First time birth in hospital
S.B
St Mary's Hospital, Manchester
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation, Fast Post Natal Recovery, Relaxing Birth Music
I had miscarried 7 times before I had my first baby, and so was very anxious going into my 8th pregnancy. I did the pregnancy relaxation CD at least a few times a week from the 4th month onwards and I definitely felt this helped me to enjoy pregnancy - in fact I surprised myself and really loved being pregnant, and loads of people commented on how much pregnancy seemed to suit me. As a first-time mum, I was preparing myself for a long and hard labour and was very ready to take pain relief drugs as needed. But actually I had a very positive experience and I think that the natal hypnotherapy CDs helped me to condition my mind to view it as a positive event and feel excited about it rather than being afraid of how the contractions felt. I think also doing antenatal yoga and reading a lot about Active Birth positions all worked well together and complimented the CDs.
My labour started with period-like cramps through the Sunday night until about 2pm on the Monday afternoon. From 2pm the contractions were about 3 minutes apart, 30 seconds long and getting strong enough that I started to use the yoga breathing technique I had learned to make them more manageable (making a 'Shhh' noise on the exhalation). I sat on my birth ball in between and then leaned against the mantel piece swaying my hips during each one. By about 6pm the contractions felt stronger and I leant on all fours over the stairs and made big circles with my hips. The contractions were still only 30 seconds long so I thought I might be at home for a while and the midwife had told me to wait until they were 60 seconds before coming into hospital. As it happened, shortly afterwards I started to bleed quite badly so had to go into hospital to get checked over, but expected to be sent home again before delivery. Although the bleeding panicked me initially, I remained a lot calmer than I'd have thought possible given my history of miscarriage. We arrived at hospital at about 7pm and I was strapped up to a continuous monitor and an IV drip. I was worried that this might stop me getting into upright, forwards positions and but the midwives helped me to lean forwards on all fours over the back of the bed and then to stand and lean over the bed. Once they had checked there was no reason for the bleeding, they examined me and found I was 4-5 cm dilated, which I was very pleasantly surprised by as I didn't feel very distressed considering I was so far progressed. We put the Natal Hypnotherapy relaxing birth music CD on at this point. I tried gas and air a couple of times but actually didn’t like it and found the breathing technique more effective at keeping things manageable, so I didn’t have any other pain relief either. Also moving backwards and forwards in rhythm with my breath, and my husband rubbing my lower back, really helped.
The pushing stage was relatively quick (my husband thinks about 20 mins tops) and I delivered in a standing semi-squat, leaning over the bed. I didn’t even really feel aware I was pushing, my body just did all the work. I didn’t tear at all and I hadn’t been doing perineal massage or anything. Baby Alec was born at 10:20, just 3 and half hours after arriving in hospital. I was absolutely stunned that it had happened so quickly and that I had stayed so calm throughout. I didn’t really experience it as painful, just very powerful. I read somewhere that the best thing to do it get your mental self out of the way and let your body get on with it and I’d definitely say that’s how it was for me and I think the Natal Hypnotherapy CD's may have helped prepare me to experience it in the way I did. I have already lent my CDs to another mum I know and even though in part I may just have been lucky, it can't hurt to listen to the CDs in preparation.
Sarah Purves
Aberdeen
Birth preparation
Despite a physically difficult first pregnancy, using the CD regularly made me feel calm in the run up to the birth. From first twinges at home to the birth in hospital I utilised the visualisation images which aided my breathing and made me feel relaxed. The midwife commented on how chilled out I was and said that the breathing techniques I was using were helping me to manage my pain without the need for additional medical intervention. Giving birth was a positive experience (in spite of an episiotomy, rips and tears!) and I honestly believe that the CD made all the difference. Baby Daniel is a very relaxed, alert and responsive baby and I put a lot of this down to the positive, calm attitude I developed through using the hypnotherapy CD.
Rachel Williams
Hospital
Birth preparation
First labour and I surprised myself, not to mention my husband and mum, at how calm I was. I used the TENs machine through the night and found the breathing techniques and visualisation of a 'golden light'. Invaluable - it got me right through the night and up to 5cm dilates. The combination of using techniques learnt from Cd, water pool and gas/air gave me such a positive first labour experience. Took all the fear away. Thank you so much.
Rose Marshall
Hospital
Birth preparation
My daughter's birth was very fast, straightforward and safe. I started experiencing regular and very manageable contractions at about 8am. At 11am I took a bath to help me cope with the sensations and afterwards put the Tens machine on. I called my local birth centre and arranged to go in at around 1pm and arrived there and had an internal exam which confirmed I was 4cm dilated at 2:15pm. They thought I was not in established labour because I was handling the contractions so well. Unfortunately my blood pressure then began to go up and the hospital required me to transfer there by ambulance in case I had pre-eclampsia. The ambulance took a while to arrive and at 3:20pm I asked the at the birth centre to give me another internal exam by which point I was 9cm dilated and feeling an urge to push. The hospital still expected me to transfer so I had a fairly unpleasant ambulance ride. Rose was born in a single push just one hour after we arrived at hospital at 5:15pm. Her Apgar scores were perfect 10s. I felt very calm throughout the whole process, and handled the ambulance journey well. With hindsight I wish I had had the confidence to refuse the transfer, since my blood pressure was only raised due to the fact that I was going to give birth very shortly. The experience at the hospital could have been very stressful with large numbers of anonymous health professionals bustling in and out of the room and shouting instructions at me. I think the natal hypnotherapy practice enabled me to tune out most of the unhelpful comments and to focus on my husband who was reminding me that I was doing a great job and that my efforts were powerful and effective. The only problem I had really is that my calmness alarmed the healthcare professionals who were convinced that I could not be having productive contractions and that I would need interventions.
