Hospital births for 2nd or more babies

Carmel Boyd - Oasis Birth Centre, Princess Royal Hospital, Farnborough

I had lots of pregnancy symptoms very early and I was determined to have an epidural from very early in the pregnancy because I didn't think I could cope with the pain.

As I listened to the CD, I slowly began to change my mind and thought maybe it would be ok without an epidural, and that I could go to a Birth Centre instead of Delivery Suite for the birth. I ended up being very keen on the Birth Centre and sure I would be ok without the pain relief.

As far as I'm concerned this was the main effect of the CDs, that I calmed down about the birth, stopped worrying and decided it might not be that bad. I began to have contractions at 2 am, went into hospital at 5.15 and my daughter was born at 6.19 am. All straight forward and uncomplicated. I didn't actually consciously think about the techniques on the CD at the time, but I believe it contributed in a subconscious way to the speedy, uncomplicated nature of the delivery because I was relaxed.

Olivia Jennings

I came to Natal Hypnotherapy with absolute scepticism (I am naturally rather an uptight individual!) but was completely and utterly proved wrong. Having seen the difference that relaxing into the process of childbirth made when I gave birth to my second child, I decided that I would try hypnotherapy when having my third baby.

I listened to the Natal Hypnotherapy birth preparation CD every day during the final weeks of my pregnancy and played it continuously during the second stage of my labour. I can honestly describe the experience as blissful. I was calm and focussed throughout the labour, and knew exactly what was happening when, in transition, I panicked. After only an hour in hospital, I gave birth to my baby in the pool with no medical intervention whatsoever. I even managed a physiological third stage.

I have since bought the same CD as a gift for a friend who had had four previous deliveries using epidurals. Using the CD, she managed to give birth to her fifth child completely naturally. She describes herself as ‘privileged’ to have been able to experience birth in this way and this is such an apt description. The birth of every one of my babies has been momentous and wonderful but I will always be so grateful to have had such a truly relaxed and delightful experience. Thanks Maggie!

Ann McInnes

Callum was my second child and I intended to give birth with no pain relief using the birthing pool and yoga as I had done with my first child who is now 6. Unfortunately on arrival at the hospital the midwife decided that Callum was stressed and he had to "come out as soon as possible". This meant I had to remain attached to the heart monitor and was given oxytocin via a drip to make my contractions come more frequently and stronger. This was not my plan at all and at this stage I was not dilated and was having only a few contractions. The hospital staff were concerned and everything was happening in a rather rushed way.

As this was not what I intended at all I knew in order to remain calm and help my body and my baby as much as possible I had to remain calm. I thought that if my cervix did not dilate the whole birth experience could become a nightmare so I listened to the Labour companion cd over and over and concentrated to breathing and remaining calm. I have no doubt at all that this and the fact I had listened to the birth preparation cd for weeks prior to giving birth allowed me to cope calmly with the situation.

The midwife commented to my husband several times that I appeared in a trance and could not believe how calm and relaxed I was. In fact she thought I was so calm that nothing was happening and she went off for her dinner. As she came back into the room Callum was entering the world himself! I cannot recommend your cds and philosophy enough.

You allowed me to control a birthing experience that I believe would have been very stressful and resulted in a section delivery had I not used your products. I was able to remain in control and still trust my body and instincts despite having far more intervention than I would have liked. Thank you very much for giving me the tools and skills to deliver my son naturally and safely, I really do not think I could have done it without you.

Marine Poirson

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital 2nd Baby

After a long, medicalised, frightening first labour, I wanted another kind of experience. My first child was born under epidural, which I asked for at 2cm dilatation because the pain and fear made me loose all control. The epidural stopped my labour for close to 12h, and my son was only born with much oxytocin, episiotomy, and luckily, just before the ventouse was applied.

This time, I heard from my best friend how she managed her second labour in water, without drugs, after meditating and visualising for months during her pregnancy. I researched this on the internet and chose Natal Hypnotherapy as it seemed to me to be the most down to earth, unpretentious method of learning to relax in my own home, after work. I couldn't afford expensive courses either. I used the CD nearly every night from 7 months of pregnancy onwards. I quickly saw results, managed to relax very well, felt better balanced generally. I was busy building my own safe place during sessions, visualising a place in Nature close to my heart. I practiced counting, etc....

When my waters broke at 12.30 am 2 days after reaching week 37, I couldn't believe it... I was expecting a late baby again, and I still had 2 weeks at work... as contractions started at 1am I quickly realised that one thing was working for me : counting backwards from 25, imagining steps going down with numbers written on them... the "safe place" went out the window, and I thought that this was just the very beginning.... but I felt fairly calm, in control. After 30mn I took a taxi to hospital, with my partner pacing the floor at home, our son asleep upstairs, before his first day back to school. I was expecting to be assessed and sent back home... or left to slowly dilate in a quiet room, and my partner would join me after taking our son to school at 8. I wasn't examined straight away in hospital, but left in a quiet pre-labour room.

