down as they are so popular

TwentyTinyToes would you say you managed to "breathe the babies out" rather than push as that seems to be a claim too far for me?! I'd rather just know a realistic experience - that I'm sure is still positive & beneficial rather than hear big promises that don't seem likely. Surely pushing can't be avoided?!

Do you mind me asking how much your classes are Excited?

Hey Harv no they don't seem to, there are 2 private practitioners in the area and thats it as far as I can see.

Hi, we're paying £250 for 4 classes each 2 1/2 hours long plus a fifth class when we're nearly due as a recap. It is quite expensive but it's only money at the end of the day - I've probably saved that in wine since becoming pregnant !!

Well I've heard its £400 in some areas so that should make you feel better!

With DS i did not actively push until right til the very end, the mw kept telling me to and DP told me afterwards that everyone was getting a bit twitchy because they kept seeing his head. I was oblivious to this stress and quite happy in my bubble. I did push a bit though and ended up tearing. The water was amazing and really helped me to cope.

With DD (second baby) my body was involuntarily pushing, doing it without ant conscious effort from me. It felt very different but probably because i was not in water.

So no, i didn't breathe them out but i certainly did not push for very long with either of them. If i am fortunate to have a third, and it is all straightforward then i can see how it would be possible. Also, the breathing out business is a bearing down feeling so breathing out may be a slightly misleading name. It certainly isn't forced pushing but i don't think that is recommended now anyway.

I've been doing it for this pregnancy (my third) and I feel far more calm and positive about birth than I ever have before. It's also helped me keep calm in the run up to it too (am 35 weeks now). In terms of the pushing thing, I totally believe it - I pushed with my first, but didn't push at all with my second - he appeared after about 5 minutes of me getting the bearing down feeling, but I made no conscious effort at all (in fact, I remember being totally bemused as to how he had appeared as I hadn't done the pushing bit).

I'm doing it for my first pregnancy now.

I'm also doing some NCT classes and have been really surprised at just how much more confident and positive I am than the other women doing the NCT (who are not hypnobirthing).

I know 2 friends who hypnobirthed and both had wonderful, empowering and happy births.

From what I understand birth is still incredibly intense and seriously pushes your body with a hypnobirth, but it's generally less scary/traumatic and demeaning.

The classes we have attended have been very informative and my teacher has a library of the AIMS books and others that have been invaluable.

I can't wait for our big day!

Do it - I am expecting my 5th and had two hypnobirthing babies. I can't begin to tell you how different the experience was compared to my non hypnobirthed babies.

I would love to use hypnobirthing for my first due in december but really cant afford the classes and the nearest classes are miles and miles away, has anyone used just the books/DVD?