I like closure ha ha! So I came across my cds and was deciding what to do with them...keep them or not. I thought it would be interesting to have this thread with your final thoughts.
1) Did you get what you wanted from the course
2) Either way, would you use it again
3) Anything else to add
Re: hypnobirthing/babies final thoughts?
I'm not part of this check-in but I was interested in the comments. I tried to read a hypno-birthing book but was turned off by the claim that it was pain-free. Having already given birth I just couldn't buy that claim!
I wanted to let you guys know that if you want to try for med-free again, it was easier for me the 2nd+ times. I got pain meds with my first, but was able to go med-free with my 2nd and 3rd babies. Just knowing what to expect helps. Also knowing first hand that when the pain gets super bad, you're almost done! So...don't given up on med-free for future babies if that's what you want. And if you loved the pain meds this time...no problem with that either!
son#1 born 6/2010
son#2 born 4/2012
son#3 born 7/2014
I just sold my CDs and workbook, but I would do the course again with another pregnancy (if/when that happens).
1) I did not. I dont think that I was dedicated enough doing the home study and listening to my tracks. I also didn't like having headphones in during labor, it just really bugged me and made me feel self conscious for some weird reason. It may have helped a bit during early labor, but the pain was so horrible at the end it was impossible for me to focus on self hypnosis.
2) yes, I'm hanging onto it for next time. Hopefully I can be better about practicing and my L&D will be less traumatic (long story short, home birth xfer to hospital after 30 hours and stalling at a 6 for 10 hours, horrible ctxns from sunny side up baby, LOTS of meconium, epi+pit, DD in NICU for two days)
2) I just really hope next time is more successful!
TTC September 2013 | BFP 11/21/13 | Chart | EDD 8/3/14 | It's a girl!
DD born at 42 weeks 1 day | 8/18/14 5:33am | 8lbs 4oz 20.25in of perfection!
2) If we have another baby I will absolutely be using this course again. Next time I will practice the center switch more. During labor I honestly felt intense pressure rather than pain, but when it came to pushing and I had to suddenly get out of the tub because baby's heart rate was dropping I lost all focus, and things did become painful. Thank goodness that part only lasted 30 mins!
I think it would have helped if DH or my doula had tried to help me focus again and use the techniques I had practiced. Overall I am very satisfied with my birth experience though.
3) I think you all are rockstars and it was great to be on this journey with you! For those who ended up getting an epi, don't beat yourself up. I truly believe there is a place for pain management, when the body is exhausted and progress is halted because of that. I hope that you can all find healing if you were in any way traumatized by your experience. And every birth is different so don't lose heart!
1) Did you get what you wanted from the course
Yes! Although I think I out in about 70% effort, it really helped me focus and have literally the exact birth experience I hoped for. I'm still in awe of how well everything went this time, because DD1s birth was so long and full of interventions.
2) Either way, would you use it again
Yes, and our experience is part if the reason we are already thinking about a third.
3) Anything else to add
I just realized I never posted DD's birth story! Sorry to leave you hypnobabies mamas hanging.
Here's the abridged version for now.
To anyone who didn't have the experience they hoped for, don't let that discourage you next time around! My births were night and day different. Also I think my previous hypnobabies knowledge helped me recall everything and focus more easily this time around, despite puting less effort into the program. So if you think it helped you even somewhat, it is worth trying again.
Also I think all my younger sisters-in-law are planning to borrow my CDs now, haha.