Between 2 and 2.30 am I faithfully counted my 25 steps at each contraction, breathing, calming myself down, until a strong contraction made me think " I must be only 1 or 2 cm dilated, I don' think I will cope with just the breathing, I'll have to beg for drugs at some point I'm sure!" The midwives were keeping an eye on me but still no examination. The next contraction felt different, pushy... I never experienced this before, as my epidural had wiped out all sensations the first time round! I yelled for the midwives to come, they took a quick look and told me I was fully dilated!

A crazy run on a wheeled bed in the corridors ensued and Charlie was born at 3 am, without any drugs at all, and without his dad present, as I had stopped answering my mobile 1h earlier when things were getting more serious! I'm very squeamish, very anxious, and I never thought this would work. I can't say for sure that hypnotherapy made all the difference as the labour might have been easy anyway but I felt so much better, empowered, involved! My carefully prepared visualisation of a beloved mountain landscape in summer didn't kick in at all because things were so quick that only a very simple repetitive tool like the steps had time to come to my mind. I started at 25, the contraction peaked at 14 invariably, and I knew it would have gone at 1!

I felt in control, I had tamed the beast... I fully recommend this to any mother to be.... if I did it, anyone can, as I am a skeptical, anxious type...! I came out of the birth smiling, not tired at all, full of joy, I healed very quickly, never suffered from the stitches and still have boundless energy and confidence after 3 months of sleepless nights... I recommend Natal Hypnotherapy to all my friends, I would do it again. I only listened to the cd for 2 months in the end, as the baby came early, but every night it was a welcome relaxing moment and a way to imagine my baby and think about him.

M Lambourne

Essex 2nd baby

After very medicalised and lengthy first birth, I wanted to be more in control and calm for my second. I was quite fearful in the run up to my second pregnancy, but listening to the cds really helped me relax, improved my sleep and allowed me to look forward to birthing my second baby. My contractions this time round were far more manageable\I don't know if that was because I was more relaxed, but I did feel more in control and able to see them as useful and necessary. From start to finish my labour was 16 hours (huge improvement on my previous labour of over 40 hours). I was delighted that time I could stay in the birthing unit and avoid the interventions I had endured for my first child.

Danielle Bounds

St Peters hospital

2nd baby

The CD really helped me cope with the first 5 hours of contractions after being induced. Once my waters broke and the pain increased, I didn't feel the benefits anymore but as my daughter arrived less than hour later, that wasn't a problem. It was a vastly different experience from when I was induced with my first daughter. That time I really struggled to cope with the pain from the first contraction and as a result the labour didn't progress until I had an epidural. I was delighted to have a completely different experience this time.

Alexandra Hoover, Copenhagen, DK

My waters broke but as I didn't have contractions for 36 hours, I was induced with pitocin. From the first contraction to birth was only two hours! The contractions were PAINLESS and I didn't think the pitocin was working so I asked the midwife to check and I was already 5cm. Twenty minutes later, he was born. I used the hospital birth CD in preparation and it replayed in my mind throughout labor. As each contraction built, I relaxed more and more. I was actually disappointed when the first stage of labor ended and pushing began because I ENJOYED those relaxing contractions. Pushing was intense but manageable and very fast. I had no other pain relief then your program and an unmedicated labor and birth. I will highly recommend your program others

Stephanie Dolben
Hospital
Birth Preparation, Relaxing Birth Music

I've kept my birth story for just this website because everything about the way it went is down to the birth preparation and relaxing birth music CDs. I'd only started listening to the CDs a few weeks before my due date so thought it was a lost cause, but gave it a go anyway. Although I was a bit skeptical that it could work the science of it made sense to me so I started listening to it every day. I'm quite a stressed out person and find it very difficult top relax but within 10 minutes of listening to the CD I'd fall fast asleep. Sometimes I'd listen to it on my headphones at bedtime just to help me drop off.

Anyway - I ended up being five days over due but I was calm and relaxed and felt totally prepared for the birth. My first baby was a month early, I was petrified during the whole thing and ended up having an epidural. This time as soon as my contractions started my husband lit candles in our bedroom and put the birth music on. To my amazement I stayed perfectly calm and in control, the contractions were manageable and I didn't feel scared this time. The thing I'd been dreading most was the car journey to the hospital but using the techniques I'd learnt it was fine. I was much more assertive with the hospital staff in telling them what I wanted (told them I didn't want to be on the bed or monitored using a belt) and they respected my wishes. CD went straight on in the delivery room and I was still very relaxed even though the contractions were really close together. I couldn't believe it when the midwife told me I was six centimetres dilated! I had a bit of gas to take the edge off but the pain was still manageable. Then all of a sudden I needed to push and I went into what I think was my 'animal' mode. It was so strange but I felt in complete control and knew exactly what I was doing. Even when his shoulders got stuck (I was told afterwards that they normally have to intervene) I just shifted position and somehow got him out on my own.

