Hypnobirthing?

claudizzleriffic

Hey May mommas!

I thought I would ask my favourite board (as opposed to heading over to more specific boards first) what their thoughts and/or experiences of hypnobirthing are?  I am looking into hypnobirthing and have researched a few options from where I'm from (Vancouver, Canada).  Classes are not cheap (~$500), but my best friend and midwife are strong proponents of it and the benefits that they have had/seen with women who have practiced hypnobirthing.

I have a few questions regarding this: 

First, if you have taken hypnobirthing classes, did you find it worth it?  What were your experiences with the techniques you learned and how did they impact your labour/birth of your child?

Second, has anyone opted out of the classes and just read books/watched videos, etc. to learn the methods on their own? If so, were you successful in implementing them during your labour?  Or, do you wish you had taken classes?

Thanks for any feedback! I'll head to the natural birth board too to check out other tips about this!

ktzen3

I read the book, along with some other "nautral birth" books. I did not have a hypnobirthing experience, but I have had three excellent non-medicated deliveries in the hospital. For me, visualization, music, and a positive mindset were all I needed. I did labor most of the time in the tub for all three, and that was also very helpful in keeping me calm and relaxed. LMK if you have any questions!

MrsPDX

I cannot really speak from experience, but I will say that I have the book and will not be taking a class ($300-400 is not in my budget and that's what they cost here). So I'll just be self-learning. I figure even I don't completely master it, just practicing it has to help some, right?

mpiemont

I have not taken any classes but used some great CDs to prepare for birth and during labor- the ones by Belleruth Naparstek were really good.

claudizzleriffic

Thanks for the info and insight from everyone so far! 

 @MrsPDX & @ktzen3 - when you say you read "the book", which one are you referring to?

And @mpiemont, thanks for the name of the CDs

I'll look into books and CDs first before I seriously consider dropping $500 on classes... as that is a ton of money right now @-)

MrsPDX

I am referring to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/HypnoBirthing-natural-approach-comfortable-birthing/dp/0757302661

supersarah77

I read the book and downloaded the CD that came with the book to my phone to listen to daily. It really helped me get through a 39-hour unmedicated labor that even got stuck at 9cm for 10 hours. For FTMs, that's the most painful part of labor and 8-10 cm usually lasts 1.5-3 hours. I also had a doula that supported me using hypnobirthing techniques during labor and that was super helpful, too. Anyway, I'm a big fan of hypnobirthing and plan to do it again.

ETA: I do not wish I had taken the class, I'll break out the book/CD and do self-study again.

ktzen3

MrsPDX said:

I am referring to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/HypnoBirthing-natural-approach-comfortable-birthing/dp/0757302661

me too.

Ibliss

Last pregnancy I took the class. It was mildly helpful but not worth $500 (ours was only $120). This time I plan on practicing on my own and rereading the book. For me, practicing before hand helped the most. Because DD was late, I was induced and did end up getting an epidural half way through but I still felt the techniques were useful.