Fran Lindsay tells her birth story: 'Hypnobirthing really worked for me - what an incredible experience! I hope my story inspires you.
A friend of mine told me about Hypnobirthing and at first I was a bit cynical. She left the book with me "just in case I fancied reading it" and it sat on my coffee table for weeks.
The more I thought about it the more I became intrigued by the whole concept so I read the book. I read it about 3 times in the end!
I also listened to the CD every night when I went to bed for 3 months (and during each day once I started Maternity Leave). The CD sent me into the most relaxed trance-like state I could ever imagine and left me feeling fabulous and really positive about giving birth.
When I went into labour I was relaxed and strangely quite excited about putting the Hypnobirthing technique to the test. I knew things were moving fast so my husband drove me straight up to the hospital so I could get into the zone (if you know what I mean!).
I asked for the lights in the delivery suite to be low, I put lavender oil on tissues around the room and there happened to be lava lamp in the room too so we had that on!
Once the scene was set and I was in my nightie I could really start to focus.
I found that standing by the bed (raised up quite high) with my hands resting on the covers was a good position for me and I crouched down with every surge. I used the breathing techniques exactly as they were described in the book.
As I felt a surge coming I took a very slow deep breath in to allow my tummy to push out then breathed out through my nose and down my throat in the direction of my baby. This helps immensely with the discomfort.
The visualisation techniques were amazing. The visions in my mind of my muscles working in unison with each other and them being blue satin ribbons were so vivid. I could really visualise my baby passing slowly and comfortably down the birthing passage.
Once the birthing pool had been filled up I got in and what a fantastic feeling - so warm and relaxing. As soon as I was in the pool I knew baby was on its way!
I didn't push at all... just took a fast deep breath in as I felt the very beginning of the surge then a very slow deep breath down through my body a few times and out she came. The crowning part stung a bit but it wasn't agony by any means.
Afterwards I lay on a mattress on the floor eating toast and drinking tea - what heaven!! When my family came to the hospital to visit me a few hours later they couldn't believe how calm and happy I looked (and I genuinely felt amazing!).
All I can say about Hypnobirthing is that it worked for me and I would rave about it until the cows came home! My labour was quick (1hr 40mins), stress free, had no stitches and I found it an enjoyable experience.
I now have an insight into the amazing power of the mind and the incredible power and strength of a woman's body. I really put all my trust in my body and allowed nature to do what it does best.
I think we underestimate ourselves and should sometimes just trust in nature a bit more! Needless to say, my husband was great support too and was utterly amazed by it all.'