The whole labour from start to finish lasted five hours and I only needed gas and air. I felt so empowered by the whole thing, not traumatised like I had been the first time. And after a bowl of cornflakes and a cup of tea I was allowed to take my son home the same day. I couldn't believe it! To anyone reading this website considering giving it a go - I can't recommend this highly enough.

Susan Ness
Hospital Car Park
Birth Preparation

I was recommended your cd by a friend who is a hypnotherapist (doesn’t have any children). This was my second labour and I did not know about the cd the first time. This time round after listening to the cd I was very calm and coped with the trauma of giving birth in a car without any hospital help - until they arrived to take me into the hospital (birth was in a hospital car park). When I was getting stitches for a tear I kept visualising the 'turn down the pain' and it helped me through the pain. Thank you

Nicky Barnes
Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation

Following the scary, complicated and very painful birth of my first child I knew that this time I had to approach the whole labour differently. My first Son was born suffering from shoulder dystocia (Shoulder getting stuck on my pelvis) and was assisted out using Ventouse. This all lead to me having a blood transfusion and him having an x-ray to check his collar bone was not broken.

When we decided to try for a 2nd child I knew I had to take control in a positive way and decided on Natal Hypnotherapy. Unfortunately we miscarried at 11weeks and this just added to my anxiety about the whole pregnancy process. When we fell pregnant again I purchased the "Pregnancy Relaxation" cd and found it really helped me. Before the cd I would not allow myself to get excited about the pregnancy or look any further ahead than that day because the thought of miscarrying again was too painful. The cd allowed me to bond with my developing baby and accept that it would probably all turn out ok this time. At 7 months I started listening to the "Birth Preparation (Hospital)" cd as the first had had such a powerful effect on me. I looked forward to the part of my day listening to the cd and found on most days it was the perfect excuse I was looking for to put my feet up. Labour started naturally at 2days over due. It all started slowly and I felt very much in control, not an ounce of fear about the likely pain that was to come soon. I followed my breathing technique and found closing my eyes and counting out loud really helped. "3, 2, 1 RELAX". I almost drifted off into a short trance like state. I had my mum come and collect my son as the contractions intensified so that he would not get distressed and so I could concentrate a little harder.

The difference at this point, in comparison to my first child’s birth, was incredible, I was so calm and in control. We moved onto the hospital and explained my birth plan to the midwife, who was very supportive. She never interrupted my concentration and always waited for me to open my eyes before speaking. By this stage it had been 14 hours since the very first sign of labour and the midwife advised me to have my waters broken as it was not progressing very fast. This intensified the pain immediately. What a shock to the system! The intensity of the pain pushed me to ask for gas and air as it all became a little to hard to concentrate on even counting 3,2,1. The Gas and air just took the edge of the pain enough in order for me to continue using my Hypnotherapy techniques.

My baby son was born 6 hours later (20 hours in all). I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the whole thing but, unlike my first child birth, totally alert and aware of what was happening. Pethadine at my First Son's birth caused me to "Space out" and that along with the other complications resulted in me completely missing the first 20mins of his life. This time is the most precious, as I was lucky enough to have experienced with this son. I would whole-heartedly promote Natal Hypnotherapy to others and already have to two pregnant friends. Even if it just works for a short time, and other pain relief is chosen, at least you start by believing you can do it - that is priceless!

Naomi Waters
Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation

As our daughter was born 2 weeks after her due date, the consultants wanted to induce for a hospital birth.

I had planned a home birth and was initially very upset about having to be in hospital. In the end we had a lovely, calm, peaceful healthy birth in hospital. The contraction pain totally disappeared when I was able to focus on the hypnotherapy techniques. I wasn’t induced and we were able to go home 4 hours after the birth. The hypnotherapy helped me to accept the change from our plan for a homebirth and enabled me to allow the contractions to work for me, rather than fighting them! Thank you!

