Hypnobirthing?

[sgmom]

I have a little less than 4 months left before my baby is due, and in desperation of having a successful vbac free of ANY medical intervention, I have recently started reading Hypnobirthing by Marie Mongan. I'm about half way through the book, and just started listening to the cd the night before last (tonight was my third listen).

Has anyone done this? What was your experience?

I've read nothing but raving reviews about how great it is and how much it helps, but I'm finding it next to impossible to follow the directions. I can get relaxed (the same way as if just before falling asleep - but after chasing around a busy 16 month old all day long, that's VERY easy to do. Even without a cd.), but my mind wanders and I have a hard time visualizing when she talks about walking through the door, sitting on the couch, placing special items in the room, etc. And the SECOND I open my eyes, I completely snap out of it (almost like listening to a seminar about something you're not interested in).

I like the cd (the first part, anyway), I'm loving the book, but I can't help but wonder if this is a normal reaction to the beginning stages of self hypnosis. I never feel like I'm where she says I should be (but not for lack of trying).

Tonight I tried in the bath (a normally VERY relaxing place for me), and I found myself getting uncomfortable, my back started hurting, I started to get warm (so there was a lot of sitting up, shifting), and I ended up getting out at about the 18 minute mark of the session (of 22 minutes).

Does anyone have some inspiration for me, or suggestions to make it a little easier?

[cairomama]

I did Hypnobabies. It was developed by a former Hypnobirthing instructor to fill in the holes that she saw with her students. It also uses the same medical hypnosis techniques that are used when someone can't tolerate anesthesia and has an "eyes open" technique as well. Things are described in several ways so if you aren't very visual, you have another way of getting to where you need to be. The other advantage of Hypnobabies is that it has a very structured and varied practice schedule. From reading birth stories of Hypnobabies and Hypnobirting, it seems that more people get further with Hypnobabies than Hypnobirthing. I think that one of the main reasons is that people who do Hypnobabies seem to practice more. That is not to say that you can't do well with Hypnobirthing, but the Hypnobirthing book/cd is designed to be a companion to a class, so if you want to do Hypnobirthing, you are better off taking a live class. Hypnobabies has live classes as well, but they also have a Home Study program designed to be done at home by yourself. I did the Hynpobabies Home Study Program.

There is a Hypnobabies Yahoo Group for people doing any kind of hypnosis for childbirth. The moderator has used both Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies for her VBACS and is now a Hynobabies instructor.

http://www.hypnobabies.com

So, I definitely recommend self-hypnosis for your VBAC and I think the key is to practice as much as possible which ever program you use.

[sgmom]

Thanks for your reply. I'm working on it... I just don't understand why I have such an impossible time getting into a deep relaxation, and the visualization is NOT happening. Even my breathing keeps going off (I concentrate on slow deep breaths, and it keeps going back to short and shallow).

I'll check out that hypnobabies website... Maybe it can give me some more insight. Thanks!

[limette]

I tried hypnobabies, twice and while it was lovely and relaxing during the pregnancies it did nothing for my labors. I've been told that I didn't believe in it enough.

[smeisnotapirate]

I second the Hypnobabies program. I'm doing it for my VBAC, and I had a really hard time practicing the slow breathing and the visualizations. One thing the Hypnobabies thing affirms is that you'll experience it however is right for you - so I dilligently listen and my mind wanders and I bring it back and I'm twitchier than I'd like....... but I'm assuming it's working. Every once in a while, I really feel it.

I'd just keep being dilligent. It takes a bit of practice for us restless types.

[sgmom]

Originally Posted by smeisnotapirate

I'd just keep being dilligent. It takes a bit of practice for us restless types.

Thanks. It can be frustrating, that's for sure! I'm practicing at least once/day (more if I can).

I have a question about breathing though. When they say to "breathe down" and not to breathe out your mouth, I don't really understand this. Can someone explain to me how exactly to do this? Is it similar to ujjayi breathing in yoga?