Home birth stories

Ruth Sabrosa’s Breech Birth Story

At 38 weeks pregnant I hired independent midwives to help me have a physiological breech birth at home because the NHS were not supportive of my choices and wanted me to opt for a caesarean. Four weeks and 3 days later my beautiful baby daughter was born at home in record fast timing and it was the most natural and rewarding experience of my life.

I have Natal Hypnotherapy and Maya midwives to thank for that. Natal Hypnotherapy gave me the confidence to trust my body and believe in my ability to give birth naturally and Maya midwives supported me, allowing me to trust my instincts and listen to my body before and during the birth. Here is a brief summary of my story:

I had always planned a home birth for my second baby but when I found out she was breech, I was told by the hospital this would be impossible and after an unsuccessful attempt at turning her (ECV) I was given no other option but to have a caesarean. I was distraught, I knew I could deliver this baby normally but was shocked that the hospital were so keen on c-section. They wouldn't let me leave without consenting to this even though I told them I wanted to explore my options. I was 38 weeks pregnant at this stage and if they had their way I would have had a c-section one week later but I knew baby wasn't ready and after careful thought and research I told them I wanted to wait and to cancel the caesarean. The majority of staff were not supportive of my choice so I began a quest to find an independent midwife.

Several phone calls later I came across the wonderful Maya midwives, who happened to be experienced in vaginal breech birth and very keen to support me. I was overjoyed and it meant there was a greater chance I could have the home birth I so desperately wanted for my baby. I withdrew from NHS care and had regular visits from the midwives to check baby's heart rate etc. and then it was just a waiting game. I began listening to my Natal Hypnotherapy prepare for home birth CD again every day, sometimes two or three times a day and I made a poster for my bedroom wall with affirmations and other positive thoughts about the birth.

My due date (20th September) came and went and then a week later there were still no labour signs. The midwives advised that I didn't do anything to augment the labour, such as acupuncture or reflexology because breech babies must come when they are ready if they are going to come at all. So I waited and waited. Natal Hypnotherapy helped me to remain calm, relaxed and focused at this stressful time when friends and family were growing increasingly concerned. When I reached 42 weeks I decided to go to hospital for a scan and CTG monitoring to make sure everything was ok. The doctors said baby was doing really well and couldn't find anything at all wrong but would be happier if I'd have a c-section the next day. My instincts told me to wait a little longer and so I agreed to come back two days later for more CTG monitoring. In the meantime I began to prepare myself for the caesarean (by listening to the Natal Hypnotherapy CD) as it was becoming increasingly likely that I might have to give in at some point. Again the CTG monitoring showed that everything was fine but I agreed to go in the next day for my bloods to be taken in case the caesarean was necessary. Although I was more prepared for it, I couldn't understand how my body could grow this baby, keep her nourished for 9 months and then just abandon her and me when it was time to be born.

That very night I woke at 4am with contractions that felt 'different' to the Braxton hicks I'd been having for weeks so I called the midwife, Andy, and she arrived an hour later. I wasn't in any pain at all but had been preparing for this for months using Natal Hypnotherapy so didn't really expect to be. There was about an hour where the contractions were really intense but at no time painful and our daughter was born two and a half hours later (bum first) at 7:30. Andy said it was the quickest birth she'd ever seen, so quick that Viv, the second midwife missed it! I was glad I called Andy when I did. I used only a TENS machine and Natal Hypnotherapy techniques and our beautiful breech baby daughter, Amália Rose, was born calmly and peacefully in our bedroom. Her birthday is 7th October 2012, 17 days past the due date. I couldn't have hoped for a better outcome, I am so glad that I trusted my instincts and my baby and that I had the support of such wonderful midwives.

I will treasure that moment forever.

Kati Edwards to her 1st baby at home in Chorlton, Manchester

Many women do not know that they can prepare effectively for birth. I hope that my birth story will help to dispel that myth. I had a beautiful, natural home birth without medication, but I did not do so without having done much research, preparation and practice. I hope that my story will encourage others that we are perfectly made for giving birth and the experience does not have to be the painful traumatic experience that is dramatized on TV. For me, the key was to be confident in my ability to give birth just as millions of women have done before me and to practice relaxation techniques, so when the time came I was able to relax my body at will. My body knew what to do just as it knew how to grow my baby!

It was Friday December 23rd 2011 and it was Dave's last day at work before he broke up for Christmas. He had a great deal to do in order to clear up the projects that he was working on. I had thought that the pains I was experiencing were due to having played capoeira the night before and having never had a baby before, I didn't really think that I was in the start of my labour. It was like period pain arriving at regular 5 minute intervals. When Dave woke at 7.30am, I told him about the pains. He asked me if I would like him to stay at home but I said that he should go to work. After all, he was only half an hour away and would keep his phone turned on all day just in case anything happened. So Dave went to work, and I pottered around the house. I made a cake and made some bread and cleaned and tidied the house. I scrubbed the floors on my hands and knees as this position helps the baby get into the optimum foetal position (OFP) ready for birth. Our floors were the cleanest they had ever been as I had been doing this for a few weeks! I had also been walking round the house on all fours like a cat each day to help with my baby's positioning! I was looking forward to Dave arriving home from work. I was excited to tell him that I was still having the stomach cramps and I was probably in the early stages of labour.

Dave had been to the birth preparation workshops with me and we had practiced the breathing, hypnotherapy and massage techniques. He had prepared well to be my birthing partner. At 6pm, my mum came round to my house to drop off a feeding chair for me. The chair that she had fed me on 33 years before. She had had it recovered and painted for me. About 5 minutes later Dave arrived home from work. He said that something terrible had happened. Coming home from work he had started to feel ill. He said he felt that he had contracted the bug that had many of our friends had caught from a small child at a dinner party we had been to two days previously. It was true he came down with the bug, perhaps norovirus, which rendered him out of action for the next 12 hours with diarrhoea and vomiting while I was in labour! He lay on the sofa burning up and sweating for a couple of hours before eventually going to bed.

My mum, who had only come round to drop off the chair ended up staying as she said that she couldn't leave me with Dave being so ill. I’ been looking forward to Dave taking me to for a curry. Mum said that she’d take me. I was having mild contractions as I collected my take away and when I got home I devoured the lot. I’d heard that eating well in the early stages of labour was a good thing as later on you will not feel like eating and so it’s good to build up some energy reserves! Mum stayed with me throughout the night, massaging my back and counting my contractions. I listened to the hypnotherapy CD and tried to get some rest as my doula on the other end of the phone had suggested that afternoon. I also used the TENS machine which was fantastic The weird sensation caused by the electrical pulses being a welcome distraction from the sensations of the labour. I could control the strength of the pulses myself. At 1.30am, when my contractions were 50 seconds long and 3 minutes apart, I called the midwives. A lovely midwife that I had not met before called Susan arrived at 2.30am. She checked me and said that I was 2-3cm dilated and that I should carry on distracting myself.

I was so excited! I wanted to wake Dave up and tell him but he was so poorly that I thought better of it! Mum and I chatted and played Scrabble. Dave got up at 6am and came to ask how it was going. He was feeling only slightly better. I told him that I was properly in labour. Dave thought he ought to blow up the pool! It was a good job that our neighbour downstairs had lent us an electric pump which Dave used to blow up the sides of the pool but he had to pump the floor and the seat by hand. Dave was able to muster up just enough energy to blow it up but it totally wore him out and he needed to go back to bed. Dave and I willed the virus to go away so he could be present for the birth of his first child. At 7.30am, the contractions had been getting more powerful and we called the midwives again. They said that they would send someone out and asked if 9am would be ok. Having never had a baby before, 9am felt like a long time to wait as the contractions were really quite strong. They said to call back again if there was an emergency! I hung on til 9am without calling back. At 9am, midwife Hayley arrived. As she walked through the door, I burst into tears! Out of all the midwives I had seen, it was Hayley that I felt I had connected to the most.

I had thought about asking for her but had thought better of it. I had asked the universe to send her instead! “I can’t believe you’re here” I said. “I asked for you to come!” Hayley checked me and said that I was 5 cm dilated. I was happy that things were progressing as they should. Dave got up as Hayley arrived. Willing the virus to go away seemed to work and he had just about fought off his virus enough to resume being my birthing partner and enjoy the big day. Hayley recommended that he sipped Sprite throughout the day which also seemed to help. At about 1pm, Hayley thought that I was ready to get into the pool. Mum, Dave and Hayley had been using buckets of water to get it to the right temperature.

The water was lovely, I would really recommend it. The Natal Hypnotherapy gave me a battery of tools to deal with the pain. I found the visualisations really helpful, particularly visualising a beautiful red sunset looking over some choppy water. When I breathed out a golden light, I imagined my breath spreading out making the water really calm. Before I knew it, I was on the other side of the contraction. I also found the 'dial' really helpful. I'd try to turn the intensity of the contraction down from 10 to 1 and before I knew it I was on the other side. It was really important for me that I had practiced welcoming each sensation, as opposed to dreading it, and I'm sure that this practice was essential for making everything go right on the day. I'd also practiced affirmations and had made little cards and posted them around my flat such as 'All I need to do is relax and breathe' or 'I can completely relax my body at will'. At the times when I needed them, I found that they sprung up in my mind. The 321 relax cue that Dave gave me was also really helpful.

While I was in the water, I had an aromatherapy stick with rose and geranium which smelt beautiful and was a welcome distraction. Matilda Rose finally arrived in the water at 5,33pm. I got my home water birth without medication just the way I wanted it. The midwives in attendance couldn't believe it was my first baby because I was so calm. My mum, who initially had thought my idea to have Matilda at home and use hypnotherapy was 'ridiculous' is now a passionate convert! She also couldn't believe how calm I was and tells everyone who will listen about it! The Natal Hypnotherapy helped Dave to become part of the process. We are very grateful for the tools of Natal Hypnotherapy which helped bring our beautiful little girl Matilda Rose into the world in such a kind and gentle way.

Kerry Fieldhouse gave birth at Home birth

After four and half years of trying for a family, my husband and I were lucky enough to fall pregnant - a big and wonderful surprise. I was interested in a water birth and after reading some inspirational stories turned my attention to a home birth. My midwife (actually 'mid-man'!) was wonderful and very encouraging and mentioned natal hypnotherapy. I took his advice and bought the CDs straight away.

