Hypnobirthing or natal hypnotherapy?

[whinegums]

I wondered if anyone can tell me if there is a difference between these two things? I'm tempted to get the natal hypnotherapy CDs, but then I've also had a look at the hypnobirthing website, and trying to decide if one method is better than the other, or are they pretty similar?

I have had a wonderful experience with natal hypnotherapy. DH I did their two-day course (which I highly recommend)... found it very effective and professional, way more informative than our NCT course, in fact. I am 33 weeks and using their CDs and book - already feel so much less anxious about the birth, and much more relaxed and confident, despite being a bit sceptical of hypnotherapy at first.

I used the natal hypnotherapy cd's, helped me relax a lot and helped me focus during labour. I think the natal hypnotherapy ones are 'the original' ones iyswim. I'd recommend them, the pregnancy relaxation one is particlarily good

From what I have read (I haven't yet tried either method) Hynobirthing originated in the U.S and is also referred to as the Mongan method. The idea is to go to classes which you then reinforce by practicing the exercises they give you daily, I think there is a book and CD but its meant to accompany the course rather than act as a stand alone..

Natal Hypnotherapy was started by Maggie Howell (?) in the UK I think, and is basically a relaxing CD course that you listen to, ideally each day, in the run up to birth. During birth you listen to the relaxing birth music which helps to trigger a state of relaxation and calmness in you, because the music is used as background music in the earlier 'talking' CD's.

I wanted to do Hypnobirthing, but haven't been able to find a practitioner in Cornwall running a course. So I'm planning to buy a set of Natal Hypnotherapy CD's instead (anyone have any they want to sell? ) and just do it that way. They are slightly different methods, but I think both are effective and helpful. Err, hopefully! We'll find out... heh.

Thanks for this. I've just ordered the Natal Hypnotherapy programme - worth a go I think, and I should be able to put it on Ebay when I'm finished (tried to get one yesterday, but was outbid at around £38, so shouldn't lose too much on it).

Cheerfulvicky - CAT me (I think I need to set myself up for that) - I might be able to do you a favour

whinegums I tried to bid on the one last night too but got outbid by the same person I don't have CAT at present though I will set it up myself some point, in the meantime you can always email me vickykc at gmail.com. Thanks!

Just wanted to say that I've had two hypnobirthing babies and I can't say that it really is the most wonderful way to give birth. Good luck to you!!

Both are based around the same idea and techniques just with slight variations. You could also consider going to see a private hypnotherapist and asking for individual sessions covering a selection of techniques. These are more tailored to your individual needs rather than designed to match as many people as possible.

Hypnotherapy in whatever style you use is wonderful and can be really effective.

Good luck with it all!