Nikki Evans
Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation, Post Natal Recovery, Relaxing Birth Music
I was initially very nervous about giving birth, especially since my husband wasn't sure he would be able to stay with me, but the relaxation and birth preparation CDs really helped me to change my attitude and feel that I could manage my fear and relax. I had a positive birth experience - although forceps (and a spinal block) were required at the end, the support of my birth partner, husband and midwife helped me to know that we had done all we could to try for a natural birth, and my midwife was clearly impressed at how far along I was without any pain relief before arriving at the hospital, and how calm I was on only gas and air throughout labour. Although we didn't use the birth music CD for the actual birth, I did use it when I got home to help me remain calm while establishing breastfeeding and I feel that this really helped.
Natalie Randall
The Whhittington Birth Centre
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation, attended Birth Preparation course
I went into labour at 11.55pm on a Saturday after my contractions woke me up. I stayed calm throughout Sunday walking and listening to my BP CD. At 7pm I got into the bath and by 9pm contractions were every 2 minutes so we left for the birth centre. I climbed into the pool all the while feeling relaxed and calm and quite enjoying it all. It all seemed manageable. My birth music CD was playing in the background and I lay in the pool in a darkened room. I was deep breathing throughout and felt totally relaxed. Whenever the baby’s heartbeat was checked it was always perfect reflecting that she was not stressed. Time seemed to fly by very quickly and around 3.40am I was ready to push. My contractions had slowed down so I got out of the pool and sat on a birthing chair. In just a few pushes my baby girl came out very calm and relaxed not screaming or stressed and looked straight into my eyes.
Naomi Chapple
Hospital
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation
I was very chocked that the suggestion 'warmth, pressure, power' really worked. I only really felt 'pain' during the period just before transition, and even then it was more like intense pressure. Once in birthing pool the cd helped me to visualise baby sliding out and down and the midwife said she wishes she could have videoed my breathing techniques! Naturally there were moments of anxiety, wondering when head would crown etc, but I had confidence in the people around me to guide me when necessary (as suggested in cds!) The relaxation music was played throughout and really made the birth feel like a magical journey. I shall miss the cds, but am overjoyed at the happy birth experience and beautiful, calm, happy baby Amelia!
Mrs Lucinda Williams
Hospital
Birth preparation
I was so calm throughout the labour and the midwives on duty commented on how I didn't appear to be in labour. I planned a water birth which I experienced and it was amazing, I really did enjoy every minute of my labour - even the contractions seemed fulfilling! I was progressing really well, I did use the gas and air whilst I was in the water but still used the Natal Hypnotherapy techniques, my birth partners (husband and sister) felt pretty useless as I was coping so well with it all. Unfortunately my baby ended up back to back and complications resulted in me having to have pethidine and then taken to another hospital for an epidural and eventually an emergency c-section. Although this was beyond my control I was calm throughout and if I had had a 'normal' labour I believe it would've been the water birth that I had wanted. The midwives even commented at the end of it all that if it wasn't for the complications, I would have laboured really quickly and had the birth experience i wanted. I plan to use Natal Hypnotherapy again when it's my second time around, and I have been told I will not have to have a c-section, so hopefully I will have the birth I wanted this time around with the help of the cd again. Thank you for curing my fear and anxiety over giving birth. I now have a contented baby girl whose apgar score was 10 - fantastic!!
Michelle Topham
Hospital
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation
I was extremely afraid of child birth and pregnancy and have been for as long as I can remember. Listening to the birth preparation and relaxation cds before the birth of my first baby really helped, both with easing fear and in general for relaxing. However, I only got a chance to listen to the birth preparation cd approximately 10 times, rather than the recommended 20, as I went into labour 7 weeks early! The relaxation techniques in particular have helped in all situations, including labour but I must admit that the pain of the late stages of labour was much worse than I expected. (Although, I did get to 9 cm with just gas and air so I believe the techniques from the CDs really helped) I think natal hypnotherapy is great and I would have liked to have had the chance to start it earlier to feel the full benefits.
Liz Paver
Dewsbury District Hospital, West Yorkshire
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation, Relaxing Birth Music
I listened to the CDs from quite early on in my pregnancy having heard great stories from other Mums about them. Many people commented on how calm I was throughout my pregnancy which I didn't, at the time, consider was as an effect of the CD because I kept falling asleep while I was listening to them! It was only when I managed to stay awake to listen to them that I realised that many of the statements I'd been using to describe how I was feeling during pregnancy were used on the CD. My pregnancy was incredibly calm and my little boy was definitely comfy in there and after 13 days over my due date needed a little encouragement! This had no effect and I was eventually referred for a caesarean. I had been really keen to have a natural water birth so this change in events was a far cry from my birth plan yet I was still totally calm and was just happy to meet my little man. I listened to the relaxation CD during the procedure which definitely helped with how I was feeling. I would recommend these CDs to anyone as they were the perfect way to wind down after a busy day at work and gave me the opportunity to focus entirely on me and my baby.
Lindsey Gibson
Hospital
Birth preparation
Contractions started irregularly at 4am. Managed to cope with a TENs machine and stayed at home throughout the day until approx 4pm, when the contractions were just bearable. Got into hospital and Stanley was born at 8pm. Felt very calm all day and only felt the need to go into hospital at the last stage. The midwives (and us) were very surprised at how far along i was! I truly believe the cd helped me to stay so calm, I’ve already recommended it to a few people. Thank you!
Katy Whitelaw
Hospital
Birth preparation
Gave birth to 9lb 14 baby boy on April 14th 2010 on only gas and air! Midwife commented on how well prepared and calm i was throughout first stages up until i had to get out of birth pool for last stage. Labour started 1am and Corrie was born at 1:14pm lunchtime. This was my first baby. I found the cds very helpful and was surprised how calm i was despite having a fear of giving birth - I would highly recommend them to anyone feeling anxious about the labour, they definitely worked for me and it was helpful having my partner giving me the anchor words whilst massaging my back.