Although I didnt listen to the CDs as much as recommended and not at all during the birth (had images previously of hours of labour in which I would relax and listen to them but it all happened very fast!), I remembered a lot from them and my husband helped me remember to 'turn down' the pain during stronger contractions and it all came flooding back which was really helpful. I especially was grateful for the confidence they gave me to trust my body and my baby and to work with it, not against it. By the time the birth came I was calm and ready and confident.

Our home water birth was just as we wished for. I can't deny that labour is an intense experience but I felt completely in control. The birth of my son was the most special day of my life and it was wonderful. I am so proud of us all and I hope other women can have the confidence to believe in themselves and their bodies - as they did for me, the CDs will help solidify that self-belief for many others and make the birth of your baby so special.

Maija Campbell gave birth at home in hove.

I listening to the cd regularly leading up to my labour, I found it relaxed me in the afternoons and really connected me to my baby and what a special time it was. My waters broke before my labour started, I listened to the cd again to relax after i did this my contractions started.. Must have been all the relaxation.

My contractions were strong and the breathing and visualisation kept me calm and feeling in control, I gave birth at home using just the birth pool and no other form of pain relief.

Natal hypnotherapy really helped me achieve my home birth.

Tamsin gave birth at home

This was my first pregnancy, which I am so pleased to say went so well, as did the labour and birth. I stayed active throughout my pregnancy, remaining at my physically and mentally demanding job until the end of week 38. I also kept busy at home until the day my baby arrived, completing all those jobs I never had the time for when I worked. As I kept so busy until the end of my pregnancy, I found using the pregnancy relaxation cd extremely helpful in mentally letting go of the daily stresses and an over-active mind to encourage good sleep, to prepare myself mentally for the birth and then the arrival of my baby. I found by giving myself 30-45mins 2-3 times a week was really beneficial in keeping calm and relaxed throughout my pregnancy.

I also read the Effective Birth book which I found the most reassuring read prior to having my baby. The approach and information given made complete sense to me and confirmed my instinctual attitude to labour and birthing. I also attended an active birth workshop as my birth preparation course which complemented the Effective Birth book further. Together, these approaches to labour and the relaxed and calm feeling I had towards the birth from using the cds, resulted in me feeling no fear up to and during labour. I had complete trust in my body being able to do this and believe strongly that my mental preparation and attitude towards labour enabled me to have the birthing experience I had always wanted. I felt in complete control of my thoughts and reactions throughout the experience.

I finally went into labour 10 days past the EDD and was able to have the birth at home in water, as planned. To give birth at home, where I had complete control of the environment (i.e. using a birthing pool, controlling the light, temperature, sounds and smells) and having only minimal 'staff' and my family present that all supported my approach to labour, enabled me to remain mentally focussed throughout the labour, trusting the people around me and the familiar and calm environment in which I was in. Due to the speed of the whole labour and birth (about 6 hrs in total, and only 3hrs of active labour and birth), I didn't have time to use the full hypnotherapy approach.

However, I used deep, controlled breathing and mental focussing throughout to ensure effective labouring and to cope with the sensations/pains. I also used visualisation during the actual birth, of the baby's journey down the birth canal, to encourage me to continue effectively in delivering my baby, I managed to give birth to my 8lb 3oz baby with no pain relief. In fact, at no point during the labour did it occur to me that I needed it or indeed could have asked for it. Again, I feel this was at least partially due to the mental attitude I had, in trusting my body to be able to do this, reassured by the preparation I had done in reading the Effective Birth book, attending an active birth workshop and listening to the relaxation and birth preparation cds.

Louise Scott Thompson gave birth at home halifax uk

I had painless contractions every 20-30 minutes for a week before baby came. On Monday 1st August I awoke with tummy ache and an upset tummy and I knew this was the day. The contractions started out at every 5 minutes for 40 seconds. I was scheduled for a home birth. So at 10am I went to the birth centre to be checked, I was disappointed to find I was only 1 cm. They gave me a stretch and sweep, sent me home and advised me that the baby would probably not arrive for the next couple of days. I disagreed, I knew she would come that day. I put on my tens machine, went for a walk and ate some liquorice. The contractions started getting intense but in between them I was laughing and joking watching TV. My mother in law encouraged me to call the midwives to my house (which I was reluctant to do seeing as I had been dismissed in the morning) as she felt I was quite far along. The midwives visited my house at 5pm ish and confirmed that I was 4cm and in active labour.

As I was a GBS carrier I had a special birth plan arranged so I could have my baby at home. We attended the hospital and I was given intravenous antibiotics via a cannula in my arm. Having contractions whilst sitting still for the cannula was horrible. After the antibiotics were administered we drove home, this car journey was horrible, again having to sit still was worse than the contractions. As soon as we got into the house from the hospital around 7pm the contractions went up a notch in intensity. My husband called the midwives out, but they got lost and were late. When they arrived at 9pm I was fully dilated and the head was coming out. They could not believe how calm I was.

Up until this point all I had used was my tens machine. When I looked at the tens machine properly I realised I hadn’t been using both pads!! I had a little gas and air during the second stage, but I kept forgetting it was there and didn’t really need it. I did not tear and my baby girl Accalia was born at 10.40pm that day. I had a small graze and was healed in under a week. I was up and about 30 minutes after the birth and have remained active since.

One problem I encountered was the midwives not believing how far along I was as I was so calm and with it. All in all I got the homebirth I wanted. I feel the cds helped loads to achieve this goal.

Federica Luis gave birth at home

"I started having irregular contractions on the morning of Saturday 13th November but they were breathable and so Miguel and I tried to have a normal a day as possible by going for walks, shopping to Tesco etc. They continued every 20 minutes or so over night, when I finally gave in about 5am and went downstairs to watch a Disney movie (Sleeping Beauty, very apt!!) to cheer me up! At 6.40am on Sunday 14th November 2010 whilst on the sofa, I felt a 'pop' and my waters broke... Luckily it didn't make a mess as I got to the toilet in time and that's where I saw a 'show' as well. I called Miguel straight away and we both looked at each other knowing that this was realit wasn't just Braxton Hicks anymore, we would be meeting our baby at some point in the next day or so!

The community midwife came to the house for a preliminary assessment at 9am where I was 2cm dilated. We decided to go for a walk to my mum's house to let her know I was ok but came back by 10am where we stuck on the TENS machine and practiced some hypnotherapy as the contractions were starting to hot up!. At 12.30pm another midwife came to assess and to her surprise I was already 5cm dilated and so decided to stay and call out her assistant as well as a student!!! We hadn't expected for me to progress so quickly, so poor Miguel now had the task of filling the pool as quickly as possible. Unfortunately we soon ran out of hot water and so I vaguely remember Miguel borrowing kettles from the neighbours as well as having all our large pans on the hob boiling up water in order to get the pool to the all important temperature of 37 degrees! I finally got in at around 2pm and it was wonderful, I took each contraction one at a time and breathed through them, with Miguel's support and the midwife using aromatherapy to comfort me as well. In the next hour and a half I progressed to 10cm (unknown to me however)!!

At 3.30pm I had this almighty desire to go the the loo for a number two and could not get in a comfy position for a few contractions, so I asked to go to the loo, but nothing happened when I got there except for this urge to push something out!!!! Things settled for a few minutes after that and I asked that I go and sleep on the sofa!!!! The midwife knew exactly what was going on, in that it was the calm before the storm and I was in transition so started prepping the living room! At one point I asked if I was 'pushing' all she said was " let you body do what it needs to do", I was so resistant at first as I was scared to go to the toilet in front of everyone, but once I let go and let my body takeover, it felt right and after 30 minutes of breathing down...

My beautiful baby daughter, Ines Luis came into this world at 16:10 on our living room sofa (luckily all covered in sheets and towels and didn't even make a single mark!!!!) At that point all I remember was this little hairy creature being put onto my chest and Miguel flinging the cord out of the way and screaming "it's a girl, it's a girl!!!", where he then held my face and kissed me and then we both burst into tears of happiness... I asked 'Is she ok?' and before anyone could respond, Ines gave out an almighty wail and didn't stop until I snuggled her into me with towels all wrapped around her... We decided to have a physiological 3rd stage of labour so we waited for the cord to stop pulsating and then Miguel cut the cord... I then delivered the placenta after about 45 minutes, in the meantime enjoying little Ines wriggling around my bosom, looking for her first meal in her life... She latched on and had her first feed which was a magical experience...

When all was done, I was assisted to have a shower whilst Miguel was having his first precious moments with his daughter and then the three of us together with the midwife Lee, student midwife Sarah and midwife care assistant Kat sat in our living room and had a slice of birthday cake (chocolate marble cake that I had made for Ines that morning in order to kill some time when things were still not too intense) and opened a bottle of champagne... It was lovely. We are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful birth experience, I couldn't have asked for anything else and I now have a beautiful serene healthy little girl who we are completely in love with and fall deeper in love as it each day passes..."

Anneli Hickey gave birth to her 3rd baby at home

I listened to the pregnancy relaxation CD throughout both my second and third pregnancies and listened to the home birth preparation CD from around 32 weeks. I also attended the birth preparation workshops prior to the birth of both my second and third daughters. For both births I believe that my perception of pain was reduced. With my second child I believed myself to be in early labour and was shocked when I felt the baby descending the birth canal. As a result, the midwife did not arrive in time and my husband with the assistance of three paramedics (who arrived after the head was out) delivered the baby. My third daughter was due at the end of August and I was extremely frustrated to find myself still pregnant 11 days later (my first child was born on her due date and my second was only 2 days late so I fully expected a prompt delivery).

I was very keen to avoid any intervention and resisted suggestions that I should be booked in for an induction. Luckily I had a fantastic midwife who supported my decision. She suggested a sweep. The first caused only mild period pains which stopped overnight. I had a second sweep a couple of days later. This time, the pains grew gradually stronger but were still perfectly manageable. I did not believe myself to be in established labour but after what happened with my second child, my husband decided to call the midwife at around 11pm that evening. She came out and examined me. I was only 2cm dilated and therefore not in established labour. She advised that I get some sleep and left her mobile number in case things kicked off later.

