Hypnobirthing recommendations

[Olive2019]

I'm a FTM considering hypnobirthing and wondered whether anyone had any advice/experiences to share from using it for their first babies. I'd really appreciate any comments & recommendations!

1. Did you use a book or do a course (online/in person)?
2. If a course, was it over several weeks or 1 day/weekend?
3. When did you start learning the techniques (I'm 27 weeks)?
4. How often did you practise?
5. Did you actually find it helpful during labour?

Thanks so much in advance!

Used the Maggie Howell natal hypnobirthing cd and book, found the breathing techniques and affirmations worked really well for me, kept me calm. Positive experience for me, managed to keep myself on the midwife led unit, and found that the breathing helped me so much that I didn't need the gas and air, it didn't take the pain away at all, it just helped me stay calm :)

Sorry, started at around 32 weeks, mainly because I was at risk of pre term labour. I did the cd every night at bed the, it usually sent me to sleep then I'd wake up towards the end

Thanks so much for your reply - that's really helpful. That's all I want really - something that will help me to stay calm and not panic!

I brought the positive birth company online course and have just started it with hubby earlier tonight :) they have a lot of free content on YouTube you could check out first to see if it’s the type of thing you’re after. I’ve found the first part insightful so far and helpful so looking forward to completing it over the next few days. I’m at 35 weeks right now. I’ve been reading and watching other bits on YouTube too so a mixture of content along with yoga and breathing techniques. Hopefully come to use but who knows how delivery will go!

I used Sophie Fletcher’s book and MP3s, ‘Mindful Hypnobirthing’ for my first. Started fairly early on, probably pre-20 weeks, but didn’t practice more regularly until something like 32w - I used to listen to the tracks and practice on my train commute.

Worked well for me! Had a pretty quick labour using the shower and then pool plus hypnobirthing techniques. It wasn’t the most calm and serene birth, but definitely gave me something to focus on.

This time round I’m also working my way through the Positive Birth Company videos, as I was worrying I didn’t have enough time to practice with a toddler running around too. I’ve found those interesting too so far (about halfway through course @ 34 weeks).