HypnoBirthing

Fiona... IKWYM. I think we take from it what we will use & then leave the rest, as far as the book was concerned I felt a bit "let down" because there is no way I can nod my head & agree to everything written in there. But the classes & the practice sessions have been great.

The affirmations, like I mentioned earlier, I have had to rewrite so they work for me. Listening to them doesn't help because I can't help but laugh at some (my cheeky side) so I just did a list of ones that were what I need to hear & listen too. I believe that every surge is helping me get one step closer to meeting my baby and some of the others will really help and I use them now. I feel funny speaking things out that I may not fully trust yet, but I use this in parenting too. I often say things in the positive for Matilda and we use positive affirmations all the time in parenting Matilda even when I feel so cranky with her. Sort of like "positive reinforcement" ;) training for dogs... So I do the ones that ring most with me & I know will help me in labour & preparing mentally for labour.

I listen to the relaxations and those help HEAPS. I have had a few anxious episodes in the last few weeks which I have never experienced in life before, and the relaxations have helped me calm down & relax so fully its fantastic.

When I have had more full on BH's (I had a few last week) I deep breath as I would for the relaxations and I stand & rotate my hips or I move slowly & surely, but during it I suddenly am able to concentrate on what I am doing rather than the uncomfortable feelings going on. In this I feel best prepared, because I am able to change the focus from the "fear pain" to the relaxed preparations. Does this make sense???

Hi, I'm jumping in a bit here, but I have some comments. I used HB and found it was fantastic.
FionaJill - the state of relaxation that you get into does not prevent you from having an active birth. I used my visualisations and breathing techniques to get me into a 'zone' and when the surges came on I would rotate my hips (either standing and leaning my hands on a wall, chair or DP, or kneeling on a pillow leaning over the bed or couch), or walk up and down the street (yep, walking and relaxing at the same time!). When it came to the birth part, when I arrived at the birth centre I put myself into a zone again (practising the deep breathing is essential, I think!) so that I could move in the way I needed to without distracting thoughts or unnecessary movement during surges. I had a waterbirth and I was not 'lying still'. I was on my knees, leaning on the edge of the bath and breathing out in a 'hum' the whole time, whilst easily visualising my 'bits' opening and accomodating Oscar's little corkscrewing body the way our bodies do when we trust them. Deep relaxation doesn't mean you have to lie still, it means that you cut out the peripherals and are in the moment of birth and all that you have to do for it. And it's not much - the sooner you realise that your conscious mind is not really part of birthing, the easier it is to tell your conscious mind to let the body and your 'inner intelligence' (the thing that regulates all your bodily processes, i.e. the thing that tells your heart to pump, your diaphragm to let your lungs take in air, your cells to rejuvenate etc) do all the work. Deep relaxation helps you to give in to the fact that your body knows what to do without you having to tell it. HypnoBirthing merely trains us to stop the mind chatter that interferes with our instincts - unfortunately, in today's world, some of us need to pay good money to do a course to teach us to trust our instincts! If the pregnancy is progressing normally then your body will not put you through more than you can physically handle. What you can psychologically handle is another matter and that's what the HB training is for.
CalmBirthing - is the Australian version of HB. Peter Jackson trained in the Mongan Method and in order to be able to publish books for the Australian context/experience, he's had to register it under a different name (otherwise, if he altered the HB for Australians and kept calling it HB'ing, he'd be in breach of copyright, not that the US HB would really take any angry action, but it's a potential minefield). Practitioners qualified in CalmBirthing can then be registered here in Australia and get the benefits of membership that they don't get as registered HB's. This is because HypnoBirthing is registered to the US only and benefits of registration are limited to the US - Australian practitioners of HB are gradually changing over to CalmBirthing to get the flexibility and benefits of having an Australian registration. It's pretty much a cultural and legal difference, but not much else! In Victoria I don't think any of the HB's are yet fully fledged CalmBirthers, but soon there will be. My own instructor was in the process of it (Esther Swoboda) when I did her course, and she also used some of her own techniques to supplement the HB'ing ones, which were an immense help.
Hope I've clarified some of your questions!

Thank you so much for your reply, IK. It has clarified a lot for me. :)

Yes Thank you IK its great to hear from someone who has been through it ;) I was telling DH last night that I won't really know until we are there how much we will be able to use.

