To Hypnobirth or not to hypnobirth?

[dal21]

Has anyone got any first hand experience of whether this helped them in labour? My midwife today said that although initially sceptical - the recent births she has attended where the women have done this have made her revisit her opinion. The women apparently were in control and were fantastic births. So she has basically said that if we are open to the idea of it - we should look into it.

Any thoughts?

i fancy this as well- so am bookmarking the thread

i did it second time around it was fantastic.

v controlled and in control and nothing but a tens machine home birth op baby.

Thanks Project - do you mind telling me what about it made it more controlled for you? are the techniques really that good?

i have no idea tbh. I just felt calm and in control. I was so in tune with my body It was great. I actually felt the baby rotate and then descend into the birth canal.

I'm in a class right now, due in six weeks. Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it goes!

I should add that what I've gotten so far is this: hypnobirthing has a lot to do with changing what you think you know about child birth. By understanding the mental and physiological relationship between fear / anxiety and pain, you can go a long way to alleviating all three.

Plus it's awesome to share with your DP. Lots of massage and quality moments practicing. We're actually really excited for instead of terrified of the big day!

Hypnobirthing is brilliant! I was able to have DD at home with no pain releif (I didn't even want gas and air) after 2 births where I'd been screaming for an epidural. I had a brilliant hypnobirthing hypnotherapist, who taught me more about child birth than I'd learnt from NHS, and NCT ante natal classes. I wasn't into the massage, but found the breathing techniques fabulous, as well as the 'birthing affirmations'. Well worth the money.

I did the visualisation thing and a bit of silent chanting as such throughout my labour and stayed reltively calm and had no pain relief. Lots of leaning and rocking - thinking about my breathing and saying 'its fine, you can do it, you're okay' blah blah

It all went pear shaped when my waters broke at home with meconium and dh had taken ds2 to playgroup! At which point I panicked and the pain kicked in big time - not a suprise really as was fully dilated, ready to push and only just made it to hosp in time. At which point wanted pain relief but was too late!

So would highly recommend it

I did a hypnobirthing course. I also had a long labour, failure to progress, and an emergency c-section.

But I am tremendously glad that I took the hypnobirthing course. I felt confident, in control, and able to make rational decisions throughout. I didn't achieve the "it's not pain, it's surges" plane of existence, but the relaxation techniques were a huge help (up until the point where DH, who was my hypnobirthing partner, got kicked out because I wasn't in "established labour", but that's another story).

I just wanted to share that even if you don't wind up with the textbook hearts-and-flowers hypnobirthing birth, there's a lot to be gained from it. I intend to brush off our notes for any subsequent DC.

Hypnobirthing taught me it was important to have comfortable surrroundings when giving birth, ie privacy, and dim lighting. Two things which you have to be quite insistant about in hostpitals.

Yes - very true - my plan was to stay at home as long as poss - which I did and it was really just me lolling about - dh and boys were asleep. It was dark and quiet and I could stay calm which really helped. I did talk myself through every contraction and would prepare myself for the next contraction - even managed to tidy up the brio between two and straighten my hair between some others!

During hypnobirthing classses you mioght get to watch a DVD of a woman in labourwho is aompletely motionless. For me, the lack of pain emphasised just how strong the 'surges' were, similar to being blown by a huge gust of wind; strong and forceful, but not painful.

During hypnobirthing classses you mioght get to watch a DVD of a woman in labourwho is aompletely motionless. For me, the lack of pain emphasised just how strong the 'surges' were, similar to being blown by a huge gust of wind; strong and forceful, but not painful.

Hmmm - mine were painful - had to stop myself saying 'ow' and remember to breath - that was the thing which kept me focused.

i was motionless i must admit. I just sat on my ball and breathed for the last bit of stage one. i did go from 3cm at 5.30pm to delivery at 7.11pm though.

i did whinge slightly during delivery at one point. but literally once.

wow that is really good! I had to rock.

I love hypnobirthing! It got me through my first birth which was a twelve hour induction, without pain reliefough labor and pushing.

Second birth was very fast with only 2 hours of "official labor" So I wasn't as relaxed, but remembered my breathing, and focused on a spot on the wall. Again no pain relief.

Have been listening to hypnobirthing CDs throughout pregnancy. Due in two days. Will let you know how it goes

any good websites?

I saw this lady: lucysymons.squarespace.com/

If you're in Surrey or London might be good for you. Her website explains a lot of the benefits of hypnobirthing.

Haven't given birth yet but am finding the personalised CD very uplifting, reassuring, relaxing. I am now looking forward to the birth, not afraid of it.

have a look at this site

This is good for me, I have my first class on 5th July and I am finding the book really annoying so this has given me hope. Divaskychick if you can let us know how it goes that would be great.

I would highly recommend it. I was calm and in control and had no pain relief. The labour wasn't pain free towards the end but it wasn't unbearable and the breathing techniques really helped. One of my midwives had attended other births using hypnobirthing and she thinks it is great.