Gail Lauder
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee
VBAC

After using the Natal Hypnotherapy CDs for birth preparation during my first pregnancy in 2008, I unfortunately had to undergo an elective (!) caesarean section at 37 weeks due to my daughter being breech and having possible IUGR. During the procedure I had an anaphylactic reaction which both my partner and I found a pretty terrifying experience. My recovery from the birth took a while but I used the postnatal recovery CD and found it helpful. Investigations into the cause of the anaphylaxis were inconclusive, with several of the drugs given being possible culprits. When I became pregnant with my second child I was offered the choice of an elective caesarean section at my first antenatal appointment at 12 weeks, but since the cause of my reaction was still worryingly unknown I really wished to avoid a C-section at all costs. Using the VBAC CDs during my pregnancy helped me to relax and forget my previous experience and focus on the baby being healthy and in the right position to give me the best chance of giving birth naturally. I was delighted when the medical staff agreed to a trial of labour. I had two cervical sweeps at 38 and 39 weeks so I didn't go overdue. I found the breathing techniques useful when undergoing these procedures too. My labour lasted 15 hours, using only TENS for 12 hours and gas and air towards the end. I needed the ventouse at the last few moments but only under local anaesthetic. My beautiful and healthy son was born at 9.02, with immediate skin-to-skin contact, just perfect! I can honestly say that using the hypnotherapy techniques made my whole birth experience wonderful, I was so overjoyed to be experiencing labour, relaxed throughout, the contractions seemed only like pressure rather than painful. I loved every minute of it and I'm sure everyone around me thought I was mad! I would and do recommend using Natal Hypnotherapy CDs to every pregnant woman, whatever their previous experience. Thank You!

Emma Cass
Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Relaxing Birth Music, attended Birth Preparation course

I had a pretty normal pregnancy and planned a home birth. I had a home birth with my first child. I attended a natal hypnotherapy course as I had started to feel fearful of the labour and wanted to feel in control like I had for the first birth. Even though my first labour was relatively easy I still felt pain and I'd heard so many horror stories that I thought I couldn't have the same luck again. The course did the trick and I felt in control again when I went into labour with my second child. Unfortunately I couldn't have a home birth as the midwives on duty had already been called out twice that night so I went into hospital. I was still pretty calm when I was in hospital and was 5cm dilated when I arrived at around 6am. I had thought about hanging around for the next shift of midwives but it’s a good job I didn't as Josie was born at 7:34am so not too long after we arrived at hospital. One of my worries about going into hospital was that I would give in to the lure of pain relief which I did and I really didn't need anything as Josie was born 10 minutes after I received pethadine and so thus it had no effect until after she was born, which in a way was good as I got some sleep. I kind of wish the midwives had asked me to hold on a bit longer however. Anyway everything was fine and I even didn't mind having a hospital birth. I wish however that I attended an earlier the course or at least bought the CDs earlier as I didn't have much chance to practice and this I think is why I gave in to the lure of pain relief right at the end, When I first arrived in hospital a midwife had even said that I seemed chilled.

Colleen Hempson
Hospital
Birth Preparation

After housing a very negative first experience, ventouse delivery, etc, I was keen to try anything that would improve my second experience. Although I went overdue again, I was much more relaxed. When contractions started I was very excited, not at all fearful. I had a very relaxing time at home from 4pm to around 10pm, when they began to come faster. At around 11pm we left for hospital and arrived at 11:45pm unfortunately we were kept in a waiting room until 12:30am. I was finally seen and midwives were shocked at how close I was - 9-10cm - as I was so calm, just breathing to control the contractions. They raced me on a wheelchair down the corridor to the birth pool. I managed to get in and just 5 contractions later my beautiful baby girl was born!

Catherine Gruber
Hospital
Birth Preparation

I had previously used your birth preparation CD for my second child - wish I had discovered it before the birth of my first child! This is my third child so having recommended, lent and lost track of my CD, I knew I had to get a new copy as I 'needed' it (in other words I couldn't imagine going back to giving birth without the aid of self hypnosis and a water pool!) I had an induction looming and did everything I could to avoid getting the 'hospital option' again. Interestingly, a good friend swore by her TENS machine, which I tried out in early labour (until I got to about 5cm) but, if there was going to be a next time, I'd just go for breathing relaxation %26 self hypnosis - I found the TENS much less effective at helping to reduce/control the pain of a contraction.

Alice Street
Hospital
Birth Preparation

Both children were born without complications (normal vaginal delivery). Both children were very relaxed during and after the birth. With my second child I managed the pain of labour much better and only asked for gas and air after I'd been in labour for approx 8 hours. My first child was born within 12 hours and my second was born within 10 hours. I found the cds to empower me to get through the births. During the birth of my second child my waters had to be broken and the midwife did not want me to push immediately afterwards and I found I was able to hold off by focusing on the cd. I've recommended them (the cds) to all my pregnant friends!