Thanks for your reply Christy & IK, IK, The info you have posted about your own expereince has just mad eme realise that I could have done that with out the hypnobirthing stuff. But as you said the hypnobirthing teaches you to let go & let your body do what its meant to do.
I think part of my troubles is that DH & my instructor (luckily for me, a friend so I didn't have to pay) both think that I am not "open" enough to be able to do it. I questioned everything. I do question things, but to help me understand it better, not so I can fob it off. I think DH thinks it can only be done by following the "rules" down to a T. But there are so many aspects that just don't sit well with me. In a way, even the instructor was this way. When I think about it. I think it is them who are closed minded about it all. In the way that neither of them are going to be able to experience it first hand. So all they have to go off is what the manual says.
I can acheive deep breathing etc. I think I will do a lot better then what they are giving me credit for. DH is supportive, but he says he knows me to well & how I was with my 1st 2. This just gives me more insentive to prove him wrong.

i have just been accepted into the HATCH trial at the Adelaide WOmen's and CHildren's Hospital, it's a hynobirthing trial run by an anaethetist who is also a hypnotist. The trial is done the three weeks before birth. I think there are three groups of preg. women. one group does NO hynobirth learning, one group does hypnobirth training with a cd they take home, and one group does hypnbirth training at the hospital (I'm in that group).

I have also just gotten hold of the Pink Kit, and hope that will help me have a gentle birth. Haven't learnt any breathing techniques yet but my midwife assures me she will be encouraging and modelling good breathing during my labour so it won't matter.

I will be at home in a birthing pool in my loungeroom - no gas or drugs - so i really hope the hypnobirthing helps me!!!

Gigi through my hypnobirthing they showed some amazing births in home waterbirths using hypnobirthing. And some from Russian women in baths... just inspiring to watch.

hi ladies :)
very interesting to read all your posts - as usual bellybelly is sooo helpful!!

I enquired about hypno birthing classes this week. i'm keen to do them, and have to book in this week. i'm just in two minds - only because of the cost - $400, or if i do the classes with another couple, $300. i'd love to do the classes, but don't know if i can justify the expense? IK, I think you would recommend doing the classes, regardless of cost?

I paid $400 for the classes & we had them come to our house. I would definately justify the cost in what it has helped me in the final weeks of pregnancy. I will let you know in a week or two ;)

hi ladies:)
i know this isn't probably the correct forum, but i wanted to know if any of you gave birth using the hypno birthing techniques? i'm thinking about signing up for a hypno birthing course, and while i think it will be good, i'm a bit hesitant, because of the cost - $400, or if i do the classes with another couple its $300. money is going to be tight anyway, so i'm not sure if i can justify spending that much money on the classes? do you think they are worthwhile, and were you able to use the techniques during birth?
thanks ladies, and hope you are all enjoying your babies,

Yeah, I gotta say I would recommend the classes, especially as the Marie Mongan book is geared to an American audience so half the book might frustrate you, on its own. My classes were $350 but probably because we went to her house (less overheads compared to her classes in rooms closer to the city, and more convenient for us to go to her anyway), but I would have paid the $400, especially with hindsight. Yes, it was expensive, but I projected into the future of no HB and pictured myself wishing I had paid the money to have a better experience. It was really worth it to learn specific techniques to achieve the birth that I wanted. I might have been able to do it without the classes, but I didnt' want to leave it to chance.
But then again, being that I haven't NOT done the classes, I can only recommend one way with any authority!
Hey, good luck and have a great birth (cos it CAN be done :) )

Anne is that the class at Bowral with Peter Jackson? I'm planning on doing it when I fall pregnant again.

I was a bit OMG at first when I heard the cost...but I am going to do the classes. After talking to the lady who runs them and getting more understanding about it and what I want from the birth ...to me the cost is worth it.

If the class is with Peter Jackson then DO IT! He is the Australian guru for HB. Oh, and just keep in mind that a HB class in NZ costs about $500...in kiwi money!!

HI Anne - yeah this would get better viewing in the labour/birth forum. Where abouts are you from? - i'm in Penrith and am interested in some info on hypnobirthing too. I desperately want a VBAC this time around (had to have an emerg c/s last preg) so if hypnobirthing would assist with that then i'd give it a try.

Anne, there is a big thread about hypnobirthing HERE.....

Oh yeah we are definately doing it. I've heard great things.

thanks Lucy, I'll use that thread - just thought I might find women who had been thru birth, using hypno in this thread, as opposed to those who were pre-birth.

