HypnoBirthing® UK

[greennomad]

My husband and I are due in early April. I've been reading the hypnobirthing book and our classes begin at the end of this week. I am VERY excited about hypnobirthing, and really want it to work for us. Problem is, I've had a history of hyperventilation issues that I'm worried will affect my ability to subscribe to the methodology. I had a bad summer of hyperventilation 2 1/2 years ago that only came to an end after a series of hypnotherapy sessions. I've since forgotten about the problem, doing things like pilates and always TRYING to work on my breathing (while not overly trying as too much thought triggers overbreathing/hyperventilation/gasping for air..... ) I've been suffering from terrible back aches over the past few weeks and just came back from seeing a speicalist osteopath who said that my backpain was associated with my diaphragm and not enough oxygen getting to certain muscles/parts of my body. He took one look at me and asked whether I'd heard of hyperventilation problems and it's brought on a wave of emotion as I realise I still haven't rid myself of this problem and now it means more than ever to me....... Any thoughts or advice from hypnobirthing experts or those who have undergone tried hypnobirthing with this problem? He says we can work on my breathing with breath retraining, osteo work and hypnotherapy again, but that this is a deep problem that will take time to fix.

[eleanorcopp]

Hi !
sounds like this osteopath isvery astute and i would def work with him / her as recommended . as long as it collaborates with the hb which at this moment is your priority as its about your connection with your baby . you may find that once the course starts you feel more confident and the anxieties fade , and if they stay you have 2 support people there to look after you . win win situation i think !
Eleanor

[ockysmith]

I agree with your osteopath that you'd benefit from some hypnotherapy, but would suggest you hold fire until you meet your HypnoBirthing practitioner as I believe it would be best if you worked with them (if they are a hypnotherapist also). The breathing techniques we used are designed to avoid hyperventilation, unlike many other breathing techniques used in labour.

Have you heard of the buteyko technique? you might find it very beneficial for you for life in general.

Sarah

[kaz]

Yes I agree and think that if your HB practitioner is also a hypnotherapist, as many of us are, they will really be able to help you with this.

BTW I used to have a problem with hyperventilating myself (especially when anxious) but since I trained in hypnotherapy, and learned self-hypnosis, I have not done it once. I find hypnotherapy is wonderful for this problem and I don't see how HypnoBirthing could be anything but beneficial for you. As Ocky said the techniques we teach are specifically designed to avoid hyperventilation.

Loads of luck

Kaz xx

[greennomad]

Thank you everybody.
Since the classes started and I've been doing my exercises, I've been doing so WELL! - I'm so proud of myself. I had to give myself a break at the beginning if I would have to take a mouth breath between sleep breathing or slow breaths, but a few breaths later and I seem to not be having a problem with this the deeper I relax. Actually, I really feel confident I can do this now because I'm putting so much effort/discipline into it. These are skills that will help me for life, truly.

[kaz]

I am really pleased to hear this. But not surprised!

I hope you have a wonderful birthing x

[eleanorcopp]

absolutely and well done for getting a great team around you to support you to feel like you do now . that takes motivation and committment so congratulations for that ,
eleanor