Hypnobirthing

[Holiday16]

Hi ladies, I am hoping to have a water birth but I no things can change last minute and I may not have the chance to do a water birth. Many of my friends have advised on hypnobirthing. does anyone have any good experiences with hypnobirthing and is it recommended?

I am looking at doing this but I have no idea where to start. Should I buy a book or is there something online I can buy? Or do I need to find a local class? Thankyou in advance XX

Positive birth company have a digital pack. Defo recommend x

Hi op. I downloaded the digital pack (which is an online course £35) from the positive birth company and would highly recommend it!!! The hypnobirth teacher siobhan miller also does free videos (search for positive birth company on YouTube) so you can give yourself a taster or what the course is like before parting with any cash. She has also written a book and runs actual courses that you can attend.

I had a straightforward water birth. 75% of my labour was spent at home doing relaxation exercises and the other 25% at hospital where I ended up in the pool. Had a bit of gas and air towards the end. What I love about hypnobirth however is that the techniques can be used in every scenario - c section, induction, you name it!

Hypnobirth helped me massively in approaching labour with a positive outlook and trying to relax, which physically helps your body's hormonal balance. Sounds 'out there' but is fascinating to learn about and goes hand in hand with everything I learned on my nhs antenatal course so it's really not as strange as some people tend to think!

Good luck with everything

I tried this and went into birth with the positive out look of 'this is what will make me meet my baby' but my midwife was SH*T and it all went out the window!

Hi is it worth checking also if your hospital runs classes? We did 4 two hour sessions here in the local maternity hospital in Northern Ireland! I haven't gone into labour yet but I certainly feel more positive about birth and labour and have less fear.
Its as much about breathing techniques, getting into good positions, relaxation techniques and setting a relaxing atmosphere. The book Hypnobirthing by Judith Flood is good too.

I did an online introductory course and it was very helpful in mentally preparing for birth. My early labour went on for several days and the mental techniques and the advice helped a great deal in that phase particularly.

Also.... I think it would be good to have your birthing partner on board with the concept too as the midwives mightnt be necessarily trained to support you.
Get yer partner giving you some light massage, words of encouragement or reminding you of breathing techniques, birthing positions etc

I did the Marie Mongan hypnobirthing classes with a local lady, and had the cds and books to go with it. Looking back I did find it helpful as was pretty calm going into birth #2 even though baby #1 had been a bit of a nightmare. I'm not sure during labour I was the picture of serenity but I do think it definitely helped and would recommend it!