hypnobirthing?!

[jacky]

Has anyone thought about or used hypnotherapy with their births? I have heard good things and so I have bought the cd to listen to! My first birth was difficult and I am willing to try anything that might help me stay in control more! However my hubby looks a bit sceptical although he says he will be supportive. Do I sound like a crazy hippy or does this actually work for some people? I'm cautiously optimistic but would love to hear if anyone else is planning a similar birth.
Jac

 

[leckershell]

I've heard it's a very good option and I'm looking into it, but I doubt I would have the patience!

 

[*glow*]

Hi J

I have the MOngan Method book - thanks to a recommendation by Red Shoes. This is my first baby but I have used these techniques in both my personal and professional life before and found that having some sort of focus stops me getting worked up about things!! I think that makes me less of a worrier - or thats the theory anyway!

I am early days yet but following the exercises in the CD every day and reading the book. I will give anything 'positive' a go! (but am also open to being given the drugs !! )

If you think it will help you focus on a better birth experience - go for it, like everything its your choice honey, not everyone's cup of tea but I know I am not alone on this forum with people giving it a bash (although I will let them tell you themselves) xxx

 

[weenik]

I've got the CD and book too so I'm going to give it a try. If nothing else, listening to the CD and doing the breathing exercises helps me get to sleep just now. I've always been pretty positive about giving birth (my mum had 7 so it couldn't have been that bad!) so the book hasn't really changed my opinions or thoughts. It can be a bit 'American/over the top' at times but I just blank those bits and take what I think are the useful bits. As I say, I'll give it a go but who knows what will happen when the time comes? I'll obviously do what's best for my baby x

 

[valentine]

I've got the same book and CD as *glow* (thanks for the recommendation!), it's available on amazon for about £12 including postage.

The CD is a bit American and a bit 'hippy' in places, but it does make you feel positive and although I don't have the patience to listen to it everyday, I don't think it does any harm to chill out to it a few times a week (except I keep falling asleep which is possibly counter-productive!). I found out today that there is a track 2 though (I'm a bit silly) so I will listen to that tonight and see what that is like.

I've yet to really tackle the book, so I'll have a flick through that too.

RedShoes used a lot of hypnobirthing techniques when she was in labour a couple of weeks ago and I'm sure she wouldn't mind if you PM'd her to ask more about it as she's probably the most experienced person I know of on hypnobirthing on here.

Hope that helps!

Valentine xxx

 

[trixipaws]

redshoes used hynobirthing, i think she said she got to 7cms with it! i'm sure she'll be happy to help xx

 

[LucyBee]

I did a hypnobirthing course, read the book and listened to the CD.
Unfortunately, after all that, we ended up having to have a section because Tom was so big.
However, I couldn't recommend the hypnobirthing highly enough. It is FANTASTIC! It completely changed my attitude towards birth and the course was one of the happiest times in my pregnancy.
Even though we didn't get to have a natural birth, we still used the techniques during the c-section and I still use them even now.
It is so worth putting in the time to practice the techniques and it is a lovely way to bond with your baby in the womb - for you and for your partner too.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me but I would really recommend it!
Lucyx

 

[jacky]

Thanks for replying everyone!
I'm definitely going to give it a try. I do feel very relaxed listening to the cd although I have only tried it a couple of times so far. 7cm was when I completely lost it last time and demanded an epidural which I regret now as the labour had been going well up until then and after the epidural everything slowed right down. I ended up giving birth with lots of intervention 12 hours later! I think if I can focus more then I might just hold it together this time!! If it helps it helps and if not then at least I had a try!

 

[Redshoes]

Hello jacky

I'm with LucyBee on this one, I can't recommend it highly enough either Hypnobirthing sounds a bit mind controlly but it isn't, it's about breathing and relaxing, with emphasis on how birth is natural, and how the uterus works with you and your baby to give birth safely and comfortably. I'd suggest reading the book first, 'Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method', which is American but there is now a British version of the book. If you feel yourself finding comfort in the book, and agreeing with it alot, then I'd suggest you look into a hypnobirthing course, because it's certainly an empowering experience

We ended up having a forceps delivery in hospital unfortunately, but at home we happily got to 7cms with no pain or concern, it was my back that caused problems but hypnobirthing is also about removing fear from birth, remove the fear and you create a peace and excitement, which birth should be, very best wishes, and yes PM if you wish to

valentine, it doesn't matter if you fall asleep whilst listening to the CD, you will still hear it, it will still be beneficial in the end

 

[Eveadel]

MASSIVE FAN OF HYNOBIRTHING, just had to emphasise how much I thought it helped. If you know me (highly strung!!), I was absolutely petrified of labour to the extent that it spoilt my whole pregnancy and eventually my consultant agreed it would be better to have an elective caesarian. Well ----- I used to listen to my CD twice a week and when I was about 34 weeks three times a week. I ended up having a normal delivery and I really think it was because of hynotherapy, I was calm as practically asleep and it was so helpful.

This is where I got my cd from http://www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk/, I also bought the labour cd aswell which was so calming

 

[mrs_tommo22]

It sounds great but i dont think i would have the patiance to listen to it, but then if i mentioned hypnobirthingf my DH would look at me weird i know that much!
Good luck to any of you that are going to use the technique fir your labours xxx