HypnoBirthing® UK

[khamy]

Hello

Now, I've watched some hypnobirthing videos, I wonder if a doula is really helpful for a homebirth? The mothers seemed to be so in control, autonomous, didn't need any help. What's your experience?

[ockysmith]

Well I am both a HypnoBirthing Practitioner and a Doula, plus I'm a Homebirthing mum of 4.

Doulas are worth their weight in gold in my opinion, feel there is always something that an experienced women can give that a man will never be able to, plus the doula also supports the father. After a birth I usually get a huge hug from the dad!

That all said, I believe HypnoBirthing ever so slightly negates the need for a doula as we effectively train the dads to be doulas. For men - having something "to do", being confident and understanding the effects of the environment on birth has a huge positive impact. I have still doula'd for some of my HypnoBirthing clients but I have to say the *need* for me as a doula wasn't as great as for the clients I have doula'd for who didn't do HypnoBirthing (although they have all said they were extremely grateful to have me there).

Have a look at www.doula.org.uk

Many of us HypnoBirthing teachers are also doulas, have a look for Mia Scotland - I think she might be near you.

Sarah

[khamy]

Yes, I've already contacted her for hypnobirthing courses and doula services. I thought that a doula might be helpful specially for a first homebirth hypnobirthing but I had a doubt watching videos. Thanks for your opinion.

[Danielle]

Hi, I'm another practitioner, have had one hospital birth (wanted a home birth) and one homebirth. I felt really supported both times by my community midwives, and felt they would respect my wishes, help me to relax and not to rush me to hospital if things slowed down. I also felt suppored by my partner. I have been to births, mainly as an extra support and love it. I don't charge parents for it, I just say I will go if they call and I can get childcare-for me I just love watching, so I can't promise I will go. If I hadn't felt so supported then I would definetly of hired doula or maybe an independent midiwfe. Hope this helps
Danielle

[rachana]

I have had my previous 3 children in an hospital, induced without pain meds (except stadol with my first). This time around we are having a homebirth since I do NOT want to be induced and I want the empowerment of totally natural birth.

My question is, since I have had 3 children is it worth is to look into hypnobirthing really? Dh and I used a little Bradley with out last birth and it helped but still it was mostly on my own. I also wasn't able to get a doula with my last birth either. This time I don't know if I will need a doula since it's a homebirth and my MW will be there the whole time with me. I know how great having a doula is, I am a doula myself but do I really need one? I know there are times where she has to do more work and can not talk to me but I'm just unsure..

So, I guess I'm asking what you all think? Use a doula or hypnobirthing or both??? Is the classes really worth that extra money? Or should I just buy the home course and do it on my own?