Rachel Howman
Queen Charlottes Birth Centre
Pregnancy relaxation, Birth preparation
2nd Baby

“The best £50 I ever spent. After an horrendous birth with my daughter who was ventouse delivery I vowed I would never go through that again and would never have another epidural. When I found out I was pregnant again I was terrified of the nearing birth. Once I had the cd’s and listened to them a few times I began to relax. I could see in my mind what would happen to my body and could actually completely relax to the point I would fall asleep. The day of the birth was wonderful. At 1pm I arrived at the centre, had low lighting and it was very quiet and calm. I felt so in control. At 4pm my water broke and I had the urge to push. I got into the pool at 4.30pm, as she came down the birth canal I did panic a little them relaxed and at exactly 5pm my 9lb 14oz beautiful baby boy was born. He is still calm and content to this day. I had no epidural and even he midwife was amazed considering his size and the fact I had one with my daughter who was 2lb lighter. I cannot recommend these cd’s enough they are truly brilliant”

Mrs Jeanne Baker
Royal Surrey Hospital
Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation, Fast Post natal recovery
2nd Baby

“I had Gestational Diabetes with my 1st pregnancy – had an epidural, episiotomy and forceps delivery. My recovery took 14 weeks. 2nd time round I knew I would be hooked up to 2 drips and be continually monitored. Knowing that this would severely restrict my movements I needed to find something else to help me through labour to avoid the epidural etc. My friend recommended Natal Hypnotherapy to me, so I decided to give it a go. I bought the CD’s and started to use them straight away. It felt wonderful to have an excuse for 30 mins relaxation each day. On Tues 15th Aug, I had my waters broken, by 1 o’clock I had syntocinon to speed up contractions at 4.30ish the pain was beginning to get unbearable, and I was only 6cm, so I asked for Pethadine I was given hat at 5.30 but by then I had dilated fully! A few pushes later Freddie was born at 6.15pm. As I was so relaxed throughout, the staff outside the room did not even realise I’d had Freddie!

I felt so proud of my achievements and in control

I even want to have a 3rd baby as it was such a positive experience

Thank you so much”

Sarah Young
Helston birth unit, Cornwall
Listened to the Birth preparation CD 20+ times

“I went into established labour during the late afternoon of Sunday Mach 12th 2006. I wasn’t sure if it was really starting because since Friday I had contractions on and off. The pains quickly got stronger and by 8:30pm I was ready to go to the birth unit. I kept repeating ‘calm, relaxed and in control’ to myself to keep calm and just concentrated on each contraction as it came. I felt that the CD definitely helped me to control the pain.

I was already 8cm dilated by 9:15pm, I was thrilled! By the time the pool was filled I was beginning to feel the urge to bear down. The water was heavenly and really helped with the pain. Before long I was ready to push my baby out. I again visualised things from the latter part of the CD so that I could open up and eventually at 10:05pm my baby girl Daisy Bella was pushed through the water into my arms. It was so exhilarating, painful but I felt in control throughout the entire labour. Thank you Natal Hypnotherapy. “

Kathy Murphy
Hospital - Ireland
Listened to the Birth preparation CD 20+ times

“I was so relaxed that I didn’t even know I was in labour. The pains barely registered with me. It was only until 11:30pm that the pains were strong enough for me to call the hospital – even then I still wasn’t sure if it was the real thing. I was told to come in. We drove up and I still felt ok. I used the dialing it down method. When I got to hospital I couldn’t believe it was time to push! Three pushes later Julia was born – an amazing 20 minutes after we arrived! I felt completely in control, completely relaxed and I trusted myself and my body. I felt no fear – just calmness. I would recommend this CD to any mother to be. II felt so proud that it had gone so well! Thank you!”

Lucy Keller
Hospital Birth
Listened to the birth preparation CD 11 - 15 times

“I really wanted to write sooner, but thanks in large part to the Cds, I had SUCH a positive birth experience that I've been out and about, feeding and too busy!! :)

I spoke on the phone to a man who told me about his wife using the Cds for several home births- is this Maggie he spoke of? I was pregnant with 2nd child and had had a traumatic time with the 1st labour and subsequently with son in SCBU and was very nervous of the same thing happening. I didn't find out about the programme in time to order whole set so just restricted to Pre Birth preparation and Labour Cds. In all honesty it is only in retrospect one can tell how useful they were, I think. I managed to get to 37+2 weeks this time (son was 34.5) and was therefore allowed a water-birth -which is what I'd hoped so much for especially after reading all the literature with the Cd about a private, quiet birth place. Unlike 1st time which was in theatre (nowhere brighter, more crowded and scary then!! narrowly missed c-section was ventouse, huge episiotomy...stitches that didn't heal and a baby that was taken from me)

I felt in control, with no fear and though at times more aware of the pain than last time, felt each dilation like a flower opening - it was truly amazing. I could feel my body doing what it needed to and it was intense but fabulous and my husband thanks you too - we both do sooo much. I couldn't have believed in advance HOW positive it could be. Just a bit of gas and air, a 5 hour labour and the after-pains were the most painful bit!