Katie Floyd
Hospital
Birth preparation
Natal Hypnotherapy was invaluable in the lead up to my birth, when everyone in my NCT group focussed on pain relief, I was confident and calm about neither needing nor wanting it. My waters broke at 4pm on 25th March - I calmly called the hospital, went for a check and was told it was unlikely I would go into labour that day. Four hours later I was back and 9cm dilated. I started pushing as soon as i got to hospital and Lucy was born at 10:45pm. I had wanted a water birth but they didn’t have time to run the bath! The cds gave me the confidence to not go to hospital until the last minute which really sped things up. The visualisation meant she was a week early and I was so calm that I missed stage 1.
Jo Scott
Whipps Cross Hospital, London
Birth preparation, attended Natal Hypnotherapy Birth Preparation Course
My waters broke on my due date so I went to hospital and they confirmed it and told me to be back in 12 hours but they expected me to be back before as mild contractions had started. The next morning came and nothing was happening so I went back to hospital as instructed. My baby had been diagnosed with a leak in her heart before she was born so they decided to keep me in, but still no contractions.
After 24hrs the contractions were very irregular and I barely noticed them so I had to have a hormone drip, as I was told there was a risk of infection after 24hrs. I was asked what pain relief I wanted and when I said I none as I was practising Natal Hypnotherapy, the midwife (who was lovely) laughed and said she'd never seen someone induced and not need pain relief. I asked to see the anaesthetist to find out what effect an epidural would have on my baby, just in case I decided to have one as I was starting to lose faith in myself. He also said women who were induced tended to need pain relief and fully expected to be back again to administer the epidural. I was now being constantly monitored, although I was allowed to stand (on my insistence), it was so uncomfortable as I was attached to so many machines, I ended up lying on the bed for most of the time. My worst nightmare was coming true - I was to be stuck in bed with my birthing ball sitting forlornly in the corner of the room!! I went from irregular, hardly noticeable contractions to full on 'sensations' every couple of minutes within a very short space of time. The doctor's parting words were 'I'll be back in 4hrs, hope you are 4 cm dilated' I used the breathing techniques but had a couple of wobbles (to put it mildly) when I insisted I needed an epidural but I always did it at the height of a contraction. My husband was great and calmed me down, made me wait until the contraction had passed before we decided. He hadn't listened to the CD but had come on the weekend course and this really helped both of us, as before it he had said he didn't really know how he could help but after it he felt very secure in his role of birth partner. I said I could wait until the 4 hrs were up then if I was only 4cm I would have to have an epidural.
At 5am the midwife went to examine me and offered me gas and air (which I'd forgotten about before) but as she moved around the bed to examine me I was saying 'I'm pushing, I'm pushing' I thought she was examining me and told her to stop because it was hurting and she said 'it's not me, it's your baby's head!!' So gas and air was no longer an option as I now had to concentrate on pushing. I eventually had to have an episiotomy (despite an excellent maternal effort - yes I read that in my notes!!) as the baby was showing signs of distress and out she flopped. Only 5lb12!! I didn't really imagine myself anywhere else during the labour, putting myself on the beach etc didn't really work for me, I just kept telling myself I was ok, it didn't hurt and would be over soon. I also had been given some baby clothes beforehand so took in a pair of the tiniest socks I'd ever seen and kept looking at them and telling myself I could easily 'get something that small out of me' So, a very long story (it's not over yet) but I did it!!!! Even the anaesthetist came back to see me to congratulate me. I don't think they could quite believe it. I have to say had it not been so quick (5hr 51min labour) I think I would have struggled but hopefully 'normal' labours are more gradual so still manageable.
So that was the good bit..... A few hours later I began to lose a large amount of blood and a doctor was called urgently. The discussion in the room was that I needed to be taken into the surgery and given a general anaesthetic but the dr said there was no time and someone was already in there prepped for a caesarean (that he was due to perform) He had to 'scoop' large amounts of blood clots from me. This time I did get to use the gas and air but did the whole thing without pain relief, which again caused much amazement amongst the 4 staff members in the room. This time I had a beautiful daughter to look at while everything was going on around me so that helped. I needed a couple of blood transfusions so was on the labour ward for 36hrs and there was a lot of screaming going on in other rooms. My husband saw someone arrive at the hospital in tears and wailing, then a few hours later being sent home again, so not even in full labour.
I'm totally convinced the Natal Hypnotherapy worked for me as everything I wanted for the birth went out the window but we both managed to stay calm and ask all the questions we needed to. Had I not done it I think I would have accepted the epidural as soon as they said they'd never seen someone on a hormone drip do it without had it not been for the 'training' The last big positive is we were sent to heart specialists a couple of days later and have been told that our daughter's leak is healing itself and they don't need to see us again. We had been told since the 12 week scan that something was wrong with our baby and now we have a perfect daughter.
Jennifer Murphy
Ninewells Hospital Dundee
Birth preparation
Had an induction due to bleeding during pregnancy and was very unhappy about medicalisation of the birth. Had a midwife who was very unsupportive of 'alternative' methods of pain relief and asked me to remove tens machine and was pushing me to have an epidural. She insisted I have the syntocinon drip even though I had gone into labour on my own following prostin pessary saying "we're not here to mess about". I became quite scared and felt very under pressure to abandon all my hopes of a natural birth however the one thing we did have control of in the room was the music and having the familiar sounds of the cd at several points during the 4 hour labour (so much for it being too slow for that midwife's liking).It was very calming (for both myself and my husband I think!) and I believe helped keep me focused on our birth plan and do it without an epidural (even though my uterus became hyper-stimulated with the drip and stopped having breaks between contractions for a spell until another midwife switched the drip off- my fairy godmother).