Rae
Hi, I'm from Camden. I'm also emailing Peter Jackson in Bowral for some info, but i think that will be at least as expensive as the camden one. i don't think i'll be able to afford the classes - but i'll try and get some books on hypno, and do heaps of practice. by having a baby i'm already placing alot of financial pressure on my hubby, so i don't want to make it worse than i have to. How cute is Ella. all the best with your preg and birth, :)

hi ladies :)
sarah: the class is run by a midwife from camden hospital - she goes to your house. i've just emailed peter jackson at bowral for some info, but i expect he'll be at least as expensive as the camden classes, and i'll probably have to travel to bowral.

i spoke to hubby last night, and he was taken aback at the cost. i don't think i'll do the classes - i'm placing alot of financial pressure on hubby already by having the baby, so i don't want to place any more on him. i only decided to fall pregnant, regardless of finances, as i'm 39, and can't wait much longer - its now or never - we'll just have to make do.

I was abit upset last night at the thought of not doing the classes, but now i think i'll try and get books/info on hypno, and do my own practice at home. i also have a midwife that i see for all my appointments, and who should be at my birth. so hopefully i'll cope!

If you don't do the classes, may I suggest a prenatal yoga class? My sister was doing yoga in NZ and then switched to a prenatal one and she's finding that helpful, in lieu of the NZ500 HB classes.

Anne, I used hynobirthing and gave birth a month ago. I am in SA and there are no classes available here, so I did it with a book and a CD. My birth story is HERE.....

I would totally recommend hypnobirthing.

Any questions, let me know.......

hi IK :)
ok, i'll try the prenatal yoga classes - i'd looked into them, but hadn't decided whether to do them or not.
do you know if there is any australian books on hypno?

hi lucy
(not sure if i should be replying to you in this thread! - sorry i'm not that good with navigating thru the site yet!).

can you tell me what book and cd you used? i'd love to read your birth story - just leaving work now, but i'll log on again tomorrow,

thanks for your help :)

There are no Aust HB books, for reasons I've explained in a previous post - it would infringe on the trademark. Check out Peter Jackson's website for Calmbirthing, though and see is he has any links you could use.

Anne, the Peter Jackson classes are $440 per couple and yep you do have to go to Bowral for them. Do you have to be going to Camden Hospital to have the midwife come to your house?

Hi ladies,:)
IK, thanks for the info, i'll see if Peter has any links. The hypno birthing lady also told me to try "25 ways to awaken your birth power", apparently it comes with a CD, and is about $30- thru capersbookstore.com.au. so that sounds good. she was very helpful, even though i decided not to do her classes.
sarah: i don't think you have to be going to camden hospital, to do the hypno classes. would you like the lady's contact number?

Lucy - what a beautiful birth story! Yes please i would love the name of the books, cd's whatever you got of the Hypnobirthing too as i'm definately keen after reading through this thread. I'm desperate for a VBAC and a wonderful experience (after a traumatic last experience) so anything i can get my hands on will be great!

Hi Rae
Just until Lucy replies, i thought i'd tell you what books i've been recommended?
my midwife, who does hypno classes, recommended 25 Ways To Awaken Your Birth Power, by Watson & Hyles. its available thru capersbookstore.com.au for about $40- including postage, and comes with a CD. The other book is HYPNOBIRTHING: THE MONGAN METHOD & CD by Marie F Mongan, its a little bit dearer, and is an American book, so apparently some of it won't be relevant.
i've order the 25 ways book, and can't wait to get it. it should be good as well to help with stress of work/life, as well as labour. i'm keen to start practicing now, so as all the positive thoughts/breathing really sinks in.
at first i was disappointed about not being able to afford the hypno classes, but now i'm confident i should be able to get some benefit just from the book and cd.
let me know if you start doing hypno,

Thanks heaps Anne - i might order that one too. I think it'll be easier for me to do stuff at home cause it's hard to get people to mind Ella frequently...and i'm already gonna do my aquanatal classes again for exercise, and am buying several VBAC books - so the $$$ add up. I'll let you now how i go. Keep me informed with how you're doing too - perhaps chatting about it now and then will keep us motivated to keep it going iykwim :)

Sorry ladies, it has taken me ages to get back to this:

I actually used Relaxation in Pregnancy, and Birth and Beyond by Franchesca Naish (do a Google). (I am a fan of hers: I used her work when TTC too)

25 Ways To Awaken Your Birth Power, by Watson & Hyles also comes Highly recommended.

hi rae
yay! i got my 25 ways.. book and cd in the mail today - only ordered it last friday (i think). can't wait to start working on the exercises. i'll be a new super relaxed woman before i know it!!
yeah it would be great to compare notes with you.
your aquanatal classes sound great. i'm doing heaps of lap swimming - and love being in the water. i'm going to try and do preg yoga classes soon - but as you say its hard getting to everything.

hi lucy
thanks for the details on the books - i need to get busy reading!

