Practicing my hypnobirthing - struggling to get into a routine

[FabFiona]

Hi all,

At my birth classes, we were given a CD of three tracks that follow the philosophy of hypnobirthing.

I completely understand the potential benefits of this and really want to get the hang of it. As you can see from my ticker, not much time left!

However I'm struggling to get into a daily routine to practice. I've tried listening a few times whilst in bed before I go to sleep but end up falling asleep about 5 mins in. Too relaxed I think!

Do you have a routine that you practice this with?

Cheers,
Fiona

[Traveller]

I never heard my hypnobirthing CD start to finish and it completely worked for me (with all 4 babies, no drugs any time because it just didn't ever hurt that much), so don't worry about falling asleep. If you want to then perhaps try another go listening in the middle of the day, but sitting in a comfy chair instead of lying in bed and you may stay more awake.

Also print out your birthing affirmations and pin them around your house (fridge, bathroom, etc) so you will be exposed to them all the time. And keep reading your book, make sure the knowledge you are gaining is as deep into your sub conscience as possible.

Good luck and enjoy your upcoming labour

T
xx

[Ozziehoffy]

I used to do mine in the afternoon after lunch. I only did my relaxation cd really. I did affirmations this time but not the first time. I listened to them in the car I had it printed out on my fridge too from when Oskar was born and it's actually still there now lol, over 3 yrs later. I still glance at them cos there's more to it than birthing anyway. With the relaxation and affirmations really there isn't a huge problem if you do fall asleep as it goes in the subconcious - bit like subliminal messaging lol. All the best with your birth! I found hypnobirthing wonderful and did my last 2 drug free VBAC's. I remember not being aware of my surroundings at all for long periods of time. It's a great way to birth

[Laranna]

What birthing affirmations do you girls use?
I've been listening to a hypnobirthing CD that I copied on to my ipod. Also fall asleep whilst listening.

[Traveller]

I used the birthing affirmations in Marie Mongan's HypnoBirthing book, I can't remember what they said now, something about being a strong woman, your baby knows what it is doing, etc.

Worked for me anyway

[AndiE]

I've followed the Mongan Hypnobirthing techniques. With my first pregnancy, I used to put the affirmations on whilst doing the ironing, or any cooking/baking - not just when trying to relax. However, I did the rainbow relaxation when I was in a position to lay down and relax. Occasionally I'd go to sleep, but most other times I'd come out of the exercise feeling energised.

I'd say that as long as you've got the relaxation CD going - even if you only get five conscious minutes before you're asleep, it's better than nothing. And it's probably amazing what your subconscious takes in!

With only three weeks until my next bub is due, I've only just started the affirmations and relaxation techniques again ... amazing how quickly it all floods back though!

Good luck, and I think you'll find hypnobirthing is worth its weight in gold.

[Pandora]

Falling asleep with it on is actually really good, as hypnobirthing works on the subconscious anyway you are still taking it all in. I am sure wyou will be fine

[julie_ann_jules]

I'm the same as you! I'd fall asleep 5min into mine each night in bed Towards the end of my pregnancy I begain to listen to it in the bath every second night. This worked wonderfully!!!! it was a great when I got into the bath at the hospital and automatically relaxed

[Ozziehoffy]

I am not sure which affirmations... sounds the same as Travellers... I had them and my relaxation on my ipod too and had one earphone in for about 5 hours straight until bub was born lol. I actually didn't end up using my relaxation part though cos I found it annoying and I found the male voice annoying but I LOVED the affirmations and loved hearing them whilst in labour... was so great. There were a few times where the earphone fell out of my ear and I'd go all omg omg where is it and freak out haha but once it was back in all was good.

[onthefly]

I always listened to mine at bedtime - and always fell asleep. It was great, actually! Must be the only time I've had a prolonged period with no problem getting to sleep.

Next time, one thing I want to try is practicing whilst not sleeping () and 'recovering' from interruptions.

[Loveinamist]

I just bought the Mongan book and I am not sure my CD is complete. It has the relaxation thing about going into your peace sanctuary (which didn't relax me at all because I was too stressed out deciding what my favourite room would look like and couldn't for the life of me think of my favourite things and favourite colours!!!! Better luck next time with some prep perhaps!!!) Then it has the 'Learning to love your baby' that you do with your partner. Then a Birth rehearsal which was really quick. No affirmations!!! Are they in the book?

[Traveller]

The affirmations should be in the book, p207 in my version. I also had them on CD though, and found that was the easiest way to get them into my head.

[AndiE]

The birth rehearsal relaxation CD was in the back of the Marie Mongan book, but the affirmations/rainbow relaxation CD was separate. It was a while ago now, but I'm sure our hypnobirthing instructor gave it all to us as a "package". Don't think we had to pay for the affirmation CD separately ...