Almost as soon as she had left I felt as if the contractions were becoming more serious, but decided to follow her advice and went to bed. I could not sleep and by 2am was convinced that my baby would be arriving pretty soon. I woke my husband and he called the midwife. We moved downstairs to the living room and I got down onto my knees and used the sofa to lean against. At this point the contractions became very powerful. I was able to breathe through them but was finding them much harder to handle. My husband barely got the plastic sheeting down before my waters broke. Within a couple of contractions I could feel the baby moving down the birth canal and she was born at 2:30am.

My husband delivered her and the midwife arrived to hear her first cry. I opted for a natural third stage which took about an hour. Whilst waiting for the placenta to come out I got to know my daughter and persuaded her to feed from my breast, which she did after some coaxing. Natal Hypnotherapy gave me the confidence to have the birth I wanted. I learned to believe in my body's ability to give birth and to believe in myself. Having had a traumatic first labour and birth in hospital which left me with depression and a belief that I had failed, I really wanted to have a positive birth experience. The birth preparation classes I took before the birth of my second child were a revelation to me and helped me to see my first delivery in a positive light and made it possible for me to look forward to the next birth experience. So when I discovered I was pregnant with my third child I dug out the CDs and attended one of the workshops to refresh my memory and top up the confidence I had felt second time around. It worked. I have three beautiful daughters, two of which were born at home without fear, drugs or intervention. I have the philosophies taught during the Natal Hypnotherapy birth preparation workshops to thank for this.

Angela Bowder gave birth to her 2nd baby water birth at home

Being pregnant with my second child I soon found myself anxious and uptight about the inevitable pain in labour. Although my first baby was born naturally in the birthing pool in Hospital I began re-living in my mind the horrible dash to the hospital and how fast the contractions all of a sudden became. I knew it really wasn't healthy for me to be thinking how painful it was all going to be, so I began practicing at home breathing techniques from yoga and meditation and also joined a weekly yoga pre-natal course. The gentle exercise and breathing really helped me 'get in touch' with my inner calm, but I still felt my attitude towards giving birth was quite negative and being a positive person this felt quite odd.

I began researching on the net for positive birth experiences to give me a better outlook for what lay ahead. I came across hypnotherapy and as I believe in the power of the mind this was what I felt I needed. I found the natal hypnotherapy site and found the perfect CD, 'Effective home birth preparation'. I was determined to cut out the horrible journey to the hospital and the lack of after-care by having a home-birth, the CD was advertised as teaching you to overcome fear of birth, be more relaxed during labour and reduce pain so I was sold! At about 20 weeks pregnant I began listening to the CD once a week, and to be honest my initial reaction was to have a giggle at some of the things it said....such as 'you may even find your contractions pleasurable', I thought it was hysterical, how could labour be pleasant!?

How was I to know that a few months down the line I was to have the perfect home-birth with no intervention only a very focused mind and a relaxed, confident birthing body. Each time I listened to the CD I took away something new, such as the ability to be ignorant of other people's negative comments and stories or being truly confident in my own ability to give birth naturally. Once I left work on maternity leave I listened every day, I began referring to the voice on the CD as my best-friend - I'd say to my husband, 'I'm just going to catch up with my best-friend'. I really felt the benefit of listening and re-focusing my mind in line with the positive and natural teachings of the CD. My labour finally began at 8 days overdue in the early hours and by 5am I had woken my husband and mum to get them sorting the pool out and take my daughter to Nursery. I had the CD on repeat throughout my labour.

I needed to hear the voice that had been mentally preparing me for the previous months. Personally, having the CD playing simply reminded me at certain key points in my labour to relax into the contractions, believe I could do it and not fight it, rather go with it. I wouldn't say I was under deep hypnosis, but I could certainly self- hypnosis to a place I felt was safe and manageable. I do recall the switch from having a gap in-between contractions to rest and regain composure ready for the next to bam, bam them coming fast & furious with one breath in-between if I was lucky. This was the point of panic and horror I recalled having Annabelle, my first, but this time the story was going to be different. I was so determined and packed with confidence from lots of healthy preparation that I was going to be in control and in-touch with my body....and guess what..I was ! at 12 minutes past 11am on Wednesday 15th September 2010 I can proudly say I gave birth naturally, (even without gas & air as the 2nd midwife didn't arrive on time!) in my lounge in a birthing pool. One word to describe it - Beautiful. For me, using yoga techniques for positioning & breathing, natal hypnotherapy to be mentally prepared & focused and homeopathic remedies to aid the process, I had a beautiful birthing experience. I delivered my perfect little boy Eden Joshua-William Bowder weighing a gorgeous 8lb6oz...and I'll never look at my lounge the same again! In-fact I keep freaking visitors out by saying, 'you're stood exactly where I gave birth to Eden' haahaa! I have already recommended natal hypnotherapy to a couple of friends who are pregnant, and I will continue to commend this form of hypnotherapy.

Kelly Donaldson
1st baby
Home Birth

I couldn't sleep much on Thursday night, had what I thought were just more intense Braxton hicks so about 2.00am I got up, had a cup of tea and watched some tele, dozing on the couch. By 4am I had really bad back ache and more cramping feelings but was not sure they were really contractions as it was far too early! By 7am they were 5 mins apart and there was no doubting baby was on her way! I was a bit disappointed as I realised I would not have the water birth I wanted as this and the tens machine were not due to arrive until the 22nd Feb and also meant I had no pain relief. Anyway, we rang the hospital who said to ring back when contractions were closer together. They were not even on call for me as this was starting on 22nd. We managed to get in touch with my midwife at 9am and contractions were now only a couple of mins apart. I don't think she realised this and was very blasé, saying she didn't think I sounded very far along and with it being a first baby, I probably had a little time to go and would come round at lunch time. I said I would like her to come sooner and by the time they got here at 10.30am I was 7 cm dilated! She quickly set up stuff and hooked me up to gas and air which I didn't think did much at all but tbh the pain was not that bad. Things progressed quickly and not long after the mw arrived I was pushing her out! She got a bit stuck and mw said I needed to be cut (ouch!! the injection of local really hurt more than anything else!) Anyway was really needed as it turned out the cord was round her neck and she had her hand up over her face like superman! Once they cut me she popped out screaming, only a little after 2 hours of the mw arriving. Labour was about 12 hours from the very first twinge to baby being born.

Marina Beech
1st baby
Home Birth

My pregnancy was pretty uneventful and enjoyable until the end. I didn't suffer many ailments other than swollen ankles and managed to go to the gym until 2 weeks before giving birth. I became slightly frustrated by being 9 days over but kept myself busy with walks, listening to the hypnotherapy CD's etc. My birth was great in the sense it was my first child, I'm 39 and I managed it at home. The hypnotherapy techniques learnt from the CD's definitely helped, visualisation didn't work after being in the 1st phase of labour but the breathing techniques and concentrating on waves crashing against the shore with each contraction did. My second phase of labour lasted about 4 1/2 hours and I found that by playing the effective birth preparation CD over and over really helped - I think because I'd listened to the CD so many times prior it kept me calm throughout the whole experience - although I'm sure the midwives and my husband were getting a bit cheesed off by the time I gave birth! All in all my experience was very positive and I found that by prepping by listening to the hypnotherapy CD's I had a very positive attitude and state of mind going into labour, which meant that both my baby and I were calm through it. I don't think it reduced the pain but the techniques do teach you to manage pain and not to panic.

Louise Downes
4th baby
Home Birth

This was my 4th baby and the 1st home birth for me.I decided before even trying to get pregnant I wanted a home birth as my 3 previous hospital births although uncomplicated were far too restricted and clinical and I hated that my husband had to go home in the evening .My midwife,Ria Hayden was truly fantastic and very supportive of homebirth and we discussed the pro's and con's in great depth ,I was lucky enough that she provided all my ante-natal care and delivered Tallulah aswell! Ria actually recommended the natal hypnotherapy to me and I didn't actually purchase the CD till 36 weeks but I listened to it every day whilst having an afternoon rest and it certainly made a difference to me.I believed in my ability to labour calmly and in control with as little intervention and drugs as possible and most of all I felt safe. Tallulah was born at home 1 day before her due date on our bed with my husband and 3 other children sitting around me .I laboured for 3 hours and only used a bit of gas and air at the end and afterwards the 2 midwifes I had with me all the time ran me a nice warm bath and made me tea and toast when I was tucked back in bed.They even clear up all the mess and re-make your bed ! I managed a good go at breastfeeding too this time and she is a very laid back baby and I have no doubt it was because I was so relaxed and in control.

Helen Beesley
2nd baby
Home Birth

After a difficult birth first time round which resulted in being induced, having an epidural, ventouse, forceps and 3rd degree tear - i used the natal hypnotherapy cds in the hope of overcoming my fears of a similar birth. I went into labour at 3 days overdue and found that using the controlled breathing techniques meant the contractions were very manageable. 3.5 hours before my daughter was born i phoned the labour ward only to be told that i sounded too calm and was unlikely to be in established labour. When the contractions were 1-2minutes apart i still used the breathing and visualisation techniques and found i could cope. I phoned the labour ward at 3:25am thinking i may need gas and air. However, when i came off the phone - my waters broke and 3 pushes later my daughter was born at 3:37am at home with my mum delivering her. No pain relief, no tears - a very calm birth.

Gabriela
1st baby
Home Birth

I decided to use hypnotherapy as a pain relief as I wanted to have a natural birth without invasive pain relief at hospital. I was quite scared about giving birth and not having a healthy pregnancy as it was my first baby and no close friends had any babies. The only stories I knew where quite scary. Hypnotherapy and yoga exercises throughout my pregnancy helped me enormously to overcome fear, feel confident with my body and have a healthy and happy pregnancy with little or no symptoms and minimum weight gain. In the end, I felt so confident that I decided to have a home birth, which at the beginning was not even an option! It was the best birth I could have imagined or planned. The midwives were very impressed with me as I was very relaxed, calmed. I also progressed quite quickly. My breathing improved so much with hypnotherapy and yoga that I could cope with contractions and pushing much better. Hypnotherapy helped me by making me fully aware that giving birth is such a natural experience that there is nothing to worry about, my mind and body are prepared to deal with it. I couldn't recommend it more!