Georgina Brown
Nottingham
Birth preparation, Pregnancy Relaxation, Post Natal Recovery, Relaxing Birth Music
I had used the hypnotherapy cd's through out my pregnancy. I went into labour when I was four days overdue. I laboured at home comfortably using the relaxing birth music and a tens machine. When I got to the hospital I was fully dilated and just had to push! my son was born an hour later, with no pain relief. We were both healthy and went home 12 hours later. Overall a very positive birth experience and I'm sure the cd's helped me to relax and trust my body to birth naturally.
Blathnaid Quinn
Edinburgh
Birth preparation
My labour was very fast. I used the CD before we left for the hospital to help calm me down. I felt in control during the birth and could manage and deal with the pain. I followed all instructions I was given by the midwife which I also think meant my labour went quickly. I definitely think listening to the CD helped me feel in control during the whole thing.
Kirsten Spark
Scunthorpe General hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation and Birth preparation CD 20+ times
“It was ten days early when my waters broke at 3am and by the following lunchtime I was having strong contractions. I used a TENS machine but didn’t feel it was much more than a distraction and something I could control. I took the birth music with me to hospital but couldn’t use it as I had to be in a side room on a ward as the delivery suite was full. I couldn’t use it at home either during labour as we had a power cut!
Nevertheless I focused on breathing, the fact that giving birth was instinctive and that my body would do the job regardless, so there was no point in being anxious. I even managed to drift off to sleep during contractions as I used the relaxation techniques. Midwives said I looked very “focused” and relaxed. I also kept my eyes closed almost the whole time to help me concentrate. Thank you for helping me to have the kind of birth experience I was hoping for, I will certainly use it again. At no point did I feel frightened or anxious, in fact I almost enjoyed the final stage! Thanks again.”
Fiona Whittaker
Kettering Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation and Fast Post Natal Recovery
1st Baby
“I got to 8cm at home in complete comfort. When at the hospital they would not believe I was in labour as I was so calm. My baby was back to back so they talked about giving me a C section and took me to the theatre. Even though I did not have my birth music as I wanted, I remained calm and kept repeating 321 relax, and thinking of the dial and being on the beach and in control. I felt I wanted to push and took control of the situation of my rights, & had my daughter naturally in just 8 pushes!
All your cd’s helped me so much. I was someone who was really scared, but felt so relaxed & in control during my pregnancy & the birth. I took the post natal recovery to the hospital on a MP3 player, which made me feel calm, in control & confident and I am sure my daughter is so good as I am so calm and confident. Thank you so much!”
Carol Gregson
Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Listened to the Birth Preparation CD
1st Baby
“I was very convinced by the literature that accompanied the CD and was determined to have a natural birth. I had a wonderful birth experience which I believe is solely down to the fact that the birth preparation CD removed all my fear & anxiety. I was in labour for just over 6 hours (this was my 1st baby) and delivered without pain relief. Throughout the labour and birth I felt totally calm and surprisingly I did not feel that I was pushing. Rather, my body seemed to do the work so that I felt my baby being pulled out with each contraction. I felt that the time in between each contraction was indeed longer than the contractions as suggested in the CD and this time was euphoric. The midwife continually commented on, and invited others to come to observe my calm and relaxed demeanour.
Thank you for giving me the means to birth my baby in such a positive & memorable way”
Georgina Casey
rrowe Park Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation and Fast Post Natal Recovery
1st Baby
“I had hypertension on first indication of pregnancy, I was signed off work due to this at 23 weeks, by 25 weeks was having home visits by midwife four times a week due to increased maternal hypertension and told to rest most of the time. After being admitted at 31 weeks over night, I was put on medication and having daily home visits by midwife. At 32 weeks I bought ‘pregnancy relaxation & prep for birth’ after being told I may be induced in a week or two but to the surprise of health professionals I carried to 40 weeks 5 days, which I attribute partly to cd’s. I was induced and had a 3 hour labour with ventouse after epidural they brought it on fast due to high blood pressure so very painful but needed epidural but without cd’s I would not have remained so calm throughout it, the health professionals said that they had never seen anyone so calm before labour. The cd’s helped me remain calms for months before as well and I relished pregnancy due to this.
Thank you so much”
Sarah Makey
Birth Preparation, Post Natal Recovery, Breastfeeing Companion Cd
At Home
My first contraction began at approx 1 am, I slept for a little longer but had to wake my husband around 4 as they were increasing in strength quickly. I went downstairs to use the loo and on the way back up my waters broke. The contractions were fairly strong but I was calm. We both went downstairs and Mike started to put up and fill the birthing pool. I was reluctant to use this too early as I prefered to keep moving. I called my mum to come around 5am as she lives an hour away. My daughter and step sister were upstairs asleep at this time. Right from the beginning I had to have quiet around me in order to focus on relaxing through contractions. My Mum arrived around 7 and my step mum arrived around 9. Neither rushed nor worried as I sounded too calm to them and they thought I was hours away. Leaning forward helped ease the pressure. I had a shower and dressed, with Mikes help and someone suggested walking, which I did up and down the back lane where it was quiet and no one could see me, except family members. My eldest daughter, Amy (9) was around through all of this and was excited and very encouraging to me, telling me reassuring things such as I'd be ok etc. I started walking outside around 10 and after half an hour was struggling to maintain breathing calmly and had to focus on keeping my body relaxed. I knew that I was going through the self doubt phase but was not able to vocalise this to anyone and thought that Mike would pick up on this, but he didnt! I went back inside but was sent back out to walk some more by my step mum (who is a mid wife) as I appeared calm to everyone. I knew it was close but didnt say (I think this was, in part as I didnt want midwives there and certainly did not want them arriving with lots of spare time). My body must have known it was time though or I wouldnt have gone in. Five mins later in the back lane my knees started to buckle and the pressure changed and my body started pushing. Then they wanted me inside!!! It took a few mins to get back and I had to keep stopping to push. At this point I don't think they realised I was pushing. I said I needed a wee and step mum came with me where she saw me sat on the loo pushing! She started taking my clothes off and I went through to the front room. Everyone was stood around the other side of the pool, Mike still trying to rush around sorting out the temperature. I just said "The baby's coming now,". My Step mum looked and said to everyone "It is too". One last push and she was there. Caught by step mum, cord was wrapped around neck but came off with no problems. Midwife had been called whilst I was on the way inside and arrived shortly after the birth. Perfect. For me anyway! I struggled to remain focus after she was born and found the placenta quite painful but there was so many people and so much noise and talking to me. I'll def be aware of this next time.
