Hypnobirthing - what are people's experiences?

sexymouse

Hi all,

I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant and have been considering using hypnobirthing at this baby's birth if it is possible. I know that classes are really pricey, and was wondering what people's experiences have been (either going to classes, or using cds etc to do it themselves). Did you use it during your birth in the end? Was it beneficial?

Having had 2 traumatic births (the first was an extremely long labour with interventions at the end, the second was at 14 weeks of pregnancy) already, I think if nothing else, it may help me to relax and think more positively about the birth process, but wanted others' opinions so I can decide on the best options for me.

Many thanks in advance.

in-despair_2

See if there is Daisy birth class near you. It combines movement, breathing techniques and hypnobirthing. I used all the techniques with my second baby resulting in a much calmer, controlled birth than what I had with my first baby. Plus the classes were a lot cheaper

sexymouse

Thank you - I'll look into them.

MrsSave

I bought the cds during my first pregnancy and listened to them (though not half as often as they suggest). I also attended a maternity yoga class. My labour was pretty quick (I went from 2cm to 10cm within 3-4hrs) and I used breathing and focusing to help cope. I felt in control and the only time I felt it was too much was during the transition stage. I used gas and air after reaching 10cm, for the pushing stage.

Whether it was the hypnobirthing/yoga that helped, or whether it made no difference at all, I don't know. I was relaxed beforehand, didn't have a strict birth plan (basically I'd see how things went, and if I needed all the pain relief in the world then that would be fine) and wasn't scared.

I'm now 37 weeks pregnant with my second. I have listened less to the hypnobirthing cd (I find it so much more difficult with a toddler around) and have only managed some maternity yoga from a DVD I bought. I do intend to listen to it as much as I can during the final few weeks as it must have played some role first time around.

sexymouse

Thank you Mrs Save - yes I have a 4-year-old too which makes it harder to practise too.

flutterbyuk25

Where I live (S Wales) they run a free 6 hour hypnobirthing course via NHS so maybe ask your midwife if it's available near you?

sexymouse

Our NHS run a 4x 2.5 hour course for £100 based on the Katherine Graves method. I've just had a long conversation on the phone with an acquaintance who teaches the Wise Hippo scheme and I definitely feel that hypnobirthing would be of benefit, it's just the costs etc that scare me. I guess I need to look at it as an investment though.

SG27

My wife and I got free courses on the NHS. She ended up being induced as she went overdue so most of the things we learned we couldn't use. The labour was quite traumatic lasting 27 hours from when the contractions were severe. However, we used what we could and it definitely helped to keep her calmer and more relaxed. She is a natural worrier and has suffered from anxiety in the passed but she did amazingly well keep mentally in control even though things were not going as planned. She did manage a natural birth in the end without intervention even though the baby was quite large at 8lb 6 considering she is so small at only 5ft.

Of all the courses we/she did throughout the pregnancy these were by far the most useful and helpful. I would certainly recommend it. Even just to help keep things happier and more relaxed in the later stages of pregnancy.

It doesn't work for everyone though and you have to be committed and practice what you learn. I would forget the idea of drug free births and just use it as another tool in the bag to use along with the conventional drugs.

sexymouse

Thanks SG - it's good to hear from the partner's perspective too. After a couple of traumatic births, I'm completely open to any interventions and pain relief needed as I know that every birth is different and it's impossible to predict whether any of these will be medically needed. I think for me, it is being in a calm enough state to feel in control even if they are needed, rather than panicking as like your wife, I'm a natural worrier.

mr_knight

I was terrified of giving birth. I mean really scared, I was lucky to have an amazing midwife but I decided to try hypnobirthing. I went to the therapist and she worked with me and the hubby. I also played the meditation at home. It really helped me to relax. Eventually I went to the hospital to be induced and I asked for some paracetamol as my Braxton hicks were a bit uncomfortable. Yeah I was 8cm. I did have some pain relief but that wasn't due to labour, more another condition. There is no way I would have been so relaxed without hypnobirthing, well worth every penny.

I also read child birth without fear, it helped me think about things in a different way.

Good luck.

sexymouse

Thank you - that's great to know. A friend recently had her baby and used a track from YouTube and said that it was great for helping her manage her contractions. I've decided to book a class with am acquaintance I have who teaches classes. We start on the 12th December.