Hi girls,

my yoga teacher has recommended hypnobirthing classes - I'm really interested but a bit put off by the price. Just wondered if anyone else is considering it or knows of anyone who has used the techniques - I've read testimonials which all give the technique glowing reports but I'm not sure?

Thanks,

xx

Hi, I gave birth just over 4 weeks ago and had done the Hypnobirthing sessions privately. I felt really relaxed and confident about the birth and wasn't scared about being in pain as I knew I wouldn't feel any. I was having irregular contractions for 3 days and I was able to use my Hypnobirthing breathing techniques to keep me calm. When I was in established labour I got to 5 centimetres before going to the hospital, I would have been able to stay at home longer as I was coping really well but I was bleeding heavily due to a ruptured placenta.
Unfortunately I ended up having an emergency caesarean because my lo had low oxygen levels and they were worried about his heart rate. To help me progress faster before deciding on a caesarean they put me on a syntocinon drip, I'd been dreading that as I was told it would probably make the contractions painful as they weren't occurring naturally. It made them a lot more intense and I had to have gas and air to relieve it a bit, I wouldn't call it painful but just a lot more intense than the other contractions.
All the midwives and doctors I met commented on how calm I was and said I had a high pain threashold. They were amazed I stayed relaxed and positive throughout it all. Without Hypnobirthing I definitely wouldn't have had a positive attitude towards labour as I was terrified of giving birth before having the sessions.
I'm so glad I had the sessions, even though I didn't have the natural birth I'd hoped for, it took away all my fear and my contractions just felt like tightenings there was no pain with them.
I would definitly recommend it, it's worth the money!
Hope that's helped a little xx

Hi, I also tried the hypnobirthing but like you was put off by the price so bought book and cd, they're bout £25 (you can even get them second hand) I didn't feel I needed the classes after that but in any case it'll give you an idea if this is for you or not.
Like e2002 I ended up having a c section, but laboured for three days prior to that and managed to cope fairly well with hypnobirthing and would defenitly recomended it. Good luck.

Hi, I couldn't afford the classes so bought the CD's secondhand off eBay for £16! I totally recommend them - I laughed when I first listened to them, all that 'mumbojumbo' & silly music but then calmed myself & took it seriously & it was fantasic & worked for me...I loved the whale/sea music during labour which normally drives me mad when they put it on at beauty salons! & I kept chanting the 'mantra' whilst in labour & did the breathing techniques.
I still felt pain etc but was more calm & in control & handled it all better this time...so much so that I gave birth 20mins after arriving at hospiatl as I didn't realise how far gone I was! I also used a TENS machine.
Good Luck!
xxx

There are a few hypnobirth experiences in our Birth stories channel too, if you want to read some other people's experiences...

Thanks for your advice girls - I think I'll definitely give it a go x

hi JDutch

i've looked after 2 women who used hypnobirthing and for both of them it worked brilliantly!!

they both had beautiful normal deliveries (one needed gas & air towards the end, but willingly gave it away to push!!

Just bumping this up as others have been asking about Hypnobirthing!
xxx