Hypnobirthing experiences please.

[m33r]

Just that really: I'm quite keen on this but DH thinks it sounds a bit far fetched. In his wisdom - and knowing as he does the wisdom of mumsnet! - told me to post on here to get views and reviews.

Any experiences or thoughs much appreciated by us both before we throw time and money at it.

Thanks!

I really recommend it. I had all three of mine at home without any pain relief and no tears or intervention. As others have said it is more than just hypnosis it explains the birthing process and takes the ingrained fear some women have away. You do need to give it some practice, I listened to the relaxation cd every night for weeks. It used to send me off to sleep! My husband and I also did a course who we practised the technique with which helped. Friends thought it was all a load of rubbish! You haven't really got anything to lose but a lot to gain in my opinion. Good luck.

I honestly recommend that you do it. It is very unlikely you will regret it, (unlike many of the FB purchases you will make :-)) I did it as an experiment for my DS1 as I was so petrified of labour and I am not exaggerating. The other posters who say you have to pratice are right though it is not that onerous and is only for a short time. Every minute you spend in practice will pay off in dividends. I was over 40 when i had both DS. Number one was 8 hours, calm water birth, very straightfoward. Number 2 was one and a half hours home birth. I put both down to Hypnobirthing as it made me stay calm and in control which (with a bit of luck thrown in) helps baby to stay calm and in control which impacts on everything else. Please message me if you want any more information. I would happily send you my book and CD if it helps :-) xx

You could tell DH that it is like ronnie o' Sullivan going to a sports psychologist for relaxation techniques. My DH wasn't convinced until I got the book home after the course (Mongan method) then he realised it was similar to lots of other stuff people use like sports psychologists.

Am using wise hippo this time. But overall am a lot less anxious so less regular listening to MP3s.

There's no harm in trying it, especially if you're just getting the book and listening to the cd. I wasn't nervous at all about the birth although obviously I knew it wouldn't be pain free. I didn't actually use any of the visualisation techniques or calming methods but I still had a easy, drug free birth which I feel was at least partly due to the hypnotherapy. I listened to the cd a lot, but didn't manage to stay awake once, but it still seeps in.

I was the same as acorncat. Listened to the CD over and over but didn't make it to the end of a single episode. Best sleep aid ever!

Birth 1: felt totally in control the whole time. 12 hrs from first contraction to baby. No pain meds, and laboured at home until 10 hrs in; when I got to hospital was 10cm dilated. Felt more pressure than pain and was able to breathe through pushing.

Birth 2: less than 2 hrs from first contraction to baby. Wasn't able to establish calm breathing - contractions came on top of each other almost immediately and I really 'felt it' this time. Again, no pain meds.

I think it's worth doing. The breathing techniques are useful, and it really does feel like you're doing something proactive to keep in control. Good luck!

I agree with starlight about hypnotherapy helping you not to lose it!
I disagree about there being no other pain relief that works though. I used a tens machine which was incredible! Despite both me and dh being really sceptical, it really helped.