Phoebe Diana was born on 15th June at 6.06pm and weighed 7lbs 10.

She's now a month old 8lb 2 on Tuesday and beautiful. I have already lent the cds to someone who used them for her labour!! She said they have been very helpful. Also have repeated this story to midwives and Health visitors and at breastfeeding support group to new mums and on Babycentre.co.uk birth board...so spreading the word.

Thanks so much again”

Diane Fairless
Frimley Park Hospital
Listened to the Natal Hypnotherapy Programme 20 + times

"My pregnancy and birth experience should have been distressing as I was completely alone, but listening to the CDs every night made the whole experience both relaxing and very rewarding

I have found the CDs have brought out an inner strength I never knew I had and have been a real confidence booster. I have suggested the CDs to many friends but until they sit down and try them, they do not believe they work. But once they do, they are converted to how powerful the subconscious mind can be. And there is nothing similar than getting into bed and relaxing yourself listening to the CD"

Osen Atternik
St Peters Hospital
Listened to the Birth preparation CD 20 + times

"I had the best birth experience. I was the one who kept control and made decisions during the birth I was able to use the breathing techniques during the birth when I needed it the most. Everything developed so quickly and I was so calm. Again the CDs help immensely during the pregnancy in terms of getting proper sleep and loosing anxiety that I had."
I wish everyone a same experience"

Rachel Bullen-Ball
Basingstoke Hospital
Listened to Pregnancy Relaxation, Birth Preparation, Post Natal Recovery, Relaxing Birth Music

Where I had been preparing for birth with Natal Hypnotherapy, Iain said I did exactly as I had learnt on the CDs. I went into a hypnotic state, spoke to no one, made no unnecessary noises and followed all the instructions given to me. He said it was amazing to watch and at no point did I stress out at all.

They say nothing can prepare you for giving birth and I still believe that may be true but the CDs help prepare you to be in control of your mindset, they really do help you to stay strong, calm and controlled. I could not recommend them highly enough.

Amanda Mathieson
Aberdeen
Listened to Birth preparation CD 24 + times.

I had a very different birthing experience with my second child and truly believe it was to do with using the birth preparation CD. Freya my beautiful little girl was born very quickly, 2 hours from start to finish. I did not feel the need for any pain relief as the breathing technique I learned worked a treat!! I would highly recommend this CD to other mums-to-be and am extremely thankful I discovered Natal Hypnotherapy. Thank you.

Naomi Deauville
Doncaster Royal Infirmary
Listened to Birth preparation CD 31 + times.

“If the CD could help me as much as it did, then everyone should be given the chance to use it. My first birth as so horrific that I was devastated when I got pregnant again as I could not face going through that again. I started using the CD the day it arrived and used it every other day. Suddenly the nightmares stopped and I could sleep again. During the birth I had a student midwife with me who commented on how calm and relaxed I was. Even though I had the urge to push I was told not to. That is when the CD was particularly useful. I used a lot of the breathing and visualisation to ride the contractions and fight the urge to push. When they began threatening a c-section, I remember the end part of the CD with the description of opening up to allow my baby to be born easily. Suddenly the urge to push came again and 10 minutes later my baby boy was born. Nobody could believe it. I had no stitches, no tears, not even grazing which, considering the size of him was incredible. Since then I have had no post natal depression, no nightmare and am enjoying life with my 2 beautiful children. I am sorry it is so long winded, but I wanted to tell you what a difference the CD made to my life. I am firmly convinced that with out the CD and given both the size of my son and the way he was lying, I would have had a c-section and probably suffered for months afterwards.. If any of what I have told you can help any other mother from going through what I did 2 years ago, please use it. I am so amazed at what can be achieved through Hypnosis that I am considering training so I can try and help others. I really cannot thank you enough”

Jenny Gillman
Royal Surrey hospital
Listened to Birth Preparation CD 21 - 30 times

“Listening to the CD I was no longer in fear of going into labour. I have never been very good at relaxing, but it taught me how to release all the tension from my body. I felt confident that I could deal with the pain and was able to calm myself during contractions and use the techniques on the CD to control the pain during the first 14 hours. I did this by focusing on my breathing, by relaxing my body as much as I could and by imagining my wonderful beach and laying in the sun. I feel very proud of how I coped during the labour and I know this was due to the CD”.

"I am writing this because I want to encourage every mother to have natural births, working with their body and so having a positive birth experience. The CDs helped me so much, especially to have faith in my own body and my ability to give birth vaginally.