Emma Mountain
1st baby
Home Birth

I had always assumed I would give birth in hospital, but once I became pregnant and started to think about what I really wanted, I started to think that home birth might work for me. I sent off for the CD's and also for Maggie's recent book. Listening to the CD's and reading the book made me confident that a home birth would be the right decision, as I knew that going into hospital would increase adrenaline for me. Staying at home just felt right.

I used the pregnancy relaxation CD from around 16 weeks, listening about once a week. I then used the birth preparation CD from around 28 weeks, still listening once a week until I started my maternity leave at 37 weeks, then I listened probably every other day. I was astonished in the weeks running up to the birth by how many people asked if I was frightened and commented on my being brave (meaning mad!) for planning my first birth at home, but I didn't feel frightened at all, I felt excited! I really think the CD's played a big part in this and I used Maggie's recommendation to put myself in an imaginary cocoon to protect myself from the endless horror stories of others.

On the day I gave birth (at 38 weeks and 5 days), I had spent a busy day with a friend and felt fine. I got home and cooked dinner for a friend who was coming over. She arrived and we ate. During dinner, I started to feel some cramping in my lower abdomen, but didn't for a minute think it could be labour. After dinner, I realised the cramps were coming fairly regularly and so I mentioned them to my friend and husband. My husband timed a few and we realised they were around 3 - 4 minutes apart and lasting around a minute. I spoke with a community midwife on the phone at around 9.30pm. We were both agreed that it was probably very, very early, as I'd only been having these cramps for around an hour, but she said she thought she'd better just come along and check how I was doing. The midwife arrived around 10.30pm, by which time the cramps had increased in intensity and I had put the TENS machine on. By now, I was having to lean against the wall and sway during contractions. As each one began, I would recall phrases from the CD, including imagining all the muscles of my body melting and relaxing. I also pictured myself in my special place, relaxing and soaking up golden light. These strategies really helped me to relax into each contraction and my friend and the midwife both commented on how relaxed I seemed. The midwife still had not examined me at this point (she was brilliant and understood that I wanted to trust in my body to do things at its own pace). Soon the contractions were coming one on top of another. I went to the loo and noticed some blood loss, so she finally examined me at around 12.30am. I was already 8cm dilated! She couldn't believe it and nor could my husband, who suddenly realised the urgency to fill the birth pool quickly! When the midwife told him he might need to get the kettle and all the hobs going, he thought she was joking... she wasn't! I remained totally calm and remember this whole time as incredibly relaxed. I stayed upstairs relaxing through the contractions whilst the pool was filled. I got into the pool at around 1.30am and with the very next contraction I felt the urge to push. We had the birth music CD on in the background and everything was very calm and relaxed. My husband commented afterwards that it felt like being in a chill out room. I continued to feel calm and relaxed as I pushed my baby out with no need for gas and air or stitches!

Our son was born at 2.20am (the midwife timed my active labour at just over 5 hours - she was amazed). His birth was both relaxed and exhilarating and was incredibly positive. I think that reading the book, listening to the CD's and understanding the principles behind natal hypnotherapy were really important in helping me develop a positive and relaxed attitude to the birth and were key in making the birth of my son a truly joyous experience.

Chris Nay
2nd baby
Home Birth

I did virtually no preparation for the birth of my first daughter and thought I would not be fazed by giving birth in hospital as I have had lots of treatment and stays in hospital over the years. Getting pregnant again made me think about my previous birth experience. I decided I definitely wanted a water birth this time and I felt the only way to guarantee that was to birth at home. I signed up for a Natal Hypnotherapy course as I felt I would need more than gas and air to help with the pain, but reading the literature and attending the course gave me a much better understanding of what had happened in my previous birth experience. It also helped me acknowledge and deal with my fears around childbirth. I was spurred on to read more about natural childbirth and this combined with the CDs helped me to really believe that my body could do this without intervention. I was quite sceptical about whether the CDs would work.. soon after starting to use them I was feeling more relaxed and confident about the birth so I decided to push on. When my contractions got going I was amazed to find I instinctively relaxed into them and started to use the techniques we had been taught. The difference between using hypnotherapy for my second birth and not using it for my first was incredible... I was surprised to discover that simple techniques like 3-2-1 relax and 'turning down the pain dial' really did work! I welcomed each contraction and on the occasion that I 'skipped' one, I was disappointed as I really was seeing each one as a step closer to meeting my baby.

Another huge benefit of the course was helping my husband to understand, as much as a man can, what giving birth felt like and what I would need from him, as well as giving us a structure to talk through our expectations and wishes around labour and birth. He was the perfect birthing partner. The days each of my children were born were the best days of my life... but I can look back at the labour where I used Natal Hypnotherapy and remember it as a really positive and even enjoyable experience. Thank you.

Anne Blom
1st baby
Home Birth

Sophie was born in only 5 hours, in the privacy of my own home, under the kitchen-table :) During the birth I felt confident and in control. The last hour of contractions I used '123 relax' as a mantra. When my midwife (I had a 'midman' actually) arrived, I was 10cm dilated and I could start pushing. This took 42 minutes and then Sophie was born. She came out beautifully and weighed 8 pounds. I was so in control that I did not need any stitches at all. I also did not need any pain relief. My midwive said that I had a delivery out of a storybook – not very common for a firstborn. I can’t be exactly sure how the CD's worked for me as I don't know how my delivery would have been without them. Still I enjoyed listening to them during the pregnancy, they made me feel very relaxed. Also they helped me greatly in having confidence in my own body and creating a feeling of looking forward to the delivery instead of feeling afraid. I will definitely listen to them when I am pregnant with my next baby and I have also recommended them to my friends.

A Prime
2nd baby
Home Birth

The experience I had of listening to this cd has given me a huge skill for the rest of my life - being able to relax my body. I bought the cd second hand at an NCT sale, grasping for some help in achieving the birth I wanted for my second baby: a natural home waterbirth (as my previous one was) but this time in particular I was desperate to not require stitches. I knew the key to that was to remain in control and to be able to relax my body at the critical moment. I listened to the cd regularly in the last weeks of my pregnancy, both in the afternoons to have a rest and prepare my mind for where I would be giving birth, and also in bed at night if I couldn’t sleep - I recorded the cd onto my mobile phone and listened with headphones in bed! When I went into labour it happened very quickly and was quite stressful at times. But when necessary, I focussed, and my husband is still haunted by me saying a slightly demonic "relax"! I needed no stitches and the next day we all went to the pub for a family Sunday lunch.

Katie Davies
2nd baby
Home Birth

I wanted to write to say a huge, heart-felt thank you for your wonderful natal-hypnotherapy 'effective birth preparation' programme. I had a hideous time in hospital with my first baby, resulting in an epidural, ventouse delivery and consequent breastfeeding problems. I was determined to have a better time with baby number 2!

Thankfully I came across an amazing review of your 4 CD box-set on Amazon (I have since added my own!) and promptly bought it. Despite not always being able to listen to the CDs in perfect conditions, I had the most perfect, wonderful, virtually pain free birth. My two and a half year old son was by my side for the last few hours (having woken early and missed me in the night) and he chirruped away, echoing my comments, "come on baby" and "let's get this baby out!". It was joyous and amazing. My little girl was born so peacefully and beautifully, and have breastfed perfectly from the outset.

I can not recommend these CDs highly enough. Thank you so much for creating them. It has truly changed my life and certainly given my daughter the best possible birth and start to her life.

Alison Brown

Home Birth second child

My second baby i wanted to improve on the natural birth i'd had with my first. Baby born at home in our bedroom, candles, birth music, very calm, quiet serene environment. 3.5 hours after waters broke baby born. I felt no need to make noise except when breathing baby out. No pain relief used. At times the contractions werent unpleasant when nearing time to push. I felt wonderfully exhilirated afterwards and loved being at home. My experience was very different from my first in that i was completely in control of what was happening and felt much more able to manage the pain. An altogether wonderful experience.

Fran Benson
Home Birth
second child

These CDs are amazing. When I first read the testimonials on your website they inspired me to believe that I could give birth again.

My first birth had been long and traumatic. I had tokophobia (phobia of pregnancy and birth) which was pretty much under control until I had drugs (gas and air and pethidine) and then an argument with the midwives during second stage (they hadn’t read my birth plan and didn’t take my phobia seriously). This escalated into a panic attack and jeapordised the birth. Fortunately Sam was born five hours later safe and well.

However this left me very traumatised and concerned about getting pregnant and facing a second birth.

When I was pregnant the second time I listened to the Pregnancy Relaxation CD during the first half of pregnancy – this was a great bit of ‘me’ time and so relaxing (I often fell asleep) and I sailed through the first 26 weeks.

But it was the Birth Preparation CD that was the real miracle maker. I went from being anxious about experiencing birth again (I had already arranged an action plan with the hospital for an epidural for the delivery) to deciding that I wanted a natural home birth and felt confident that my body could handle it.

I went on to have the most amazing, relaxed water birth at home with my husband (Ian) by my side. At times it was tough, but mostly I felt relaxed and focused on what needed to be done and happy to just follow my instincts.

Ian and I had talked through what aspects of the CD I felt would work best for me and worked out a script accordingly (3-2-1 Relax Fran was fantastic) and it made the birth a joint effort

It was quite a speedy birth. I was 1cm dilated at 7am and Jack was born at 10.14am – a healthy and calm little boy.

The last 6 months have been a joy. Not only has it been wonderful to bond with him after such a fantastic birth experience it has helped me to come to terms with my first birth – a burden has finally been lifted.

I would recommend these CD’s wholeheartedly to anyone (and regularly do!). I actually can not convey in words how much this positive birth experience has changed my life and I will always be grateful to you for your advice and your CDs. Thank you.

Nicky Walker
Home Birth
1st baby

Just wanted to mail you to let you know that we had a little girl last week! Her name is Katja and she was born safely at home.

