Anyone tried hypnobirthing?

[minimouse88]

Hi
I'm 21 weeks pregnant and intrigued by the idea of hypnobirthing. I spoke to a lady who does it today and am tempted to enrol.

Before taking the plunge I wanted to see if anyone has had any previous babies and had good/bad/or indifferent experiences with it?

My view is that if there is a chance that it can help then it might be worth a try and alot of what the lady said today made sense...your views would be greatly appreciated girls...thanks xxx

Do a search - masses of threads about it. Especially in childbirth. I've signed up!

I had a Natal Hypnotherapy CD last time, bought it after hypnotherapy session cured me of aeroplane phobia. I was really into it and listened to it regularly at end of last pegnancy but made not a jot of difference to my labour or birth. V long and drawn out affair and was concentrating more on my tens machine and the people around me than summoning images that were from the CD. Good or relaxation though.

I meant good for relaxation

I liked it for relaxation - didn't actually hypnotise self but found techniques v helpful.

I wasn't actually in hypnosis for the birth and did still use tens/G&A but I was very calm and relaxed and in control as a result of doing the course and as a result it was all very manageable.

It was also quick - infact DS's birth was totally perfect in every way and I am hoping that DS2's birth is the same! Am practising the relaxation (now 33 weeks).

I had hypnobirthing one on one sessions with a hypnotherapist - it was very relaxing and the first session probably helped the most, because one of my issues was birth fear. I had a CD as well which I used every night to put me to sleep - most nights I didn't get more than 5 mins into it before I was asleep.

When it came to having the baby, I had to be induced (I had an extra session because I was so overdue and fear of induction started to creep in!) but I used the techniques to start with - as the pains intensified, I wasn't able to fully control the pain but I didn't fight anything my body wanted to do and I believe it helped enormously in that I had only half an hour stage II labour, nearly delivered DS on my own (sent DH running for a MW as I felt DS crown, 3 mins later he was born) and didn't tear.

I would fully recommend it - if only for any fear removal! And for helping with sleep

I read the hypnobirthing book and used some of the breathing/visualisation techniques during labour, it definitely helped, had a 3 hour labour with just gas and air and birthing pool. Not sure I'd bother paying for a course though, I've seen some advertised round here and they're quite pricey!

I'm 39 weeks with my first baby and went to a 1 day course with my husband(the 4 day one was a bit too pricey)when I was about 6 months. A friend of mine had a baby last year using hypnobirthing and said it worked brilliantly for her. I'd definitely say give a course a go or at least get hold of a relaxation CD. It's helped me feel a lot calmer and more confident about the birth and I find the CD really helps me to have a good sleep/relax if I'm feeling a bit anxious or hormonal.