Anne......she does books and hypnotherapy CD's......I would recommend them all....

This is my first birth, and I'm just trying to sort through the maze of birthing options and procedures, so I would really appreciate any advice anyone can give me!

I am with an obstrician that I'm very comfortable with and booked in to a private hospital for the birth, and next month am doing hypnobirthing classes out of pocket, as my insurance doesn't cover it. My OB is happy with me doing hypnobirthing but is not getting actively involved, nor is the hospital. My approach to hypnobirthing is to immerse myself with it as much as possible to give myself every chance for a drug-free birth, but am willing to use pain relief if I really need it.

I just found out that my insurance (Aust Unity) does cover up to $400 for our own midwife to attend the delivery, plus $70 for pre and post natal visits. I would really value having a midwife there who can support my (very nervous) DH, particularly with the hypnobirthing role he is to play.

Does anyone know how I can find a private midwife who is supportive of hypnobirthing and can help with it if necessary?

Any and all advice would be very much appreciated!

Rollergirl
Baby #1 due March 07

Hi, I would think most independent midwives are supportive of hypnobirthing. I don't know if Kelly has a midwifery list here, but I think there's a full list on the maternity coalition's website there are also other forums that carry the list too. That would help you find some in your area to talk to.
Lisa Barrett

I noticed that no one has posted in here for a while, so thought I would share my experience, if anyone is interested.

I found the Mongan book when I was pg with my first son (now 3.5) I only had about 4 weeks with the book before I gave birth, but still had a wonderful labour of only about 7 hours, with no drugs whatsoever. I felt so proud of myself, and very empowered.

When I fell pg with my second son, I knew I could do it just as well again. This time my husband got much more involved, and we practiced reading out visualisations together for a few weeks before he was born. The labour was 4 hours, and I did not feel any pain at all, the only thing I felt was the 'ring of fire' as he crowned. My husband later told me he thought I was asleep the majority of time!!

Going through both births feeling so wonderful and strong made me wonder why every woman does not have this experience. So I decided to become a doula, and also to complete the training to become a Calmbirth practitioner. I am so excited, the course starts in March, and I will be travelling up to Bowral to meet Peter Jackson and his wife Sue. I can't wait:D

I did just want to suggest to those who want to do the classes for your birth, but can not afford them, that maybe you could think about a student to help you out. I am still a student doula, just need one more birth to become qualified, and then I will need to take some couples through Calmbirth aswell. You might find that they will only charge a minimal amount to cover costs, in order to help them finalise their training.

Hope this helps. If anyone wants more information you can contact me on shelldar@bigpond.net.au

has anyone got any exeriences with this? negative and positive both wanted as i am considering classes??? basically just wanted to know if it helped or not and if u would recomend it or not?

hi Noni - I did hypnobirthing, it was a great benefit, and helped me focus a lot in preparing myself for the birth of Julia, unfortunately after 12 hours of hypnobirthing I was only still 3cm dialated so in the end had the Epi as I was told I would end up having an emergency c/s which I did have to have due to my pelvic bones in the way of her head.

Bel
xxx

Hi Noni,
I did hypnobirthing (Calmbirth) with Di Gardner and it was the best thing I have ever done, I think all hospitals should run the course in the ante natal classes. My labour was long...21 hours, but I wouldn't say it was painful - it was hard work but not painful. I did the whole thing completely drug free and felt really well prepared beforehand. My baby was 9lbs 2 1/2 oz and I only had a tiny tear that needed 2 stitches. It was the best money I ever spent! I have the nicest memories of my labour. Hope this helps you make your decision.

Hi there,
Hope you are feeling better! There are lots of courses you can do - I havent but I also read a book called A Labour of Love by Gabrielle Targett really helpful for information about natural childbirth including hypnobirthing, water birth and active birth. Id highly recommend it!

I did hypnobirthing and I have to say it was the best thing I ever did! Before doing it I was petrified of natural birth. Once I did the first class my fears were almost all gone!! It definitely helped me and I can honestly say that I didn't feel pain with the birth of Oskar, I felt discomfort, but not pain and like Kirsten said, I have the most wonderful memories of his birth and felt a calmness and connection with him before he was even born as they teach you to trust your body and baby and it does connect you. I had to go off my birth plan and have vacuum assist but I did this without drugs and no pain...I say go for it! My birth story is posted here - https://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums...ad.php?t=34704