I wanted you to know that the birth was amazing....gritty....but amazing! after doing your course in March I dedicated the start of my maternity leave to practising all that we'd learnt from you and I believe her gentle safe arrival was mainly down to the hypnotherapy techniques that you taught me. At the start I wasn't even sure if I was in labour and we spent the morning pottering around the house, then decided to go into town for some lunch! I was having contractions whilst eating my tuna feta wrap!! I didn't even say much to David. I just closed my eyes each time and breathed through gently, thinking about the 'relax' technique. When we got home in the afternoon I thought I'd better rest as much as possible and listened to the birth prep cd again. During this, they began to become more intense and so I transferred to all fours, supported by lots of cushions and a bean bag on the bed. I called my midwife. She arrived at 8:30 and checked me - hoorah! i was already 6cms dilated!she told me to get into the pool and then whoosh!! i was off!! I was really conscious of keeping my whole body as relaxed as possible and let the sensations just take over as they needed to. David put the birth music on and I was able to focus well each time a wave came over. I progressed well and my primal side came out of me - I started to make these involuntary low deep noises which really helped at the peak of each contraction. There were self-doubt stages when I felt like I couldn't take it anymore but David was there to gently remind me to 'stick with it' and relax. Words like 'power' and 'strength' came into my head - echos from the birth prep cd that helped me to go on. I did have to push for 2 hours and needed to get out of the pool to 'wiggle' her down a bit but it actually worked out for the best as David held me in a supported squat and it felt like we did the last 'heave ho' together! I wanted you to know what an impact you had on me and the huge amount we both learnt from you. I am so proud that I managed to do it without any intervention and the fact that I was so focused I didn't even want gas and air. I had always hoped and visualised it like this but to actually experience it was magical. Hard work but worth it! Because the experience was so intense and powerful I've found it so comforting to listen to your post-natal cd too as this had helped me to sleep a bit in between all the feeding! Anyway, I've been recommending the course and cds to everyone i know who's pregnant as I desperately want them to learn from you and understand that their experience can be as amazing as mine. As long as you're prepared to put the effort in, of course! Thank you thank you a million times thank you!

Jemma Patterson
Home birth

Macy was born at home 4 days early. I hadn't experienced any contractions prior to the birth. I had a few back pains on the Friday night so went to bed at 10pm. I couldn't get comfortable so got up around 12ish and paced the house - walking up and down the stairs! Had a warm bath around 12:30 pm and the back pain was still there? Threw up in the kitchen sink around 1:00 am and asked my husband (who was asleep) to come and help me... he rolled over in bed; said he would clear up the sick in the morning and went back to bed!!!! I left the sick in the sink and sat on the toilet as I found this position to be very comfortable. Around 2:00-2:30 I passed fresh blood and started to panic (having previously lost a baby).

I quickly woke my husband and he called our midwife. She would she was on her way but to call the hospital for a check up. Peter called St Helier hospital; nurse wanted to chat with me and said "you know my dear it sounds as though you are in labour doing controlled breathing"... I was convinced I wasn’t in labour as I wasn’t in much pain! The nurse asked us to pop to hospital for a quick check over. I told Peter I didn't want to move just yet as I was comfortable on the toilet and that I would get dressed soon and make our way to the hospital. During this time the nurse called our midwife and said she thought I was in active labour and for her to get to us straight away. Maddy (midwife) called us and said she was on her way - I was relieved as I didn’t want to get off the toilet!

Still sitting on the toilet, around 3:15 am I told Peter I needed to push.... still no midwife with us! I felt the baby crown. Asked Peter to see what was going on and he said "oh it’s nothing". He phoned Maddy and she was just outside our front door - she came walking up the stairs and I said "please could you have a look at what this is"...... she asked me to stand up off the toilet and Macy Rita Patterson was born.

Maddy literally arrived with 3 minutes to spare! Macy was born at 03:33 am just a few hours after the first signs of back ache. I had no pain relief at all.

The Natal Hypnotherapy CD worked a treat and kept me calm through the whole situation.... even the thought of us delivering the baby ourselves at home didn't panic us as much as it should have done! I have recommended the CD to all of our pregnant friends and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.... it worked a treat!!

Victoria Farrell
Home birth

I had a truly beautiful, empowering and comfortable experience bringing my second son into the world. You can read that again, yes I did say comfortable! There was no screaming, sweariing or bulging eyes.

I started to feel grumpy at about 2pm and snapped at my husband about his floor sweeping skills, then I got very energetic scrubbing the whole of the downstairs floor. I really ought to have known what was happening! At 4pm I started to feel the low rise and fall of a contraction. Unperturbed I made tea and talked to a pal, admitting to her that I may be in early labour. 'Oh you'll be ages yet' she said. That's what I thought too, so I said nothing to Greg. He took Fin to bed while I settled down on my gym ball to watch X Factor.

The rise and falls were stronger then and I just closed my eyes at the top and said my 1-2-3 relax mantra. I got a blanket and watched the telly. Greg came down, and I told him that I thought it was all starting. "Oh," he said, "but you don't look like anything is happening". "I'm just relaxed" I said! I dozed and judged the singers and breathed gently as the contractions made themselves more established. There was no pain, just a rise and fall. Then I had the loo desire...wanting to go. As I had had a painful back labour with son number one I had a fleeting moment where I wondered if this would go the same way but I simply brought myself back to my affirmations and knew that whatever happened I would move through it successfully. I had been practicing the affirmations and 1-2-3 relax for only a few weeks but in labour it came naturally to me. I returned to lean on my gym ball for a bit and did a few yoga moves and then settled over the sofa arm. In this position I rather felt like Alice from Alice in Wonderland. I went down a very pleasant hole which brought me into a nice zone of calm. I was aware of everything happening to me. I could visualise my cervix opening. I breathed deeply using my affirmations. I liked being quiet so while Greg buzzed about making sandwiches for 'the long night ahead', I felt like a little mammal getting on with something awesome and ordinary at the same time. I can truthfully say I never felt overwhelmed or panicky.

We then chatted in between the contractions about when we should go to the birthing centre and how we should get there as the car had broken down that morning and we were due to get a hire car in the morning. We talked on the telephone to the centre a few times and we all agreed that it was too soon. This was at 9.30pm. At 10pm I was feeling hot and thirsty and really fidgety. I had been happily in my all fours positions moo-ing and circling listening to the music from my birthing relaxation CD. Then I felt like going to the loo again. I got into the bathroom and very quickly I felt a push surge. Greg came in with the car keys..."Er I think he is coming." "Oh" said Greg "let's go then, I think the car will make it if I take it easy....." "NO" I said, "he is coming NOW". "What?" Said Greg and before he even finished saying the word I got a huge all-powerful surge and said "it's his head". My waters had not broken so all Greg could see was the water sack. "Is that him?" Another push and this time I went with it all the way as if I was riding on top of an enormous wave...Greg pulled me up from my seated squat so I was in a standing version and caught Oran as he shot out screaming and pink and covered in his water sack. Greg wiped away the caul from his head and I put him straight to my breast. It was about 11pm and our little boy was born happily in our bathroom with my husband as impromptu midwife!

The contractions never became as big as with my first child nor painful or scary..just powerful and glorious. I never felt scared just very powerful and strong. After my first experience with my first son which was long, painful and traumatic I could not have hoped for a more relaxed happy experience. While I marveled at what had just happened and cuddled Oran, Greg called the Birth Centre who were surprised but happy we hadn't got into the car at 9.30pm or Oran would have been born by the side of the road! They called out an ambulance to check we were OK and a community midwife. The first thing the crew said was, 'Oh aren't you calm?' The chap kept asking me if I need gas and air..."no" I said, "just a cuppa tea please!" We were amazed at the speed that it all happened particularly as my waters didn't break and my contractions never became painful. I had a nice shower and a drink while we chatted with the midwife. She left a few hours later and we went to bed with our new boy. In the morning his big brother was introduced and our family was just 6 pounds and 9 ounces bigger. I would love to recommend natal hypnotherapy to women and their partners...it certainly made a huge difference along with the active birth techniques. I was lucky in the sense that I had no complications in my pregnancy nor in labour but even if I did, I truly feel that being relaxed and calm would have helped me embrace whatever needed to happen in order to bring my baby into the world. So often, we share horror stories but not love stories. I believe my belief in my abilities to birth my baby naturally helped me have a labour love story. I wish every women had the opportunity to use these techniques so they too could benefit.

Joanne Holm
Home birth

I decided after speaking to a friend who intended on having a home birth to look into it myself. It was not an easy process and I did not have positive feedback from the midwife at my doctor’s surgery, especially for a first baby. It was when I went to my NCT classes that I got the confidence to go through with it, although I felt it was still a battle with the midwives and when you are so heavily pregnant an easy life is what you are looking for but I had made my decision. It was then I decided that being I was taking away my options of medical pain relief I needed to mentally prepare myself and that is when I purchased the Natal hypnotherapy CD's. I only ordered them 3 and a half weeks before my due date (8th October) so listened to them everyday bar 2 days. My contractions started 11.00am on Thursday 5th October. I had organised for my group of NCT mums to come to my home for coffee as we hadn't met up away from our NCT class before and 4 of the girls had had their babies. At first I wasn't sure if they should still come and emailed them to say what was happening. I then emailed them straight back and said they should come over anyway and they did. We had a lovely time; it was so nice to see them and their beautiful babies.

I was having contractions every 20 minutes but did not let on, just kept serving coffee and cake. They left around 4pm and my husband got home around 4.30pm.I thought the pain was ok but uncomfortable and when the midwife came to see me at 7pm I did not understand why she seemed very relaxed about the whole situation. It was at 11pm when the real contractions kicked in I understood. Then I knew I was in labour.

My husband had prepared our lounge for the birth. I had a single mattress and blankets on the floor for me to kneel on with my birthing ball. It was very comfortable under the circumstances. Very calm and warm. I had the birth music playing continuously. Steve was rather tired of it by the end (12 hours is a long time on repeat play) but I needed it and it kept playing until Lily was born on Friday 6th October at 9.34am.

The midwife who was with me through the whole birth was wonderful. Her name was Colleen and I am so grateful for her kindness and caring. She spoke to me very calmly and quietly answering all my questions. I did not tell the midwives I prepared for the birth with the hypnotherapy CD. I will next time. They kept telling me after the birth how 'laid back' I was. I was so calm throughout the labour and birth that my husband put it perfectly, 'I was so calm it was out of character'.

