HypnoBirthing® UK

[gordon_mullan]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7292565.stm

"Many women are going into labour vastly underestimating how painful it can be and overly optimistic that they will be able to manage without drugs, a study suggests. How has this happened?"

And: "...you wouldn't have your teeth pulled without an anaesthetic, so why would you embark on something as major as childbirth simply preparing to grit them?"

GAAAAHHH!!! Childbirth is a NORMAL, NATURAL EVENT! Pain is your body's way of telling you there is something wrong and there is NOTHING WRONG WITH CHILDBIRTH!

Please, PLEASE post some replies to this story - even better, get some of your mums to post!

"Are you affected by this story? Have you attended ante-natal classes? What advice have you been given about pain relief? Send us your comments using the form below."

Comment form is at the bottom of the page:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7292565.stm

Regards
Gordon

[Scallie]

Agree entirely. I sent a comment but I don't know what's happening with them - they've not appeared on the site yet as far as I can see.

[sophievfletcher]

I agree, I've written directly to the author Clare Murphy. Sources tell me that a colleague in the Health team at the BBC has just returned from maternity leave - I wonder whether this has influenced it at all!

There is a programme on BB2 at 9 tonight on hypnotherapy, I suggested that it may be an interesting follow up to her story and the programme tonight to do an article on hypnosis in birth.

Lets see if there is any follow up..


Sophie

[Danielle]

They were talking about hypnosis for dentistry on bbc1 breakfast this morning, I sent a quick email in on how hypnobirthing helped me use hypnosis for childbirth and how great it was, I don't know if it got read out (I was off to work!). Maybe if we keep at the bbc we will get on there!

[sophievfletcher]

Hey Everyone,

Got this response from the BBC in reply to an email about the article. I hope that they do choose to revisit it in the future - let's just wait and see..

Dear Sophie
Many thanks for your email. I realise the study has caused some debate. There was not room to go into the many techniques available to women, but I am aware from many of my own friends that hypnobirthing can be an immensely positive experience. I thought the point was however made by both the researcher and a spokesman from the rcog that it is important to find out about the vast array of options available - from aromatherapy to epidurals - and then be flexible when it comes to the birth.
I am sure this will be a subject we return to, and I will keep your details for that occasion!
Best wishes
Clare Murphy

[gordon_mullan]

I thought the point was however made by both the researcher and a spokesman from the rcog that it is important to find out about the vast array of options available - from aromatherapy to epidurals - and then be flexible when it comes to the birth.

Cobblers! The way I read it, the article basically said "stop kidding yourself - childbirth is inevitably going to hurt like buggery and you ought to be prepared to pump yourself full of drugs. Anyone who thinks they sail through it without them is dreaming. Furthermore, anyone who tries to tell women they can do it without is setting them up for disappointment and should be stopped".

Or is it just me?

[eleanorcopp]

she is ignorant of the facts then isnt she ? whose gonna be the 1 to tell her ?

[gordon_mullan]

There is a programme on BB2 at 9 tonight on hypnotherapy, I suggested that it may be an interesting follow up to her story and the programme tonight to do an article on hypnosis in birth.

Lets see if there is any follow up..

Did anyone see this programme? Judging by Adam Eason's response to it on his blog, I don't think it was exactly a glowing recommendation for hypnosis:
BBC1's Alternative Therapies - Hypnotherapy-what a crock

Ooooh.....I'm gonna get sooo cross....

[gordon_mullan]

And here's a more detailed rebuttal of some of the nonsense spoken on that BBC 'documentary':
http://www.sophienicholls.com/node/126

Best regards
Gordon

[sophievfletcher]

You are right - this is a great piece by Sophie Nicholls - she just gets better and better...

I met her on a childbirth and hypnosis course with last year and was very impressed. She does a lot of work around creative/therapeutic writing in which she has a phd. She also lectures in creative writing - hence her fantastic writing skills. She's on facebook so why don't you invite her to join your HB group!

[gordon_mullan]

Hi Sophie

Can you let me know which Sophie Nicholls it is on Facebook?

Cheers
Gordon