I started labour slowly having light contractions 5 mins apart. Because of my history, I was admitted to hospital. I continued to have contractions through to the next day, at which point I was told that if things did not get going I would have to have another C section. They broke my waters that evening. I imagined my body opening and stayed calm. I began to dilate more and more and the contractions became stronger. I listened to the birth music and reminded myself regularly that my body was designed to do this with ease. 2 hours later I asked for gas and air.

The consultant insisted that I have IV access in my hand in case I had to be rushed down for a section, irritated me all through the labour. I argued but had no choice. At 2 am I was almost ready to push. My midwife asked me to lie down and then pushed back the last bit of the cervix with her fingers. At this point I started to push. I wanted to get up but could not. It was hard work and the consultant was at the end of my bed saying " cut her", but my midwife said "no, she can do it!. I kept going and used my own hand to ease my perineum. He flew out suddenly at 3:28am. I was so happy, I had no stitches and although sore and grazed would do it all again. My notes confirmed how calm I was throughout and 3 separate midwives asked it they could photocopy the natal hypnotherapy notes I had! - I think you are doing a great job"

Thank you”

Lynn Kydd
West Suffolk
Listened to birth preparation CD 16 - 20 times

"At 38 weeks I was diagnosed with Choloystasis and had to be induced.
I was extremely calm throughout the induction and went for a walk - had some pain but did not really dwell on it. My husband did not think anything was happening so went to have dinner in the canteen. When he came back my waters had already broken and I was sitting on the edge of the bed ready to go to the delivery suite. It was very quick.

While I was waiting for the birthing pool I dealt with the pain by concentrating on my breathing and by visualising nice places. After being in the pool I was soon fully dilated and my son was soon born. I only had 2 puffs of gas and air as I did not really want it. I can’t say it did not hurt, but I managed my pain. I found this birth much easier than my first birth and my son is extremely happy and peaceful - he rarely cries and is a delight!"

Rose Pemberton
Hospital Birth
Listened to the CD approximately four times a week

"The whole experience was brilliant and I will definitely be using your CDs for the next baby and will recommend them to friends.

Ann McNeeney
Nottingham City Hospital
Listened to the birth preparation CD daily for nearly 3 months

“My midwife was amazed how clam I was without pain relief. One of the doctors was sure I had an epidural based on my calm demeanor.”

Penni Gillen
St Peters hospital, Chertsey
Listened to CD many times

“I found the whole experience quite positive and am looking forward to doing it again. The CD was a great help- listening to it during the last few months of pregnancy helped me sleep better, and meant that I was incredibly relaxed when I finally arrived at hospital.”

Joanne Bailey.
Hospital Birth
Listened to CD approximately 6 times

“The best thing I found about the CD was the strong antenatal bonding it encouraged. I usually found it an extremely moving experience to listen to it.
I was induced with only a pessary then had a rapid labour. It was pretty difficult to cope with the pain and my breathing practice went out of the window, but I found it very helpful to keep trying to visualize the pain as being my uterus strongly contracting to open and pull up my cervix.”

Emma Nicholson
St Thomas’s hospital, London
Listened to the CD 10 - 15 times

"This was my first pregnancy and importantly helped me relax prior to birth and helped me get to sleep when I was feeling uncomfortably large in bed.”

Rachel Kellar
Royal Gwent hospital
Listened to CD about 35 times

”Really relaxed me whilst listening to it and helped me sleep in the day, which I normally can't do. We arrived at the hospital at 12.30. Midwives commented on how calm and relaxed I was. I was 5 cm. Within an hour and a half I was fully dilated. After about 6 pushes Evie was born. As she had the cord around her neck I had to stop pushing, which I managed easily – again by breathing techniques and visualizing – so thank you!”

Kim Andrews
Hospital Birth

"I was able to use the word "relax" to manage my contractions. I also had my birth partners use the word. I believe that my positive outlook on labour, which I gained through listening to the Birth Preparation CD helped my along.”

Triinu Holman
St Johns hospital, West Lothian

“I found the CD a great help both during my pregnancy and through the birth. During Pregnancy the CD helped me relax. It particularly helped when I had panicky moments near the end. The CD gave me confidence and helped me look forward to the birth rather than dread it. During labour, the hypnotherapy helped at the beginning and the end.. I had a good pregnancy and positive birth experience. I definitely feel the Hypnotherapy helped me achieve this. I kept imagining I was on a beach every time the contractions came. I was really pleased that I had been able to stay at home so long. When the contractions were 2 minutes apart we went to hospital. There I got into the pool and thought I had only been in there 10 minutes and I felt bad that the staff had gone to the trouble of filling it only for me to get out as soon as I had got in. But my husband told me that I had actually stayed in the pool 2 hours.”

