Hypnobirthing - a general recommendation to sceptics

[Shelduck]

Hi all,

Gave birth to DS2 three weeks ago and just wanted to make a general recommendation for hypnobirthing (i'm lumping hypnobirthing and natal hypnotherapy together here - i am sure there are differences, but the general principle is the same).

I'm not normally into this sort of thing and I'm definitely not a crystal-and-chanting sort of person, but this stuff has sound principles behind it - so do give it a go, even if it's just a few breathing techniques. I don't think you should have high expectations that it will mean a gentle pain-free birth (although i'm sure it's possible), but it will mean that you feel much more calm and in control, and better able to deal with the pain, and better able to deal with any complications that arise. My birth was still a bit of an ordeal, but much better than birth of DS1. i felt in control the whole time and the midwife kept commenting on how chilled out i was. Got my tear stitched up in theatre afterwards, and the theatre staff also commented on how relaxed i was.

There are loads of different options, and i'm by no means an expert on what is best, but for info, this is the CD i used: www.amazon.co.uk/Effective-Birth-Preparation-Hospital-Centre/dp/1905220502/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1428658360&sr=8-2&keywords=effective+birth+preparation
I listened to it every day from week 36 and always felt really positive and chilled out afterwards (not my normal state of mind!)

Good luck and congratulations to you all!

Thanks so much for this, I'm really interested in Hynobirthing so I'll have a look at that CD. I've heard quite a lot of positive comments about it.Contrats on the safe arrival of your babba!

I'm definitely going to look into getting a CD and book (can't afford classes). I watched an old episode of OBEM last night and this woman basically screamed hysterically the whole time and has scared me a bit!! Never seen one like that and trying to do anything I can to try and be calm!

Glad to hear it worked so well for you, hope it does the same for me in a few weeks time! Listening to the same track too. Always good to hear positive stories, thanks

Just ordered it, thanks! I'm 35 weeks and have just read the Mongan Method Hypnobirthing book - highly recommend, also on Amazon x

I can also highly recommend it, I had 8 hours of drug free, pain free labour prior to an emcs due to DS being awkward! It really helped and I'm always recommending it to pregnant friends.