HypnoBirthing® UK

[nm123]

OH and I did the 5 week course back in October. Since then we've had a lot going on (house move) but I'm now on maternity leave, we've got our birth pool blown up and I'm ready to go hell for leather with my practicing my hypnobirthing.

Problem is, whenever I go to practice, I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be doing! OH and I both found the course really interesting and informative but I think our teacher was a bit lacking in terms of explaning some of the techniques and how/when to apply them. For example, she didn't explain glove, depthometer, numbered body parts etc - it's only because I read the book that I've seen them in there.

When I practice - what should that involve? I find it hard to read the book, relax, close my eyes, and remember what I'm supposed to be doing all at the same time... I've tried recording the technique paragraphs onto my ipod, but that doesn't really help either. Also, what should OH be doing with me?

Then I start to wonder how all these bits will apply during the actual labour? Listening to the birth affirmations and RR over and over and over again will likely send me loopy (or is that what I'm supposed to do and I'm missing the point?), plus I'd half wanted OH to create a chill-out playlist to put on when the time comes.

So in general, I'm totally confused (granted it doesn't take a lot at the mo) - I get that the overall gist is to trust your baby and your body, keep fear out and confidence in and just relax, but I don't feel equipped with the tools (ie the techniques to do that) because I don't quite know how to practice them or how to use the CD during the actual labour?

I'm a bit to call the teacher, so I'm wondering if someone here could clarify for me please? Any assistance is much appreciated!

Thanks, NM123 (38+5!)

[soshanna_hayhoe]

Hi NM123 (38+5!)

You have grasped the gist of HypnoBirthing but I would really recommend that you speak to your teacher for clarification on using the techniques taught in the course. It is important that she gets feedback for her course and that you are confident in your ability to give birth calmly and gently by using any or all techniques you have been taught. If you still have questions after speaking to your practitioner of if you decide not to please post again and I will see if I can answer your questions.

Regards,
Soshanna

[mia]

Oh dear!
It's not easy to sort out the muddle when we haven't been at the class, but if you just stick to these three things (given where you are in your pregnancy), you'll be okay.
1. listen to your RR and affirmations every day (and yes, you DO just put them on repeat on the day - or the background music on its own. your mind and body will respond automatically with relaxation).
2. get your partner to read out "facial relaxation" as it stands in the book with the background music on, and get him to read out the rainbow relaxation (2 colours only). If you got the "birth companion's deepening script" with the shoulder press on it, you can get him to read that too.
3. Practice your slow breathing and birth breathing.

That will be enough, and then you just have to trust nature.
Enjoy!
Mia