Niki Phillips
Listened to the Natal Hypnotherapy Programme
St Marys’ Hospital
For about a month before my due date of my first baby I listened to the birth preparation cd about three times a week (I listened to the relaxation cd throughout which really helped me wind down after work). I was sceptical about how effective the hypno would be in labour but I knew the breathing would probably come in handy and I found the quiet time with the cd on really beneficial.
Boy did I underestimate the usefulness of the techniques on the cd and how much my subconscious had taken the suggestions in! The night before my due date my waters broke at home at 3am and almost immediately my contractions were 3 or 4 minutes apart. I breathed through them and they were easily bearable as I spoke to the midwife who told me to come in to hospital. In the car and on arrival at St Mary’s the contractions were regularly 3 mins and though painful I found I could manage the pain using the breathing techniques and felt extraordinarily calm and ready for labour.
To cut a long story shortish the midwives and doctor didn't think my labour was progressing because I was so calm and dealing with the pain quietly- I heard one say ' her contractions are strong and 3 mins apart but she's not really feeling them'!!! I would almost say the cd was too effective because they sent my partner home for the night and put me in the ante natal ward out of the way! I laboured with no pain relief until about 9am when the contractions were 1 min apart I was finally examined and the head was emerging! I (Don't get me wrong I did ask for some pain relief. but the midwife wasn't convinced my contractions were strong enough to warrant any...)
I don't think I would have managed to stay in control without the visualisation and breathing methods that I had practised for the month before using your cd. Despite the intense pain I never felt like I could not handle it. The cd reinforces the natural process of birth and I truly felt that my body was just doing what it was supposed to do and eventually the pain would end with a joyous event.
All the time I felt oddly removed from the situation- sort of detached from reality yet completely in control and as if I was working with the pain not against it. Once in the delivery room I had gas and air to help push (again the breathing techniques were so valuable) and Noah arrived about 45 mins later. No stitches. Being my first baby I obviously have nothing to compare my experience to but I feel sure that the cd got me through labour without intervention and therefore probably shortened my labour giving me and my baby a more positive birth experience. I was open to any pain relief that was necessary- I am no martyr or natural birth evangelist- but like most women I wanted to at least try to do things the way they've always been done
It’s a pity that it’s not a more widely discussed form of pain relief and that more midwives don't recognise its effectiveness. Though I am obviously pleased I had a quick intervention free birth I felt that no one took me seriously because I wasn't screaming loudly enough. Noah is now 10 weeks old and in the difficult early days (!) I tried to make time to listen to the recovery cd. I only managed it twice but it immediately helped the overwhelming feelings I was having as a new mum. I would recommend natal hypnotherapy to any one-indeed I tell everyone who will listen about how it helped me get through childbirth. Thank you.
Mary Mudd
Harold Wood Hospital
Birth Preparation CD
1st Baby
“I went into labour at 3pm 5/10, my waters had broken that morning though. I wanted to stay at home as long as possible, so I just sat on a dining room chair, had my tens on and just kept playing the cd over and over again on my cd walkman.
I went to hospital at 9pm, when I needed something more and I was 7cm dilated. I reached 9.5cm at 3.15am, I nearly had pethidine but held off, but was given syntoxin to dilate 0.5cm faster. I was 10cm at 3.30am, and started pushing. Josie arrived at 5.27am as she kept coming in and out about 8 times. I was nearly cut or needed ventouse or forceps but I managed a fourth push one the next contraction and out she came.
I am gutted that I didn’t video it or have photos of her coming out, as I found it a wonderful experience and so natural, I cant wait for my 2nd when I’ll be using the cd’s again.
Thanks a lot”
Jennie Shales
Hospital
Pregnancy relaxation, Birth preparation and Fast post natal recovery
1st Baby
“I feel that I had a very positive birth experience and real empowerment by that. I definitely feel that the hypnotherapy tapes helped us to achieve this and that they helped to diminish some of the fear + anxiety and therefore pain of the experience”
Fi
Birth Preparation
London Hospital
1st Baby
“My waters broke 2 ½ weeks early so I did not feel fully prepared. First thing I did was listen to the CD and this immediately made me feel calm + relaxed. I listened to it a second time a few hours later when I had started having contractions and it helped me to relax into them. I had a bath + aromatherapy massage + them went to hospital at 3pm (contractions started 11am) I was very calm on arrival + midwives thought I was in very early labour. When I was finally assessed at 4.45pm I was 8cm dilated I was in some discomfort by now but kept turning down the pain dial + relax. During contractions I was quite distressed but calm in between. I felt ready to push an hour later + she was born at 6.20pm, a 25 minute 2nd stage, no analgesia, no problems, not really painful. A wonderful birth, midwives were very impressed. Thank you”
Donna Lynch
Northampton Hospital
Pregnancy relaxation and Birth Preparation CD
1st Baby
“I have always looked forward to the birth and I believe that was down to your CD. I cant tell enough mums about how good the experience was and without any pain relief!
I felt everything and it was fantastic – THANK YOU!!!”
