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Natural Birth
JellyTwoPointO
member
TTC since Aug 2011. BFP #1 on 10/28/2011 EDD of 07/02/2012 Natural MC on 11/22/2012 BFP #2 on 10/28/2012 EDD of 7/13/13 Judah Ari born on 7/11/13.
I love my rainbow baby!
Hypnobabies and hypnobirthing?
JellyTwoPointO
member
So I know absolutely nothing about this. Completely ignorant. Can someone give me the 411 on what hypnobirthing is, how it works, etc? Do you actually go into a real hypnosis? Has anyone done hypnobirthing and what was it like for you?
TTC since Aug 2011. BFP #1 on 10/28/2011 EDD of 07/02/2012 Natural MC on 11/22/2012 BFP #2 on 10/28/2012 EDD of 7/13/13 Judah Ari born on 7/11/13.
I love my rainbow baby!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Hypnobabies and hypnobirthing?
I haven't used hypnobirth yet, but I am starting a class next month so I'll tell you what I have read and researched about it.
Hypnobirthing is essentially a method of relaxation that you use during labor and birth. The class or books and CD's that you use train you to put yourself into a deep state of relaxation. Similar to the Bradley method, it relies on having a partner to assist you and give you cues if they see that you are tensing up or need to relax. Some women state that they do go into a sort of self-hypnosis, a very relaxed state where they are internally focused. The classes focus on eliminating the fear of labor and birth and allowing your body to relax and do what it is meant to do.
I have read many accounts of hynobirths and women stating that it worked to them on varying degrees. The consensus seems to be "you get what you put into it" so it takes a lot of practice and belief that it will work in order for it to be helpful. I'll let you know how the class goes next month!
F15 Siggy Challenge: What You're Looking Forward to Most After Baby Arrives: BELLY SLEEPING!
I knew I wanted to find some structured method for dealing with labor and childbirth, so I did quite a bit of study on what the different courses locally offered were about, and eventually narrowed it down to Hypnobabies or Hypnobirthing. After doing some more research and figuring out what the differences were between the two, I settled on Hypnobabies. I had read the Mongan Hypnobirthing book, and I liked the techniques, but I don't think it was comprehensive enough. While I think either of them are going to be better than nothing (that's true even of Bradley, or virtually any other natural-birth-friendly technique), what I liked about Hypnobabies vs. Hypnobirthing was that the course was not merely about getting yourself into the hypnosis state - it's a complete childbirth education course. Also, unlike Hypnobirthing, you have more freedom of movement with Hypnobabies. I'm giving birth in a hospital with a midwife practice that works in a clinic out of the hospital, so I needed a course that would be flexible and allow me to properly adapt to a hospital/birthcenter hybrid environment. I also don't want to be "tied down" during labor, and it seems like you have a lot more freedom of movement with Hypnobabies.
My husband and I are taking the Hypnobabies class, taught by a doula.
I used Hypnobirthing with DD and had a great birthing experience. The best way to describe the experience is being totally aware of everything (you feel everything your body and the baby are doing), but you are so relaxed that you are able to go with the flow. The philosophy is that you are in control of your birthing experience and body and it's having the confidence in yourself to allow your body to do what comes naturally in the birth process. You are not hypnotized, but are in a deeply relaxed state. Have you ever meditated or listened to a relaxation CD? You can make yourself fully awake in less than a second. You put yourself into the relaxation, no one is "hypnotizing" you.
Birthing and surges (contractions) were uncomfortable, but not painful. With DD, I listened to the hypnobirthing relaxation CD 4-5/ week, read the book and practiced the breathing techniques daily. When I went into active labor with DD, I was in a very deeply relaxed state within minutes. I obviously really believe in the method since I'm doing it again with this birth. I disagree with PP about not being able to move during the birthing process. I chose to stay laying on my side and focus on breathing because that's what worked for me. Other people who have used hypnobirthing, birth using balls, walking around, or other positions. It's adaptable to what works for you and your partner.
The book is about $20 and is a very easy read. You can find it cheaper or check out the website. I found out about hypnobirthing on the bump when I was pregnant with DD.
I am doing a refresher for Hypnobabies to get ready for #2 due in 6 weeks. I had a great experience the first time around with it! You can even look up Hypnobabies on YouTube and watch videos of actual births, but be warned - they can be rather boring! No overly dramatic screaming and insane breathing! Just calm, deep breathing.
I am not going to claim that my first birth was absolutely perfect... there are definitely parts of it that I wish I could go back and change a bit. At one point I wanted to punch my now husband because he had a guy moment, shall we say. But as far as the actual Hypnobirthing aspect of things, it was really great! I don't know how this one will go as I have been insanely stressed about a lot during my pregnancy. I honestly don't know if I will bother having my husband there this time... maybe I won't be able to get a hold of him while he's at work!?! Terrible, I know. I just dread the same thing happening this time that happened last time... except if it happened again, I really would punch him!
Okay, sorry, rambling. A lot of people tend to be visual when using hypnosis and one of the greatest things that happened during mine was after I finally hit 10 cm and went into seriously active labor, my pressure waves were about a minute apart and lasting 30 seconds or so. I would take a deep breath in as I was going up the wave and visualize breathing in Peace. I would hold my breath as I hit the top of the wave and visualize holding Joy in my uterus/stomach area. Then as I went down the wave I breathed out and imagined pushing forth Love. My midwives said I looked like I was giving birth to my fifth child and not my first because of how calm I was during that last hour!
I highly recommend Hypnobabies to anyone who is remotely interested in it. I really wish more women would be open to learning about it and taking the classes or doing home study. It certainly isn't perfect and you will only get out of it what you put into it (time is key), but it is probably the best birth preparation course out there right now. Waaaay better than any hospital course wishes it could be! Good luck and hope you check it out more!