Hypnosis

[ohfourfoxache]

I'm 10 weeks with dc1 and, if I'm honest, I'm not really thinking about birth at the moment (denial is a wonderful thing!)

I do want to be as prepared as possible though.

Has anyone had any experiences with hypnobirthing/ natal hypnosis? Does it help? Does anyone have any recommendations?

I also have an extreme fear of blood tests - injections are fine, I can tolerate a butterfly, but it's the testing part I have a significant problem with. Midwife has referred me to a psychologist, but if anyone knows of any hypnosis that could help with this I'd be really grateful for your thoughts.

Thanks!

Well, I haven't has hypnosis for that, but for weight loss, and it was very effective. It certainly wouldn't hurt to try.

I am finding "birth skills" and yoga very useful. They work well with natal hypnotherapy, but I have heard some hypnobirthing practitioners claim you can get rid of the pain which wouldn't work so well with yoga and birth skills stuff.

I'm struggling with the idea that anything can make labour pain free tbh!

A friend did hypnobirthing and said it was brilliant.

She also had hypnotherapy for dental treatment that she'd normally be sedated for but couldn't due to being pregnant.

From what she's said it was expensive but worth it for her.

I would rather have pain in manageable levels, to me "pain free" seems an extreme promise. Especially with the caveat if I feel pain I'm doing it wrong!

Exactly! A reduction would be wonderful, especially without the potential guilt and self loathing

Thanks - I'm going to have a look into options

I did Hypnobirthing. Best money I ever spent. I had a 56 hour labour, 9lbs 10 baby and did it all without ever feeling the need for drugs. I felt calm and in control the whole way through. It wasn't pain free. We weren't promised pain free but it was all manageable and do-able. I appreciate I was lucky with dd's position and no complications, but couldn't recommend a good Hypnobirthing course highly enough.

My Hypnobirthing teacher also practices life coaching and hypnosis; I also had a life coach who used hypnosis as one of his tools. Definitely worth a try for your fear of needles. I used to find needles very traumatic but a combination of lots of blood tests and using deep breathing and relaxation techniques had reduced this fear massively.

Congrats and good luck!

Witt thank you, that's really helpful

How did you go about finding a reputable course/ teacher?

You're very welcome :)

My friend recommended her, I checked her website and then did a taster afternoon before signing up. Practitioners for the "original" Marie Mongan Hypnobirthing are all accredited and you can find a practitioner on their official website. Here's the link