Listened to the Prepare to conceive and the Natal Hypnotherapy Programme
“Thank you so much for producing such excellent CDs which are the sole reason I was able to have a quick and totally manageable labour with my first child. I had been recommended your CDs by my friend, but I was sceptical that I would be able to use them in my labour when the pain got bad, as I am such a "control freak" in my life that I struggle to relax, but I gave them a go - on the basis there was nothing to lose.
I suffered a miscarriage last year at 13 weeks- my husband and I were devastated. The same friend sent me the preparing to conceive CD - I got pregnant immediately but was then incredibly stressed at the thought of losing another baby. I listened to the relaxation CD every day, and it really helped me calm down and remain positive about the pregnancy, and connect with the tiny baby (now 8lbs 8!!).
Thankfully everything went well and I began listening to the birth prep CD from about 33 weeks onwards. It helped me relax, but I never really believed it would be able to take away or help me control the pain of serious labour, as I'm a real wimp. I hoped however it would get me through the initial stages so when I got to hospital for some "proper" pain relief I wouldn't be sent home and told I was only at 1cm, as had happened to friends.
When my labour started I remained calm, relaxed and focused on breathing; I relaxed as much as possible during and between contractions and reminded myself of the things on the cd. I thought I would stay at home as long as I felt able to manage the contractions, but as I've said, I always intended to go into hospital for drugs when they became necessary. I listened to the CD constantly for about 4 hrs lying down in a dark room with my husband using the 3,2,1 relax technique, then suddenly decided to go to hospital - I don't know what changed, as the contractions were always bearable if I breathed through them and relaxed, but I just wanted to go in. When I got there I was amazed to be told the baby's head was right there and I was ready to push! The midwives were amazed at how calm and relaxed I was, given this was a first baby, and that I'd managed the contractions and then the pushing without any drugs - I was even fully dressed at this point, having not had time to take off my shoes or jewellery! About 10 mins later my son was born, looking very lively and after a remarkably quick and painless labour.
I am sure that none of the above would have been possible without the relaxation CDs taking away the "fear" of labour and pain. As I have said, I never set out to have a natural labour and was convinced I would need pethidine at the very least, but had no problem with that. I also thought I am the least susceptible person to hypnosis as I'm so manic, and never imagined I would be able to entirely manage my pain and the whole labour by concentrating on the breathing, relaxing as much as possible and reminding myself this was nothing to be afraid of and my body would manage this by itself. I cannot recommend these CDs highly enough or thank you Maggie for making the thing I'd spent at least the last trimester worrying about pass amazingly easily and manageably.“
Shannah Birchenough
Hospital
Birth Preparation
1st Baby
“My contractions started at 7am on the Monday morning and were very mild – much like mild period pains. They continued throughout Monday and only started to get stronger Tuesday evening. I found I could breathe through each one with ease using techniques from the CD and was surprised at how positive, excited, but calm I felt throughout this time. The contractions never came more than 5 minutes apart, but it felt it was time that I should really go to hospital to find out how I was progressing (I had a show and was pretty sure that my waters were breaking as well). The midwife monitored and checked me, but thought I was still in the latent phase as I was so calm & chatty. She finally decided to examine me and we all kept our fingers crossed that I was at least in established labour (3cm or more). We were absolutely stunned to find that I was 91/2cm dilated and would be ready to push at any moment!! The contractions were still only coming at 5min intervals and were easily controllable with focusing and breathing techniques. The midwife said that I was the only second person she had ever seen who had use these techniques and I was dubbed the ‘hypnotherapy lady’ on the labour ward. I put the birth music on at this point, but it was too late, as I needed to be given fluids (as I had such a long latent phase) and a hormone drip to speed/intensify my contractions. When it came to pushing, I didn’t actually know when I was having a contraction and had to look at the monitor, or ask the midwife – I don’t think they believed me!! Our little boy popped out at 11.25 am on Wednesday July 19th and apart from tearing badly, it was a perfect birth. Overall, I had a couple of paracetamol in the early stages, TENS when the contractions became regular and 2 or 3 puffs of gas & air (I just wanted to try it!) through the last few contractions. I have absolutely no doubt that the hypnotherapy was a major factor in keeping the pain under control".
Sarah Dancock
Royal Surrey Guildford
Birth Preparation, Fast Post Natal Recovery
1st Baby
“I kept myself fit throughout my pregnancy. I ate healthily throughout and did not put on any excess weight.
I was scared of giving birth or more the unknown really. At one of my anti-natal classes, my midwife spoke about self-hypnosis. We were able to listen to a demo tape and given a leaflet on natal hypnotherapy. That was the best thing I got out of my class.
I’d always intended to give birth as naturally as possible. I knew my pain threshold was quite high, my fitness level was good and that in no quitter. However as always when the due date gets closer, people start telling you their stories like it was so painful make sure you take all drugs offered, you feet are so small that means your pelvis is too small to give birth etc. By the time I found out about natal hypnotherapy it was mid March and my due date was just over 2 weeks later. I was told that if I listened to the birth preparation one for about 10 minutes I would benefit from it. 10 days later – I woke up that morning and had a slight show but wasn’t overly concerned. I’d had a doctors appointment for a check up booked for later that afternoon and was told the baby’s head was not engaged. I headed up to my mums to walk my dogs with her which we did for an hour getting back at 5pm. At 6.30pm I felt a pain like a stomach cramp, then again at 7. I left my mums for the 15 minute drive home via the village shops as my husband had not got his mum a mother’s day card for the day before! The second shop I went to still had some and whilst in there had another cramp. At this stage I still thought nothing of it. I got home and by 9pm they were a bit uncomfortable and about every 15mins now. My husband was still at work so my mum came down as the hospital had advised me that it was probably a false alarm and to try and rest so off I went for a lie down thinking it was Brackston Hicks. By 10.15pm, when my husband walked in expecting a bite to eat and a sit down, he was greeted by my mum saying the baby is on its way, you best get her up the hospital.