The control I had over myself, the breathing I learnt from the CD was fantastic and still use it now during exercise when stamina is involved and getting to sleep to calm my mind. My birth experience was extremely positive, painful yes but would I do it this was way again, absolutely. It was fantastic to deliver at home. I was thrilled I did not need stitches. I needed no intervention.

I was calm and controlled throughout the whole affair and I have no doubt what-so-ever that Natal Hypnotherapy was what gave me that strength and positive piece of mind. After the birth and preliminaries I showered, washed and dried my hair, got into bed and our wee girl was brought to us. It was perfect! Thank you.

Katrina Blunt
Home birth

Briefly, had home birth, not sure if having contractions but when midwife arrived was already 5cm dilated. Spent labour excited rather than scared (I believe the preparation CD helped with both of these - not feeling pain in early contractions and staying excited about the birth. Before I used the CD I was starting to get anxious about birth). Only problem I had which the CD couldn't help with was my baby had her hand up by her head so got a bit stuck - took me almost 2.5 hours pushing and an episiotomy to get her out. One thing the CD did help me with though was to make me relaxed about my choice of birth location. After birth, midwife said if I had been in hospital I would have needed epidural and forceps so really pleased I had the home birth I planned after all.

Other quick comment:
The relaxation part of the CD which said "3,2,1 relax (and your name)" is still working 10.5 weeks after giving birth to help me sleep. Whenever I need to relax I just lie down, say that to myself, and I'm off to sleep immediately! For that reason alone (not to mention all the other benefits) I am so pleased I used the CD pre-birth.

Melanie Roberts
Home

Having previously been induced and having quite a traumatic birth experience, I was keen to try anything to help with my second baby's birth. I found that using the CD helped me to relax in the weeks prior to the birth and the information provided was useful to understand how to have a more positive experience. I think that I remained positive and ever-hopeful that I would have a home birth and this was thanks, at least in part, to the positive vibes I received from the CD. I had a relatively rapid, but calm, night-time home birth and both my husband and I agree that it couldn't have been any better. I felt that by practising being relaxed (and especially how to breathe) that my pain and anxiety were definitely lessened. I would use the CD again if lucky enough have a third baby!

Sally
At home

Contractions started at 5am Sunday morning 10mins apart for 4 hours then stopped so went for a long walk along the river! Labour started for real at 3pm contractions 1/2hr apart for an hour and a half then jumped to 15 mins then 9 mins really quickly, tried TENS but hated it, I had a pool in the kitchen which I had hoped I would have the baby in, got in there at about 8pm ish after calling the midwife who said she would be an hour - she arrived about 2 hours after that!

On examination was 4cms which I was disappointed with as I had been 3cms on the Friday afternoon when I had a sweep (I was 9 days over at this point) I tried the gas and air but hated that too! She persuaded me to get out and have a walk about; as she thought we were in for a long night she was also suggesting I have a rest (!!) I eventually managed to get out of the pool my contractions were approx 5mins apart but lasting for 2-2 and a half mins and eventually managed to climb the stairs to the 3rd floor - by the time I got to the bedroom I was thinking I couldn’t possibly manage without some sort of pain relief and was telling my husband I needed pethedine as I couldn’t keep going for another 4/5 hours which is what the midwife had predicted and had told her colleague who was to be the second midwife.

Not long after this I suddenly couldn’t control my contractions anymore and felt like I really needed to push and my waters broke the midwife insisted on examining me to check and sure enough I was ready to push. I asked if I could go back down to the pool but the midwife seemed to think I didn’t have time so I flung myself (literally, which was no mean feat given the size of me!) onto the floor and was kneeling leaning over the bed and 3 pushes later had a baby girl - good job I didn’t try and get back down the stairs as I think she would have probably popped out half down! Jemima Lucie was born at 12.56 am - weighing in at 6lbs 5ozs

Sophie Clowes
At home in London

I have become evangelical about your CDs having experienced the most wonderful, amazing, enjoyable birth.

Our first baby was late and we had the threat of induction hanging over us. We both wanted to have it at home - a decision we made quite early on in my pregnancy based on a general fear of hospitals and the knowledge that home was somewhere where I felt safe and we could be together - and were very lucky to have an exceptional NHS midwife who was incredibly supportive of all our decisions, had done my antenatal appointments at home and was someone in whom we had total confidence.

Eleven days after my due date my waters broke at about 11h00am. I called my husband who came home from work and I had my first contraction when he walked in the door. The contractions were immediately very strong and close together. Mentally and emotionally, and to a certain extent physically, I went into my own zone and took myself off to the bathroom where I draped my arms over the side of the bath with me on my knees and rode out the contractions. They were powerful and very forceful but not painful.

I had no concept of time passing. In fact, our daughter was born only five minutes after our midwife arrived and from the first contraction to her slipping out was only two hours (yes, really) and I had not had any pain relief (nor felt the need for any). At no point were either myself or my husband frightened, in spite of the extraordinary speed of the delivery and the fact that we were by ourselves.

The lack of fear we owe to the CDs and I'm sure the speed is down to the fact that I was so relaxed, again, thanks to the CDs but also because I was at home in a very safe environment without any strangers. My body seems to have coped with the entire first stage of labour without informing my conscience, as it were. The whole experience was physically just a very powerful energy that seemed to take over my body .

I had been needing to push but didn't dare until the midwife arrived and literally two pushes later Lola came sliding out. Because my body was so relaxed I had no tearing and I healed very quickly although the speed of the birth did mean that my lumber region felt very bruised. Twenty minutes after Lola's arrival all three of us were lying on our bed, staring at each other in awe.

Our wonderful midwife stayed long enough to wash and dress our daughter and fill out the paperwork (which took longer than the actual birth!) Six months on, she is the calmest, most relaxed of babes with two teeth that came through at four months with very little disturbance to her.

I must credit Natal Hypnotherapy with her calm, relaxed demeanour and thank you for giving us the most wonderful birth experience that we could ever have dreamed of. I hope that this story will give other women the strength to fight for a home birth if that's what they want (even if it is your first child) and to not be frightened of the experience. It's miraculous!

Tracey Mulryne
Home,

I woke at four o'clock in the morning with mild cramps which were fifteen minutes apart. I managed to sleep until about eight when my husband and I got up and had breakfast. At nine we contacted our independent midwife to inform her we'd probably need her that day. We gathered all the birth stuff together and I began using my TENs machine. The contractions got stronger and through breathing and a hot water bottle I managed the pain successfully ( I removed the TENs machine after a couple of hours).

My midwife arrived around lunchtime. After a couple of hours she said I was still chatty and that I probably had a while to go. My husband suggested putting on the birth music. Almost immediately I stopped chatting and concentrated on the job at hand. From this point onwards things really began to speed up (I wish I had thought to put it on earlier!) Midwife noted that it was difficult to tell when I was having contractions because I was so relaxed. At half past five I began to push and my waters broke as Connor was born at 6.12pm on the 20th December.

Lauren Webster
home

When I started thinking about the birth I wanted this time, I knew I wanted it to be different from my first child. I gave birth to my son 13 days late after every kind of induction you could think of, and had an epidural. Although there were no problems I knew I wanted to have this baby at home.

Early on in my pregnancy I started listening to the pregnancy relaxation cd and I began to feel more positive towards my daughter's birth. My midwife and my GP were both supportive when I asked about home birth.

I was hoping this baby would come early but my due date came and went and there was no sign of the baby, we tried every old wives tale in the book but no joy. At 40 weeks I was told if there was no movement by my next check I'd get a membrane sweep to help things along. 41 weeks and still no baby!

The doctor was happy to let me go to +12 days as long as I was monitored from +10. She also agreed to do a sweep for me as I was now booked in for induction. After the sweep she told me that she thought I’d probably have to be induced as my cervix was still quite firm and long. This was Friday afternoon and Carl and I went home feeling as though the baby might never make an appearance. I was desperate for her to come before Monday as home birth is not an option if you're more than ten days late. I spent hours sitting on my birth ball and praying for divine intervention. It worked!

Shortly after one am on Sunday morning I woke up feeling contractions. I got up and decided to time them, they were fairly regular every ten mins or so but not strong. I sat on the ball watching terrible TV and feeling quite excited that things would soon be happening. I felt calm and used breathing form the cd to help me as the contractions improved. About half five I went for a bath and then was able to have a little nap.

At eight I called into delivery suite and by half past a lovely midwife called Carol had arrived. When she examined me I was 6-7 cms and "stretchy" (!) I was still finding the best way of coping with the pain to be walking about, and while Carl made the tea, Carol called for another midwife as she didn't think it would be too long. Anne Louise arrived and before I knew it I felt ready to push. The support of Carl and Carol was really helping me focus now (although I did ask if we could take a break and finish after lunch). Kneeling at the side of my bed I felt my waters bulging out and Carol broke them. Two pushes and three minutes later our daughter was born and placed straight into my arms. It was incredible, everything we had hoped for. I honestly believe that it wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic support of Carl, carol and the groundwork laid by your cds. Thank you!

Sophie Pryor
Home Birth
1st baby

“I have become evangelical about the most wonderful, amazing, enjoyable birth.

Our first baby was born at home, in just two hours (yes, really) with no pain relief. The midwife arrived 5 minutes before Lola was born and at no point were either myself or my husband frightened. Its was just a very powerful energy that seemed to take over my body and she came sliding out with ease, causing me no tears. Twenty minutes later all three of us were lying on our bed, starring at each other in awe. Six weeks on, she is the calmest, most relaxed of babes and has now slept through the night several times. She feeds well and is a total joy to her besotted parent.

Thank you for making her birth such a miracle!”

