Hypnobirthing?

[livingzuid]

I'm researching pregnancy yoga etc and what prenatal classes to do (or not, they look scary!). I'm very keen on the yoga and other natural methods as far as possible and came across Hypnobirthing as a relatively new technique. Has anyone come across this before or used it successfully? I like the idea but wanted to canvass some opinions (I'm not in the UK btw so it might be just where I am!). Thank you :)

Yoga worked best for me and had all of the bits from hypnobirthing that I actually used in birth (breathing techniques, visualization etc.,) tbh -I wonder why I wasted the money I spent on Hypnobirthing as I found it a complete waste of time and think it actually taps into pre-birth anxieties of new parents. It did nothing for my birthing experience whatsoever. Breathing exercises and a positive mental attitude when you're feeling the pain work wonders, and a TENS machine. Pre-birth I was anti-pain relief and wanted a natural, relaxing experience. During birth I realised my error and am glad we invested in the TENS machine and I did yoga for pregnant women. THAT helped me the most.

We've booked into a hypnobirthing class and I'm hopeful, I think potentially it depends on which one you go to. There were a lot of positive testimonials for the one we're attending in Leeds, in fact you can read them here

I'm planning only natural pain relief so we'll see how it goes!

I've found prenatal yoga classes in English yay so I will be going to those. I'm hoping to have no pain relief but you never know do you but everything I can do to help the little one is going to be worth it!

This is very helpful thank you both.

There was another thread recently on mumsnet re the benefits of hypno birthing that would interest you. I used the Natal hypnotherapy Cd and workbook and it helped me much more than yoga. I had no fear approaching the birth I was positive and relaxed. Although the birth didn't go to plan quite ( I have yet to meet anyone for whom it does!) I coped well with the pain, avoided an epidural and never felt out of control. It was cheaper than going on a course but it worked for me

I planned on using hypnobirthing for DS2, who was born nearly 3 weeks ago. I had the book by Marie Mongan and the rainbow relaxation CD. I didn't practice the techniques as much as I should have done but I felt positive about the impending birth (DS1's birth was not a positive one).

As it happened, this labour was very fast and the panic of making it to the hospital in time really got in the way of me being relaxed. So in a sense it didn't work for me (which could easily be due to lack of practice). However, the principles of hypnobirthing and giving birth being a natural, normal thing and that your body knows what to do. I just let my body do what it needed to do - I never pushed but he just came out and I felt relaxed in the sense that I knew the pain was for a reason and that nothing was wrong (outwardly I was screaming my head off though, I had no control over that but let that happen too!).

So I think reading the book and getting the idea worked for me, but not in the way I expected.

Hope that's helpful!

That is very helpful thank you and good to know about the cd. It's on the list of things to get!

I love yoga so am looking forward to it - will be nice to stretch out and practice breathing. It gives dh a light touch guide to the event which is all we are seeking as the birth will be consultant led so already had a lot of info.

Thanks once again :)