We finally make it to the hospital about 50 minutes later. By this time I felt that I count make it to maternity so my husband got a porter to wheel me up there. 2 contractions later I made it to maternity. Still I said to the midwife that I expected to be told it was a false alarm. She check me over and I was surprised when she said do I want to push. I replied No, had another contraction straight away, said yes and twenty minutes after arriving at the hospital, I was holding my beautiful baby boy in my arms.
I believe that the CDs helped me achieve my dream to have a natural birth and going on the speed that I had Jacob I think I will plan a home birth next time.”
Jo Foster
Chester Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation
1st Baby
“I had a very anxious pregnancy – 9th IVF attempt & 1st pregnancy so a very special baby!
The relaxation CD ensure that I had a structured & assisted relax session daily. I listened form about 16 weeks until I started listening to the Birth Preparation Cd at 30 weeks. Husband also listened so that he could help me with the visualisations. The music CD was the only one I listened to during me labour & I even used it at home when I came out with baby – it seemed to soothe him when fractious. I use the music CD mow for baby massage. I really enjoyed the tapes & have recommended them to all my pregnant friends since!
Thank you – it really helped me & Freddie”
Kim Walton
Huddersfield Royal Hospital
Listened to the birth preparation CD 20+ times
“The CDs had a huge big impact on me during the labour and birth itself. I felt very calm and in control – especially my breathing. (The birth music was very relaxing). Before hand I didn’t feel I could relax and be hypnotised but it appeared to work!
My labour started on the Wednesday late afternoon and my baby was born at 5pm on the Thursday. I used the TENS machine for approximately 12 hours on Wednesday evening and also kept mobile during contractions. I went into hospital at approximately 5am when contractions were approximately 5 minutes apart. I was 3cm dilated when I arrived but then things slowed down. I then continued with aromatherapy massage from my partner and walking/keeping mobile. I was sent home at midday and my waters broke at 12:30 and it then all started. Back in hospital I managed on gas and air and although I wanted a water birth they decided against it because of my blood pressure. My daughter was born at 4:50pm. I coped mainly by focusing on my breathing - mainly the out-breath. At no point did I feel I needed more pain relief. I’m confident the CDs did help – I was so calm! It was a very positive labour and birth for me.”
Mrs Naren Ashraff
Hospital
Birth Preparation
1st Baby
“Had a very relaxed birth, midwives were actually in labour. Have recommended CD to many people already. Was apprehensive about CD at 1st, but am amazed at how relaxed I was & the drugs I didn’t need. Normally I can’t even have a filing without an injection.
Very happy customer”
Mrs Nicola Dean
Hospital
Birth Preparation
1st Baby
“I originally wanted a home birth but due to the fact that I have a heart murmur, this was not recommended. I wanted to give birth as naturally as possible and even through I had a ventouse delivery I was pleased with the fact that I only needed gas + air and that I coped with the pain. I way the CD helped me the most was in the lead up to the birth. It made me believe that my body was designed to do this and that I could do it. During labour I worked with my body and the contractions and I felt totally in control. I totally enjoyed giving birth and would certainly recommend the CD’s”
Diane Whittinghall
Chelsea and Westminster hospital
Listened to the full Natal programme 20+ times
“I was induced at 38 weeks and 4 days due to high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia with prostaglandin gel (2 times). I went into labour 12 hours after the second lot. My waters broke at 8:15am and at around midday I went to the labour ward. I stood up for the contractions and lent over the hospital bed, breathed and listened to birth music on mp3 player. When 8cm dilated, baby’s oxygen levels dropped. I was told to lie on my side with an oxygen mask on. The register was concerned by I felt in control and felt that if I breathed deeply, everything would be okay. It was, baby’s oxygen levels went up and I stayed on the bed with the oxygen mask on. I gave birth in a semi-squatting position leaning over the head of the bed at 7:20pm. It wasn’t actually painful at all!
The head of the labour ward (midwife) said that I didn’t look like I was in labour and that they should give your CDs free to everyone!”
Liz Rider
QE11 Hospital Herts
Listened to the birth preparation CD 20 + times
“I started with cramps on Sunday evening which developed into contractions on Monday lunch time. I was having 20-30 second contractions every 2 minutes. The hospital told me to call back when they were really painful, at least 60 seconds long and 3-4 minutes apart. I was told my baby was trying to get into labour. At 6pm my waters broke and the hospital asked me to come I saying they would probably send me home but needed to check me. I arrived at hospital at 7pm and was told the water birth expert would arrive in 1 ½ hours which wasn’t a problem unless I was a miracle case. A while later the midwife confirmed I was fully dilated! Officially active labour was 2 hours and 27 minutes. A very positive experience. Pain – what pain??!!!”
Elizabeth McGowan
Rotherham Hospital
Listened to the birth preparation CD 6 - 10 times
I was one of those women who was totally terrified of the thought of birth from the age of seven.
My sister who is a midwife was present and couldn’t believe her sister was being so calm, relaxed and in control throughout the whole labour.
I went into a totally hypnotic world of peace and calm – I closed my eyes throughout, breathed deeply at each contraction and was sprayed with water to cool and a flannel on my forehead. My sister and I have been praising and verbally selling the amazing attributes of the tape to produce a most wonderful birth experience. I can honestly say I enjoyed yes enjoyed the birth with the aid of the CD.
I cannot thank you enough – 28 years of worry (worry is wasted energy).
Pippa Moss
Edgware Birth Centre
Listened to the birth preparation CD 20 + times
My labour became established within 3-4 hours, then the birth itself happened quickly.