Naomi Shooter
Home Birth
1st Baby

“I felt reluctant to tell people I was considering a homebirth – especially with my 1st baby – because I had received so many negative stories from family, friends + colleagues about how hard + painful the experience was going to be. I knew that I had to really believe I could di it if I had any hope of birthing my baby at home. I bought the cd because, aside from my antenatal yoga class, it was the only proactive + positive thing I could do in preparation. It was money well spent, heading up to the birth, it was my time to relax, enjoy the waiting and anticipation and to erase any negativity or apprehension. I had a wonderful, overwhelming positive birth experience and I’m sure that my mindset and relaxation and visualising techniques as promoted by the cd played an important part. I have lent my cd to my pregnant sister in law so impressed am I by the product – thanks”

Tracy Swan
Home Birth
1st Baby

“The birth was a wonderful experience which ended quite unexpectedly at home. I had originally requested a home birth, but the decided to stay at home as long as possible during labour, and go to hospital for the final stages in the water pool. I really wanted to give birth without any conventional pain relief – that was the main aim.

I went into he first stages of labour (first signs) at 3am on Sat 25th Feb, and carried on as normal with mild contractions few + far between until 1pm the following afternoon. Contractions were then about hourly. Was continuously on the birth ball in the lounge + using TENS when contractions came. By the late evening I was still managing well, and contractions were more often phoned the hospital to see when I should go in, they said it was too early by the sound of things, and told me I would know when it was time.

Carried on walking about and by this time laying in the bath was very helpful. Had to concentrate a lot by the early hours of he next morning and my husband was a great help reminding me to focus on my deep breathing and relaxing and visualising like I’d practised on the CD. When I managed to do this the pain went down and I got ready for the next contraction. It was useful to know the longest one would only last a minute and it would be a step nearer to meeting our baby (like the CD told me). Contractions were getting stronger and by about 3am I was swaying around to the birth music CD which was helping a lot. My husband decided to try to have a short sleep as he was expecting to drive us to the hospital in the next few hours. After a while I was now feeling a very strong urge to push down. Waters broke on the toilet and I called the hospital again. They said immediately they would send the midwife and paramedic around as soon as possible. Waiting for them to arrive was the hardest as I was trying not to push until they arrived. The midwife said she could feel our baby’s head as soon as she checked and I had an hour of pushing sitting up in bed, where I experienced no pain whatsoever.

Our baby girl Ayla was born at 6.45am, the paramedics stayed to watch, but weren’t needed everyone commented on how calm + happy I was during the birth and the hospital hadn’t realized at what labour stage I was at because, they said I didn’t sound like someone in labour!! No stitches were needed by the way. The midwife + health visitors were very surprised at my birth and I mentioned it was mainly down to the fact the CD had helped so much.

Thanks again for enabling me to have a great birth!”

Pippa Gribben
Home
2nd Baby

“I only wish I had known about your CD for the birth of my first baby. Evie was born in hospital in April 2004 and I found the whole experience very stressful and felt out of control. I found the pain unbearable, I was repeatedly vomiting during contractions and eventually agreed to an epidural + then a ventouse delivery + episiotomy!

Roslind’s birth at home could not have been more different. I had been nervous about a home birth but your CD gave me belief + confidence. I felt relaxed at the start of labour and as the intensity grew, I had such a strong sense of focus and control. I kept repeating key parts of your CD to myself, particularly the idea of my cervix opening up. This worked so well that I did not even need to push Rosie out – she just gradually descended down the birth canal and I had just one gentle push for her head to emerge. My husband said that whereas he felt he was really coaching me through my first birth, with my second he knew I was in a totally controlled space and he barely said anything as he felt he would have been interrupting! Since my birth, I have lent the CD to 2 other mums to be and they also found it fantastic.

Thank you for helping me have a very positive birth experience”

Ellie Piper
Home Birth

“Can I just say thank you for your help in achieving a positive birth experience.

My first labour had been quite upsetting and I was dreading doing it again. Although cynical I decided to try hypnotherapy as I knew I needed to change some deep-seated fears which simply talking, reading or thinking about could not tackle.

I thought I would be terrified when my labour pains started up but amazed myself by keeping very calm and positive, looking forward to each one as a sign that the baby was coming.

I was able to use visualisation and breathing to manage 4 hours or so of contractions. I called the midwife when they were 3-4 minutes apart however when she arrived neither she nor I were particularly convinced that my labour was established as I was still very calm, talking normally between contractions and managing the pain by breathing and walking around.

We were both surprised when she examined me to find that I was 8cm dilated. Soon afterwards I started to feel pressure in my pelvis. It was a rush to get enough water in the pool. As soon as I got in I got the urge to push.

A short, panicky transition phase was the only time I lost control. However, within 3 or 4 contractions my son was born. In every way my body felt a million times better and less traumatised than after my first birth.

Whereas my first birth caused traumatic ‘flashbacks’ for months, the second was a positive experience which I enjoy thinking about. I was amazed not to need pain relief – I kept waiting for the unimaginable pain to start and it never did!

I recommended the CDs to a friend who also had a very positive second birth after a traumatic and frightening first.”

Charlene Paris
Home Birth
1st Baby

When I first discovered I was pregnant I knew instantly that I wanted a homebirth! The fact that I felt so strongly about it shocked me as I'd never even considered it before that very moment. My partner is from Holland where it’s normal for women to deliver at home he was incredibly supportive of my decision. Most of my friends and family were very negative at first I think they were shocked at my decision but they came round to the idea after a while. I was also incredibly lucky to have the full support of my midwives who were all very enthusiastic about homebirths (Thank you to the Lark Midwife team in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk!!!!)

I read a lot of birth stories while I was pregnant and did a lot of research on natural childbirth and the physical process of giving birth. The more I understood the more confident I felt and after being inspired by Maggie Howell's birth story and ordering her natal hypnotherapy CD for homebirth any fears I felt towards giving birth completely disappeared (The woman is amazing I thoroughly recommend the CD!)

On the evening I turned 39 weeks my partner took me for a slap up 3 course meal I was having the odd twinge but I felt great we even went on to a bar afterwards so he could have a night cap.

At 2.30am I woke suddenly to a loud popping noise and sensation in my belly! It wasn't until I sat up that I realised that my waters had broken! I sprang out of bed which is a miracle in itself as I was so big and was dancing in the doorway (I didn't want to go into the hall as it was carpeted but the bedroom floor was wooden so fine to drip on!) I was yelling at my partner that my waters had broken. He too sprang out of bed and proceeded to nearly faint as we'd left the heating on by mistake it was very hot and he'd got up too quick not to mention the fact that he'd finished a bottle of wine only a couple of hours previously!

I had an over whelming urge to create somewhere comfy and safe just in case I didn't like the pool and prepared a 'nest' downstairs out of a mattress from a satellite chair and pillows sheets and cushions all propped up against the couch it really did look like a nest! My contractions started at 3am. We were back up in the bedroom at this point talking and I was telling J when one started and one ended and practising my breathing & visualisations through them so I'd be a dab hand when the contractions got stronger they were merely dull cramping sensations at this stage. J applied my TENS machine and I was shocked to hear that each contraction had been coming every 2 minutes and had lasted for 1 minute since the very first one. I really had no concept of this and thought I'd only experienced one or two contractions. As they were so bearable (thanks to the self hypnosis I think) I was convinced that I was having all of these contractions but they were non productive because the baby was posterior and the contractions appeared to be mild. I called the delivery suite at 3.30am to let them know what was happening. My favourite midwife Jeanette who'd actually done our booking appointment appeared at the door at 4.30am 2 hours after my waters broke.

The contractions were still coming for 1 minute every 2 minutes but I was chatting through them and walking around the house up and down the stairs to try and help things progress. They were still bearable but getting stronger the breathing really helped and I felt totally in control. The midwife filled in some of her notes and after a while took my blood pressure. It was up to over a hundred and she couldn't measure my protein levels because my waters had gone and I was having a bit of light bleeding so my urine would have appeared full of protein. She told me not to worry and she'd check it again in a short while and we'd take it from there. At about 5am-ish they really picked up but with the help of my TENS machine and breathing I was coping well but had started to make moaning noises during contractions. The midwife decided to check my dilation.

I told her if I was only 1cm I didn't want to know. As I still did not appear to be in not too much pain we all thought I was in early labour and that she would be handing over in a couple of hours. The examination took a while as she was trying to see what position the baby was in. She said well the good news is that your 7-8cms dilated (2 1/2 hours after my waters broke) I never asked what position the baby was in I assumed that's what the bad news was. I thought 'Oh my God its really happening there's nothing I can do to stop this' the realisation was a bit of a shock I stood up (I couldn't bear to be sitting) and really hit transition. In an instant the force of the contractions ripped through my body and for the first time small thoughts of self doubt began to creep in. Up until this point I'd only uses my TENS machine for pain relief and we had lavender oil in the oil burner to keep me calm. (For some reason it started to smell like TCP to me Labour does strange things to your sense of smell!) I asked if I could try the Entonox. The midwife told J he had to hurry up and finish filling the pool but I knew there was no time for that so he ran me a bath with lavender instead. By the time he came downstairs to get me I was pushing involuntarily (this was only 5 minutes after she'd checked my dilation). She told me not to push just to breathe and relax through the sensations as I wasn't ready yet. I went upstairs with J so I could have the bath. But when we got into the bathroom I was still really pushy. The midwife appeared with the gas and air and passed it to me. I sucked hard on it to try and stop myself from pushing I was bellowing like a strange animal so J shut the windows so as not too wake up the whole street!! I also recall that it was really stormy and thunder was roaring all around the house. My midwife told me I'd better come back downstairs but I got all pathetic and was sobbing that I really wanted to get in the bath. She went to call her backup and told me to get in then. As I was about to get in my body really started pushing violently and I was yelling that I couldn't stop it in-between telling J that I wasn't going to do this anymore I'd changed my mind and the baby could stay where it was. J shouted to the midwife that I was really pushing. I was told under no certain terms that I had to come downstairs as the bathroom was too small to deliver the baby in. I marched down the stairs butt naked in between contractions in front of our glass front door and window (lucky it was really early in the morning not that I cared anyway). I really felt like the baby was going to fall out en route. I knelt down on my nest leaning over the sofa while the midwife checked me. She said OK Charlie your ready to push...well you don't say! I think all in all I probably pushed for about 20 minutes I was saying 'Help me' and that I just wanted it to end but a little voice from the self hypnosis cd was going round in my head and I think I held it together a lot better than I would have with out it!!! She checked my BP in-between contractions which were up to 190/135!!!!!!! Dangerously high! In the kneeling position I was in she couldn't get the babies heart rate so I turned round and sat propped up with pillows and the sofa on my nest. I'd bought a foetal monitor that you listen to through head phones when your pregnant I used it all the time and found it great for bonding but it meant I really knew the sound and rhythm of my baby’s heart and could tell instantly that it had decelerated quite a lot.

