HypnoBirthing® UK

Hello

I am 34 weeks pregnant with my second child. During my first pregnancy we used relaxation techniques and listened to hypnosis CD's. Unfortunately my daughter was born prematurely and I ended up having a forcep delivery. I did find labour painful but managed with only gas and tried to stay as relaxed as possible (not easy when my husband was sent home and I was left alone!).

This time I have purchased the Marie Mongan hypnobirthing book and I have been listening to the CD recorded by Justina O'Leary (rainbow relaxation and birth affirmations). I haven't listened to the other CD which has a relaxation track and falling in love with your baby track.

I'm just wondering what I should listen to as I go into labour. Do I start off just using the breathing exercises and then use the rainbow relaxation when the sruges become more frequent and stronger? Some posts suggest to listen to the CD over and over again - which CD is being referred to? Also the book lists relaxation techniques, are these used after initial relaxation, for example after listening to the rainbow relaxation (which I love) and can you use all of them (one after an other for example)

I am planning to buy the stephen Halpern comfort zone CD - can this be listened to at any time during labour?

Sorry for asking a lot of questions but unfortunately we are not in a position to afford or attend hypnobirthing and are relying solely on the book so we would like to make sure we are doing everything properly.

Thank you

Hello Clare

Firstly Steve Halpern Comfort Zone is the same music as is played in the background of Rainbow Relaxation so if you play RR continuously during labour (which many mums do) then you will not need both. If you have bought the book then you will be familiar with the three different breathing techniques we teach and when to use them during labour - I suggest you practise these as much as possible. You should be listening to RR and the birthing affirmations daily. I also highly recommend you do the perineal massage daily.

It's a shame you feel unable to attend classes, as whilst the book and CD are very good they are infinitely better when used in conjunction with the classes - as there is a lot to HypnoBirthing that cannot be learned other than face to face with a qualified teacher. At 34 weeks you still have time...........

Loads of luck and best wishes for a lovely birthing xx

Karen

Thank you very much for your reply. We would love to attend classes but unfortunately its not something we can afford. I am listening to the RR and affirmations daily and feel I am doing well with the breathing exercises so I am hoping that this will be effective

Claire

I'm sure it will help you tremendously. I wish you all the best, and Merry Christmas

Hi,

Where can I get the CD recorded by Justina O'Leary which has rainbow relaxation and birth affirmations? I have purchased the Marie Mongan hypnobirthing book from Amazon, but it only had the CD which has a relaxation track and falling in love with your baby track.

Cheers,
Laura

Hi Claire,

HypnoBirthing is two things, firstly a philosophy and secondly, techniques. The techniques help you

get

the philosophy by reprogramming your body to know that it can do it. So the techniques are important

before

you have your baby, as a practice programme.
But on the day, your faith and your philosophy help your body relax and do what comes naturally. You do not need to do anything on the day, it just happens, if you've practiced well. The only thing I would say, is that your birth companion needs to put the cd on repeatedly (unless you ask for it to be taken off), and prompt you with the relaxation prompts. You dont' need to do anything. If fact, it's quite important that you don't try to do anything, or remember anything, becasue thinking doesn't go hand in hand with self hypnosis.
That is why it isn't clear in the book - because it isn't actually what HB is about. HB is about getting the philosophy and then "surrendering" to the process on the day, armed with your reprogrammed, practiced autopilot mode (and some help from your sidekick).
I'm not sure that's helped as it's quite a difficult concept to get across in a paragraph - but keep going. You're asking all the right questions, and doing all the right things. Enjoy the practice, and have a fab birthing day.