Hypnobirthing

[mum2bemay22]

Wanting to try hypnobirthing, this is my first pregnancy so not had any experience before. Did it work for others? Did you use just a book or did you go to classes? Really interested to see people’s positive experiences!

I’m 36 weeks with DC1.
Have been doing hypnobirthint since beginning of December and it’s amazing! I’ve had 2 classes, have read the book and read a lot online.
I would definitely recommend it. Obviously, I don’t know how it will affect my birth experience as I haven’t had it yet but I’m hoping it will help me relax and stay calm.

A lot of hypnobirthing is understanding what your body is doing throughout labour. Knowledge is power and the more you know, the more confident you will feel.

Have a good read up on it and have a think about if you’d like it :)

I've recounted my hypnobirthing experience with DS1 countless times in here so can advance search if you need, but in a nutshell, read the Marie Mongan book which helped to explain the science behind why a relaxed body is the optimum body for delivery, which I really took on board.

I ignored the "alternative" side of things and skipped over some of the relaxation practices and only used the ones that resonated with me. I also used the relaxation CD every evening before bed from about 27 weeks.

On the day, I found myself mooing like a cow in the bath at the hospital and willing myself to become even more relaxed with each contraction as the more relaxed I was the less painful it would be.

It worked anyway, I also had an optimally positioned baby who made his appearance 4 hours after waters breaking and first contraction so it was an incredible birth for all those reasons.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it!!

I just used it for baby #4 a couple of nights ago. It got me to 10cm well in control but I lost control at that point. Still, midwives were pretty impressed and amazed.

I think if you can use it, it is single handedly the most healthy and helpful (mentally and physically) way to get through a labour and delivery.

Thanks so much everyone! I definitely want to try it! I also go to pregnancy yoga which focuses on breathing through labour and a lady had her baby after using the same yoga class and she got to 10cm at home and felt really in control so I’m hoping this will all lead to a positive birth

I've been thinking about this for DC3. Any recommendations for particular books or CDs?

I’ve found Katharine Graves really helpful