I panicked and really threw myself into pushing and getting this baby out. J was sitting on the sofa behind me holding my hand pulling it back as I pulled it forward while I pushed. I found having something to pull against really helpful with the pushing. The 2nd midwife arrive and I greeted her saying I don't usually meet people for the first time while I'm in the buff! Jeanette said I can see lots of dark hair and I thought she was lying because I couldn't feel the burning I expected just lots of pressure. J was telling me I was a natural and I was telling him to F Off!! Soon the babies head was born and his body followed very quickly. He was born face up as he never turned while I was in labour I think I coped with a posterior labour as well as I did because of Maggie's CD. He passed some meconium just as he was born but scored an APGAR of 10 at 1 minute old!

He was put straight onto my chest and I just couldn't believe that my beautiful baby boy was here! I didn't cry straight away as I thought I would it all happened so quickly that I was in shock. Finn Marcel Louis Raemakers was born at 05.58am 3 hours and 28 minutes after I went into labour. I couldn't take my eyes off him and after a few minutes the tears came. I fell in love! (Plus I didn't need any stitches so I was thoroughly chuffed) I had originally planned to deliver in water with J in the pool beside me. He was going to catch Finn and pass him straight to me which all seemed very romantic but I wouldn't change how it happened for the world. Finn breastfed well straight away it was like he'd done it a million times before! I think feeding your baby for the first time is as exhilarating as meeting him for the first time nothing can compare to that bonding experience! I'm planning on feeding him myself until he's at least one. In the end I was transferred to hospital 4 hours after he was born because my blood pressure wouldn't come down and the midwife couldn't stay with me all day It was great that she'd let me stay home for so long in the hope that my BP would come down though!

I got the birth I'd dreamed of! I delivered my amazing little man at home naturally and he was healthy that’s all that really matters!

I have also sent this story to www.homebirth.org but have included some pictures of just after the birth on there. I would be happy to send these to you as well. Thank you so much Maggie for the positive affect you had on my birth experience and for helping me to enjoy my pregnancy without any fear of giving birth hanging over me.

Sara Simon
Home birth

“Relaxation is a rare privilege when you already have one child! I enjoyed the time to myself and getting rid of tension in my body – and the English female voice.”

Tracy Swan
Home Birth

“The birth was a wonderful experience which ended quite unexpectedly at home. I had originally requested a home birth but then decided to stay at home as long as possible during labour, and go to hospital for the final stages in the water pool. I really wanted to give birth without any conventional pain relief – that was the main aim.

I went into the first stages of labour (first signs) at 3am on Sat 25th Feb and carried on as normal with mild contractions few and far between until 1pm the following afternoon. Contractions were then about hourly – I was continuously on the birth ball in the lounge and using the tens when contractions came. By the late evening I was still managing well and contractions were more often. I phoned the hospital to see when I should go in and they said it was too early by the sound of things and told me I would know when it was time.

I carried on walking about and by this time laying in the bath was very helpful. Had to concentrate a lot by the early hours of the morning and my husband was a great help at reminding me to focus on my deep breathing and relaxing and visualising like I’d practised with the CD. When I managed to do this, the pain went down and I got ready for the next contraction. It was useful to know the longest one would only last a minute and it would be a step closer to meeting our baby (like the CD told me). Contractions were getting stronger and by about 3am I was swaying around to the birth music CD which was helping a lot.

My husband decided to try and have a short sleep as he was expecting to drive us to the hospital in the next few hours. After a while I was now feeling a very strong urge to push down, my waters broke on the toilet and I called the hospital again. They said immediately they would send the midwife and paramedic around as soon as possible. Waiting for them to arrive was the hardest as I was trying not to push until they arrived. The midwife said she could feel our baby’s head as soon as she checked and I had an hour of pushing sitting up in bed, where I experienced no pain whatsoever. Our baby girl Ayla was born at 6.45am. The paramedics stayed to watch, but weren’t needed – everyone commented on how calm and happy I was during the birth and hospital hadn’t realised at what labour stage I was at because they said I didn’t sound like someone in labour!! (no stitches were needed by the way).

The midwife and health visitors were very surprised at my birth and I mentioned it was mainly down to the fact that the CD had helped so much. Thanks again for enabling me to have a great birth!!”

Sophie Verhagen
Home birth, Homerton, London

“It was a good way of focussing before the birth. My baby turned posterior during labour and I also used the CD then to distract myself. I liked the image of the beach and I found the voice ok to listen to – not too ‘hippy dippy’!”

Sara Simon
Jenny Eastwood
Home

“I started having VERY mild contractions every 5 mins for about 10 hours. At around 4.30pm the contractions became slightly stronger and I phoned the midwife at about 5pm – she asked how often the pains were coming which was still about 5 mins apart – she said she would be about an hour.
My husband delivered the baby at 5.45pm – traumatic for him but quite nice for me.

The CDs definitely helped me to keep calm and I now recommend them to everyone.”

Sarah Oakley-Mudge
At home/water birth

“My birth was wonderful – exactly as I wanted. Everything went really smoothly, 12 hours duration, no tears, felt in control whole time. The CDs helped me feel like I was taking control of my birth preparation - Thank you!”

Lucy Hartwright
Birth place – At home

The CDs helped me have such a sense of deep relaxation, reassurance and confidence that my body had an innate ability to cope well with birth. I felt extremely refreshed after listening to the CDs.

I wasn’t sure if I had taken in the messages as I often felt as if I’d fallen asleep. Also I wasn’t sure how the relaxation technique would work with an active labour – but it did! Having my baby at home meant I was totally relaxed. She was eventually born in the bath and the warm water definitely helped me to relax.

Zoe Percy - 1st time mother
Home Birth

"My waters broke at 2 am followed by a show at 9am. A I was three weeks early I did not really think I was in labour. However at 12.30 it was like flicking a switch and my contractions came 2 mins apart. I did not feel scared or out of control, just like there was a job to be done and I needed to get on with it, my husband says it was like I was in a world of my own, totally focused. The midwives arrived at 1pm and the next 3 hours whizzed by. Calmly and really peacefully our beautiful violet came into our lives at 4 pm!! She was perfect !! 3. 5 hours (which seemed like an hour) and dare, I say it was a very enjoyable birth! I was able to focus all my energy into giving birth naturally and confidently. Thank you !!"

Alexandra Carter - 1st time mother
Home Birth

"I am writing this as, I'm desperate to tell you about Freddies birth! Labour was 7 hours long! I had a bit of tummy ache the day before with the show, but hardly noticeable- and then a glass of champagne on Valentine's Day with my husband before going to bed. The next morning at 5.50 my waters broke and contractions started straight away. The midwife arrived at about 8:30 and was very surprised to find I was 8 1/2 cm dilated, and at 12:43 Freddie was born. The midwives couldn't believe how calm I was. I don't take any credit for this as I'm not at all brave normally, but they were very surprised that it was my first baby as I seemed "so calm and so in control."

The midwives invented a time for the start of labour as midnight since they didn't believe it could have happened so quickly from 6 am to 8:30, but they still couldn't believe I'd slept through the rest of the dilation during the night. I knew it would help me as I'd been at my sister's birth 4 years ago, and been quite traumatised by it, but I had no idea Natal Hypnotherapy would add up to such a feeling of being able to cope with it, being unafraid, and being able to control the intensity of the contractions with the dial- when the midwives arrived I was chanting- 5,5,5, 4,4,3,2,1... & apparently I was smiling all the way through it.

I really never could have imagined an easier birth! If anyone wants to know, I just keep extolling the virtues of hypnosis. Amazing."

Roberta Evans
Birth place - At home

"The CD was great - a clear, easy to follow guide. Calm steday female voice - authoritative without being bossy! I felt really able to trust and let go. Thank you so much for encouraging me to believe in my body, my instincts, my self.

I did remember the key words and they did help me to focus and make the most of the experience."

Beverley Stevenson
Home birth 2nd baby

"My first birth was at hospital - 22 hours resulting in 3rd degree tear and surgery. Following listening to CD I had home water birth in 2 hours and only 2nd degree tear. I felt an increase in my confidence and relaxed leading up to the birth and was able to cope with the pain. The body's head was born just as the midwife arrived and even before she had moved her coat. The speed of labour and the ease of the 2nd stage I felt was due to the CD and I listened to it during the 1st stage and found it increased my sense of labour. Thank you for enabling a wonderful birth experience!!!"

Amy Jones - 2nd Time Mother
Home Birth

"Even though it was my second child, I was terrified of the birth experience mainly because my last planned home birth did not happen as my baby passed Meconim and the hospital experience - being strapped to a monitor - was awful!

But the CD totally changed my outlook even though I only had it for a week before giving birth.

My midwives both expresses how relaxed I was and how well I did gettint my 9 lbs 15 oz baby out as she was posterior in 4 hour labour.

Lucie Johnson - 6th time mother
Home birth
3rd November 2004
Listened to Natal Programme 20+ times

"I have always hated giving birth and I would purposely not think about it as it scared me so much. I decided to try the CDs to see if they would help. Not only did I stay perfectly calm and relaxed through out (I was even smiling through contractions) I did not need any pain relief whatsoever which amazed me. I actually enjoyed for the first time. I want everyone to try hypnosis as it made such a huge difference."

Angela Dawson
Home birth
11th August 2003
Listened to CD daily for 4-6 weeks

"I often listened to it at night in bas, consequently so did my husband. We both sleep well and he was equally as calm. I was lucky enough to have the kind of birth experience I only dared to dream about. I am fully aware that these things don't always go to plan. I felt no anxiety during the labour and did indeed trust my body to do the right thing..., which it did. I was able to have micro naps whilst in the bath between contractions - I do feel the CD had a big part to play in that."

Brigit Eley
Listened to CD twice a week

"Home birth in 3,5 hours! Very empowered. Growling vibrated with noise."

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