Anyone done hypnobirthing? What to expect?

[loeylo]

I have managed to get a referral for hypnobirthing on the NHS and I'm pretty keen for a water birth. Well, either that or I want a c-section (so from the most natural birth to the most medicated, no in-between!)

I have been accepted onto the course etc (it's a funded one so I don't need to pay, I don't meet the area criteria but my mw pushed to get me a place due to my anxieties.) I was told that my partner needs to come to all the appointments but they are during the day which sucks a bit!

I just want to know what to expect, my partner is a bit clueless (but supportive) and tbh I don't know tonnes about hypnobirthing!

His response to finding out he has to go to the classes is "but I don't want to be hypnotised" haha! I just want to know what to expect, I have really bad health anxiety an hate being out of control, especially in a medicated scenario!

 

[vs011]

I am taking hypnobirthing classes, as a first timer. i was told to listen to the mediation cd they gave as part of the classwork. Though I only started classes, I too have anxieties and need to feel in control, or at least not like I'm clueless. The classes will indeed relieve your anxieties. You start to trust and believe in your self knowledge and body about pregnancy and birth. You gain innner self power. But you cant just go to the class and passively listen. Be an active student and you will gain the most from it.

I dont know i will stay unmedicated at my labor or be as relaxed as some of those women in the hypnobirthing videos. I will try as far as I can, and these classes will increase my willpower and focus to do so. At least I know I have given my labor the very best I could. that's all I can do.

 

[Kess]

I am a qualified clinical hypnotherapist, and I'm happy to answer questions if you like? I don't do birth hypnotherapy yet, though I'd like to further specialise in it, but the principles are the same no matter whether you're treating phobias, smoking, weight control, stress, etc. or labour.

I also had a hypnobirth with my 1st, and will do so again, though I used a CD the first time and will be making my own personal programme this time so no experience of being in a hypnobirthing class (plenty of experience of being under hypnosis though, it was part of my training!).

Is your hypnobirthing one-to-one or a group class?

Hypnotherapy is not like stage hypnosis, so don't worry. You can't be made to do anything against your morals or anything, it's just a very very relaxed state in which your conscious mind stops its 'chatter' and you can more easily influence the subconscious, which is where fears etc reside. It's a pleasant feeling generally, very restful. Your DP will be asked to be there so he knows how best to support you, I expect.

 

[Medzi]

I didn't do a class but read a book (I think the author name had Morgan in it...) and it came with a CD. I listened to the CD a lot leading up to birth. While in labor I used a lot of the techniques and when I felt things were getting tough, I listened to the CD and affirmations. It helped me sooo much!! I labored with just gas and air. Have started re-reading and listening in prep for my next!