Hypnobabies and Other Hypnobirthing Methods

Hi A.,

I have to admit... I was very drawn to giving birth in the water. I am a water sign, and it's very comforting to me. If i feel sick in any way, I always take a bath. water is my cure all and always makes me feel better :)

That being said, I typically labored at home for as long as possible and taking a bath was part of my 'routine' (my water never broke spontaneously so this wasn't an issue). But really once I got to the hospital, most of my 'birth plan' went out the window. I planned for music to be playing while I gave birth and midway thru pushing I became darn near violent about the "Friggin noise" - though I believe I used another choice expletive :) the mere thought of getting up out of bed and getting into a tub was lost... then I begged for the epidural because after laboring for 72 hours, frankly, I was exhausted.

So while I do think in some situations, with the voice of a midwife or doula to push your desires on the hospital staff and then back on you so that YOU adhere to your plan, it can be rewarding in many ways. But I think since hypnobirthing is still considered somewhat an alternative to the 'norm' you really need a team of people to be your voice and ensure your plan is played out the way you want by everybody involved, barring complications.

So.... that's my thoughts :)

I am currently using the home-study course from hypnobabies. I quite like it, and I actually got turned on to it because an OB I consulted with mentioned that he'd attended several births where women had used the technique with great success.

There are a few varients on the method (hypbirth, hypnobirthing, hypnobabies etc) and I'm not entirely sure what the difference is between the methods. I have this one b/c a friend had the course and gave me a copy of the book and CDs.

The general philosophy and technique makes a lot of sense - it's all about practicing relaxation techniques, learning to selectively ignore different parts of your body, visualize things happening in a good way, etc. There is also a lot of focus on staying low-risk and healthy during the pregnancy, optimal fetal positioning for an easy birth, and avoiding negativity about birth (ie don't go watching all of those Baby Storys where the mom ends up with a c-section).

My baby is due next week (VBAC!) and I am very confident that everything will go well when the time comes.

ps - we are combining this technique with the other things in Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth and The Birth Partner - also excellent references.

18 years ago I used a self-hypnosis recording daily for months before the birth of my second son & during labor. When my doctor walked into the birthing room I was so relaxed she asked the resident if he had medicated me. I had 3 natural births.
Over the years I have resolved many personal issues with the help of hypnosis & became a certified consulting hypnotist. I have since helped moms-to-be & new moms overcome fear of childbirth, resolve insomnia, & alleviate postpartum depression to name just a few challenges.
Hypnosis involves relaxation techniques & using the power of your mind to effect change. The best results are achieved when one is motivated & open to the process. Mongan has developed her own patented program called Hypnobirthing.
We have all been subjected to countless negative messages about the natural process of childbirth through movies, TV & even wellmeaning doctors.
Women can experience a more peaceful & empowered birth process with the help of hypnosis.

Tricia Fitzgerald does an awesome hypnobirthing class at Beverly Yoga Center!

Tanya McHale teaches a class in Oak Park and in the city (TanyaMcHale.com). I ended up needing to be induced, and even with the pitocin drip, I didn't ask for any pain meds (my first 3 years ago I asked for an epidural the minute they broke my water!).

If nothing else, it certainly can't hurt!