Julie Gunn
Hinchingbrooke hospital

“I felt relaxed throughout and felt confident with staff and my choices. My feelings of calm before during and after were due to the cd. I felt in control through and view it as a really positive experience. I felt confident and happy as a mother from the moment he was born. Those feelings are invaluable and I feel your cd definitely contributed. Thank you.”

Kim Douglas
Queen Charlottes
Listened to the CD 12 - 15 times

“I think the CD is brilliant I only wish I had had the opportunity to put more of it to use.”

Sarah Coulson
Basingstoke hospital
Listened to the CD 12 + times

“Thank you for your wonderful CD. I listened to your CD as often as possible before the birth. I felt very relaxed / calm / positive going into the birth.

They diagnosed me with pre eclampsia on the day of birth and said my cervix was closed and they said they would induce me in the morning. I spent the night visualizing my cervix opening (as you do on the cd) and by morning I was 2 cm……I pushed like mad and he came out in one go like you described in the CD) I had an extremely pleasant birth experience - nothing like I was told to expect. I would do it all again tomorrow. I do think it part I was very lucky, but mainly I think a lot was due to creative visualization and being positive.”

Emma Fern
Melton Mowbray St Mary’s hospital
Listened to CD 7-10 times

"As soon as I realised that I was having real contractions and not Braxton hicks I had a mix of emotions, excitement and strange feeling of calmness.

It made me understand that instead of being afraid of the pain, I had to listen to my body. I don't think you can improve the cd. I would recommend your cd to everybody and it was well worth every penny. When I first listened to the cd I thought that it would do nothing but something just kicked in once I was in labour. I just found myself listening to my body and staying relaxed and calm, I pictured my special place when my contractions came. The midwives could not believe how calm I was and in tune with my body. I was so pleased I didn't need any more pain relief but I must say I was surprised as normally at the first sign of pain I take something for it.”

Hannah Hill
Royal Sussex County hospital Brighton

”I used it almost every day for the last 2 months of my pregnancy, it was my way of relaxing in the afternoon and I often fell asleep during or after listening. It was lovely to listen to with my husband. I felt he could better understand what I was going through. I felt very focused and in control with my breathing and positioning. I had my eyes shut nearly the whole time and felt in a trance like state (as I had done whilst listening to the cd) I held my husbands hand and was able to smile and relax between contractions. During contractions I found myself bellowing in a very primal way this seemed to help my focus. I didn't feel nervous about giving birth. I felt very well prepared - I'm most grateful for your cd and well tell my pre natal yoga teacher to recommend it to her class.”

Fleur Shaw
Clacton Maternity Unit, Essex
Listened to the C.Ds 11 - 15 times

“Excellent CD. I know now I should have purchased it earlier and listened to it a lot more. I refused all painkillers, I knew I could get through with breathing correctly and remembering what you said on the CD. I was so tired but amazingly positive and kept my sense of humour throughout.”

Kathy Evans
Sandringham hospital, Melbourne
Listened to the CD 28 times

“The CD was perfect. Thank you for enabling me to have the type of birth I really wanted. Third baby and the first with no drugs”

Julie Sharp
Hospital Birth
Listened to CD 20 + times

“I was able to manage my contractions through deep breathing and relaxing my shoulders. As the contractions become very strong I found it incredibly difficult to relax through the intensity of them. Eventually I had some Pethadine to relax me and give me a little rest. I was determined not to have an epidural although it was very tempting. I kept believing in the body’s natural ability to give birth. I fully support the principles of hypnotherapy and recommend it to all mothers to be. The end result is an easier, calmer birth and a content, calm baby. Thanks”

Maria Peterson
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Obstetric hospital, London
Listened to the C.D 16 - 20 times

“By listening to it several times before birth I believe myself more relaxed and confident the labour would go well and it made me so relaxed I got a good night sleep every time I listened to it.

I felt calm and reassured I could go through this with ease as I practiced your breathing techniques/relaxing. I felt no need of any pain relief at all. I actually started to look forward to each contraction knowing my baby will see me soon.”

Kerry Blood
Hospital Birth
Listened to CD approximately 5 times

“Throughout the contractions I imagined myself being at Home and counting down the ten stairs and telling myself there would be no pain when I got to the bottom. I even stepped over the cat that always sleeps on step 5!”

I had a very different birthing experience with my second child and truly believe it was to do with the birth preparation CD. Freya, my beautiful little girl was born very quickly, 2 hours from start to finish. I did not feel the need for any pain relief as the breathing technique I learned worked a treat!! I would highly recommend this CD to other mums-to-be and am extremely thankful I discovered Natal Hypnotherapy. Thank you.