hypnobabies

I think there were three big factors that contributed to having such an amazing birth this time.

1. I had the baby at home in the tub.

2. I had a midwife I really liked.

3. I used the hynobabies program to prepare for the birth.

This post is pretty much just one big advertisement for hypnobabies, but no, I'm not getting paid. I just wish I had used this with my first two babies, so maybe sharing my experience will help someone else have a better birth.

I saw a video of a woman giving birth using hypnosis some time (I don't remember where or when) before I had Lia. The woman was totally relaxed, and quietly and calmly pushed her baby out. I thought "That's great for her, but I could never do that. Having a baby is terribly painful. Plus, I don't believe in hypnosis." That was about it. I had an epidural with Lia and the typical terrible birth experience that you hear about all the time and I won't go into.

When I had Eden, I knew I didn't want an epidural, but I didn't really do anything to prepare myself for her birth. I made it through without an epidural, but it was hard, and painful, and stressful, and really really awesome when I pushed her out and I had done it! I labored in the tub from about 5 or 6 cm to when I felt the urge to push. Then I had to get out, because the hospital wouldn't allow me to actually have the baby in the tub.

When I was pregnant with Lucy, I decided I wanted to be a bit more prepared. I checked out a bunch of books from the library, including Hypnobirthing. After reading part of the book, I did some research on the internet and found that many people recommended the Hynobabies program. The real clincher for me, though, was when I read a birth story by someone that had had a great birth using Hypnobabies even though she didn't think it would work for her. I bought the home study program and figured that, if nothing else, I would be able to feel more relaxed and prepared for labor. (Read more about hypnosis for childbirth here)

What I liked about Hypnobabies:

* Instead of dreading the labor part of pregnancy, I looked forward to it and was actually excited to try out my new hypno-skillz and see how they worked.

*Listening to the tracks at nap time or at night helped me relax and go to sleep. I was able to clear my mind and forget all the little worries of the day instead of lying awake with my brain racing.

* I gained more control over my emotions, and found myself choosing how to feel, rather than always being "made" to feel stressed, upset, etc.

* The last couple weeks of pregnancy have, in the past, included quite a bit of crying and whining about being so heavily pregnant, and going past my due date, etc. This time I felt so much happier and able to accept that my baby will be born when he or she is ready.

*I had an amazing, quick, and even quite comfortable "birthing time."

I've debated about sharing my birth story, because really it's quite a personal thing to publish on the interweb. But what the world needs now is more positive birth stories. It will be here, on the blog, shortly. If I can just find the time!