If we had left home half an hour later the baby would probably have been born in the car! I knew things were happening quickly when I got to the birth centre and the midwives filled the pool with buckets as well as the hose! I listened to the relaxing birth music CD, I think this had a soothing effect and so did the water (I had no other pain relief other than two paracetamol in early labour, and thought I was using a TENS machine for a while before I got in the pool but found my husband forgot to put the batteries in! No wonder it wasn’t working!)
The water was wonderful and so was the midwife, so the whole experience was positive especially as my baby boy was born, and floated straight up into my arms.
Henrietta Farley
Queen Charlottes, London
Listened to the birth preparation CD 20+ times
My waters broke at 11:30pm and we stayed at home until 2:30. At my first contraction, I asked my husband not to mention the word ‘pain’ – instead to say ‘power’ and ‘golden light’. So as the contractions got stronger I visualised the beautiful light coming forth and I welcomed all the sensations – indeed I found it all very exciting! We got to the birth centre at 2:50 and the midwife thought we were so relaxed she nearly sent us home! After 45 minutes she examined me and told me “not to be disappointed if I was only 2 or 3 centimetres dilated”. To her amazement (and my surprise) I was already 10cm dilated! Hoorah! Lucas (meaning golden light after the visualization on your CD!) was born naturally with no stitches required at 6:08. It was a wonderful experience. Thank you!
Angela Ostler
Gave birth in hospital (unknown)
Birth preparation CD 16 - 20 times
"I was nearly two weeks overdue. Early labour began on Saturday night and remained with me on Sunday. I managed to stay at home using my TENS machine until Monday at 5 pm. I remained standing for each contraction and hung around my partner’s neck. I felt relaxed and in control of the situation. I was moved in to the delivery room where I laboured through the night only using gas and air and my TENS.
Even though I had been booked in for induction, the midwives did not need to induce me or interfere as I was progressing naturally. The only thing they did was break my waters when I had the urge to push. I stayed calm and even fell asleep between contractions when I was pushing! After my baby was born I did not need any stitches and still felt in control of the situation.
I think this has continued with me during the first few weeks at home. The health visitor has said how calm and happy I seem.
I would say to any other woman that labour is mind over matter. Your body was built for this purpose and the pain is very manageable if you train your mind to cope with it. I want another baby and will definitely use the CD again.
Nikki Harris
Born Whittingdon Hospital, London
Listened to birth preparation CD 20 + times
"When I first went to do a tour of the labour ward I felt very negative about it. But after listening to the CD I felt more positive. I had to have an ECV done and felt calm when I was in the ward. My contractions started a 5 am. I had a bath and listened to the CD again. We went into hospital around 10.30 am. The midwife examined me and I was. 9 cm dilated! I had wanted a water birth but the midwife said it wouldn’t be full in time. The second stage only lasted 20 minutes, and 4 pushes and he was out! Luke was born at 12.40. Throughout the experience the midwife kept commenting on how calm and relaxed I was. She said I could came again and she wished all women were so relaxed. The CD definitely helped me 100% to have a better attitude towards the hospital and to feel relaxed, confident and in control during the birth. Thank you so much for helping me to have a positive birth experience"
Helen Dickenson
St Johns Chelmsford
Listened to the Natal Hypnotherapy Programme 20 + times
"I started contractions at 1pm, by 2.30 pm. I was at the hospital and 3 and half hours later, my little boy, Robert was born. The midwives were amazed as I was 5 cm dilated on arrival, which they say is not very common as I am a first time mum. The image of the comfort dial that I could control with my mind really helped. I put the fact that I had a short labour down to the CD. It helped me prepare mentally for giving birth, and took away my apprehension, and sheer terror. I had a very positive birth experience and my GP, health visitor have suggested that should I become pregnant again, I should seriously consider a home birth."
Sam Davies
Gave birth at hospital
Birth Preparation CD 21 - 30 times, Fast Post Natal Recovery CD 1 - 5 times
“The CDs gave me a reason to lie down and relax! Very successful at putting me to sleep. The midwives commented on how calm & relaxed & in control I was throughout the labour”
Sally Harness
Hospital Birth
“I found keeping my eyes closed, counting through the pain and listening to my supporters got me through the hardest challenge of my life. I got the birth situation I wanted with no intervention, no stitches and an excellent APGAR score for my baby”
Victoria Scott
St Mary’s hospital in Portsmouth
Listened to Birth preparation CD 1 - 5 times and to Pregnancy Relaxation CD 11 - 20 times
“The first time I listened it made me cry with happiness at how close I felt to my baby. Even though the birth was not as planned, I felt surprisingly calm and relaxed and never once felt panicked”
Katherine Bentley
Hospital Birth
Listened to Birth preparation CD 31 + times
“The CD really helped with sleep and relaxation, which I found virtually impossible in late pregnancy. The CD helped me contemplate birth and the baby in a calm, no pressure way - mostly preparation is either medical or what to buy.”
Judith Boyle
Hospital Birth
Listened to the Birth preparation CD 21 - 30 times
“Towards the end of my pregnancy I would "cling" onto the CD, playing it repeatedly to banish negative thoughts. The CD was useful in reminding me about what women were intended for and to encourage a positive expectation of the birth experience. The CD was good value and helped to ensure I stayed on track and remained positive when overwhelmed with anxiety. I therefore believe it could work for most women. My friend commented on how calm I reminded throughout the birth and I attribute a great deal to the hypnosis CD & would highly recommend it to anyone.”
Michelle Larkin
Royal Surrey, Guildford
Listened to the CD every night
”The CD was very good and had a major impact on helping me feel relaxed and calm. My baby had an APGAR score of 10 and is a really happy and contented little baby”.
Sonia Amos
Royal Surrey, Guildford
Listened to the CD’s approximately 20 times
”The techniques I learnt were very useful in coping with the pain.”