I'm not pregnant now, and am not planning on it for at least a year or so, but a friend of mine just had a baby using hypnobabies and loved it, she was in labor 4 hours and pushed for ten minutes, she says she had no pain. I've always had an epidural and done the 'normal' in-hospital birth. Never had any complications from the epi's, but I've had four now and I feel like I'm pushing my luck to stay on that path. I've looked a little into this and was thinking I might try it next time and I wondered if any of you have used it or what you think? Thought I'd plan ahead this time.
Sounds good ladies, I think I might try the hypnobabies product and check the Mengan book out from the library. I intend to try a midwife too, so hopefully I can find one that's supportive.
This is going to sound a little bias. I am a clinical hypnotist and have used hypnosis for child birth on numerous clients and they swore by it.
I used some cds called HypBirth and was very pleased with the results. If I told you there was no pain, I'd be lying. But HypBirth definitely helped me manage it. I'll use it again, no doubt about it. After having a natural delivery - and a great experience at that - I'll do anything I can to avoid being medicated at a time when I want to be the most lucid possible.
HypBirth is very new-agey and I am not. I had to change some of the imaging to fit my Christian world-view and I did just fine. Whatever you do, I wish you the best and would be happy to talk further on this if you'd like more information.
I am currently reading the book...it is FANTASTIC. You should go for it!
It is a method highly recommended by many of my friends, and I hear it truly works.
I haven't used hypnobabies but I interviewed a doula that highly suggested it. We decided on another doula and forgot about the hypnobabies. I read a book called "Mind Over Labor", can't remember the author (my SIL has it right now) but you can buy it pretty cheap on Amazon. Once you get past the 1st party which is kinda out there, the imagery section REALLY helped me (no pain peds, 9 lb 4 oz bb). So, I would highly recommend a doula. You can get a list of certified doulas through DONA. Ditto on checking with your ob about your "alternative" (aka most docs don't like them because they're not in control) methods. We had an ob say, "Sure, I don't mind a doula or birth plans" up until I was 6-7 mo pregnant, until I guess she realized I was serious, then she changed her tune to, "Well, birth plans aren't necessary and you don't really need a doula". We changed docs. So, just be prepared! Congrats on the new little one!
I can't imagine you would need help at this point in your experience. I just used breathing to manage the pain and my baby was born very alert. I've only had one but I recommend natural childbirth to everyone and I am not a person with a low pain threshhold! Ditto on the Doula though since you will be in the minority giving birth without meds - many health professionals don't even have experience with that....
I used hypnobirthing (the Marie Mongan method), and it was absolutely terrific. I didn't need any painkillers, and the birth of my daughter was actually exciting and fun. Truly, it was fun. I was so looking forward to doing it again with my twins, but sadly they came far too early (at 20 weeks, two years ago this week).
I would recommend hypnobirthing to anyone and everyone who is planning for a vaginal delivery and wants to try for a non-medicated birth. My mom was there for my daughter's birth and she very impressed with the hypnobirthing, and after having 5 kids via natural childbirth herself, it takes a lot to impress her!
I used hypnobirthing and it worked great. I was induced and had a long labor but was able to manage the pain just fine. I was even able to go home the same day. I would highly recommend it. I work with a great hypnotherapist in the East Dallas/Lakewood area. Let me know if you'd like her info.
I haven't used Hypnobirthing. It seemed a little "out there" for me. But I've heard good things about it and may look into it more next time around.
I took Bradley Method classes and LOVED them. I was able to have my daughter with no pain meds, despite being induced with Pitocin, and I credit the classes for a lot of that. I'm not sure that I would call the experience "fun" :) but it was incredibly empowering and I am actually looking forward to going through it again. Just another option if you're interested in natural childbirth.
I also highly, highly, highly recommend a doula. Mine was WONDERFUL. I have no doubt that I would have needed pain meds if it weren't for her. I'm sad that we're moving away from her so she won't be able to help me with #2 :( but I'm definitely going to find another one!
You might check out using a doula. I've never tried what you are talking about, however if there are alternative birthing methods that's where I would start. You might also want to check with your OB - not all OB's are up for alternative birthing methods.
Ditton on Dijea's comments. I wish I had used a doula.
