Hypnobabies without birth partner?

[olstep]

A couple of questions for mamas who successfully used hypnobabies during the birth.
1) Would it be different if your birth partner hadn't been there for you?
When I gave birth to DS, I found DH presence more distracting than helpful. Not his fault. He was awesome. It is just me.
I do not plan for DH to be around for DD birth. I wonder if it is worth studying hypnobabies. They seem to emphasize the role of the birth partner a lot.

2) My materials are missing one CD: Special Place/Easy, Comfortable Childbirth. Could anybody tell me what it is about?
TIA.

[isfa]

Hi Olstep-
What about using a doula who is familiar with hypnobirthing or hypnobabies? Are you planning a hospital birth? Because if so, I think it would be hard to do without someone who could deal with the nurses for you. It would be really distracting. Plus, a doula could explain what you are doing and be your advocate.

[olstep]

I am doing a homebirth. With a wonderful midwife. I am sorry but I think that hiring a doula would be kind of an insult to my midwife. YKWIM?
I am not looking who can replace DH. I just wonder if hypnobabies techniques are as effective without a birth partner.

[Veritaserum]

Originally Posted by olstep

A couple of questions for mamas who successfully used hypnobabies during the birth.
1) Would it be different if your birth partner hadn't been there for you?
When I gave birth to DS, I found DH presence more distracting than helpful. Not his fault. He was awesome. It is just me.
I do not plan for DH to be around for DD birth. I wonder if it is worth studying hypnobabies. They seem to emphasize the role of the birth partner a lot.

Hypnobabies can be done with or without a partner. The partner training is to make sure that whoever is at the birth with you could give assistance if wanted/needed. You could have your midwife read through the Birth Partner's Guide section or point of the pages of birth prompts if you want her to be able to say hypnotic key words/phrases during the birth. You can do it all by yourself, though. I have.

Originally Posted by olstep

2) My materials are missing one CD: Special Place/Easy, Comfortable Childbirth. Could anybody tell me what it is about?
TIA.

That CD is an essential part of the program. The Special Place track is an opportunity create a special, safe place where you can go mentally. When you imagine going there later, you automatically feel safe and relaxed. Many (all?) of the other scripts refer to your special place. The Easy, Comfortable Childbirth script introduces the concept of easy, comfortable childbirth to your subconscious. This CD is the first one you listen to in Hypnobabies and it's important to follow the listening schedule as later scripts build upon earlier ones.

Where did you get your materials? You may be able to purchase that CD from Hypnobabies by calling 714 952-2229.

[Juvysen]

I just had my baby last week. I have found in my past labors that I just didn't want anyone around, so I sort of neglected the partner parts of the hypnobabies. We didn't practice together at all. I had an awesome birth, and honestly I think the hypnobabies gave me that "alone" feeling that I needed... that is, I felt like the hypnobabies made it easier to ignore everyone else and just focus on my birthing time/relaxation. It was awesome

Special place and Easy Comfortable Childbirth are the first few weeks of the program, teaching you how to relax and about your "special place" where you visualize. I'd definitely recommend getting a hold of a copy...

[porcelina]

Just a quick point -- I doubt that your midwife would be offended if there was a doula present. They have different roles. The midwife has to focus on the baby, and getting the baby out safely. The doula focuses exclusively on your comfort, doing things like counter pressure, supporting your weight, etc. Many times there may be teamwork involved, but there are other times when the midwife simply cannot be a support for you as she is focused on the baby.

If you're not interested in having a doula, that's of course up to you, but I wouldn't rule it out because you think your midwife would be offended. You could bring it up with her casually if you are worried, and ask if any of her clients have used doulas. I bet many, many have!

Good luck!

[olstep]

I do not want anybody at my birth. If I were more certain in my knowledge, I'd do UC.
I am going to get this missing CD and study hypnobabies on my own. It is good to know that I do not HAVE to have a birth partner to make it work. Thank you for your replies!

[Juvysen]

Originally Posted by olstep

I do not want anybody at my birth. If I were more certain in my knowledge, I'd do UC.

I felt the same. Though, I did want dh to see it/be there for the birth of the baby, but for HIM, not for me...

I feel like hypnobabies gave me the ability to ignore everyone else, though there were 4 other people in the room (midwife, 2 assistants, dh) and my mom was in the guest room, and my kids were in their rooms. It was great. And the special place thing definitely helped me, though I though I thought it was sort of silly and nonessential when I was practicing before the birth

I hypnobabies!!!!!! can't say enough good stuff about it

[olstep]

Originally Posted by Juvysen

I feel like hypnobabies gave me the ability to ignore everyone else, though there were 4 other people in the room (midwife, 2 assistants, dh)

You know, I felt the same when DS was born. I do remember that my OB was chatting and giggling with the nurse while I was moving around L&D room. Normally, I'd think: " Is it me that they are laughing at?" or something like that.
But that time, it didn't bother me at all. I was too much engaged into my own business.

Originally Posted by Juvysen

I did want dh to see it/be there for the birth of the baby, but for HIM, not for me...

I would "let" DH if he wanted to be at the birth but he is more like: "I'll do whatever works for you"
I'd feel more comfortable knowing that DH is taking care of DS. I do plan for my midwife to sit in another room but I haven't talked to her about it yet.

I am waiting till it is 9AM Pacific time to call Hypnobabies. Hopefully they can sell a single CD. However this one is not offered on their website.

[isfa]

Originally Posted by olstep

I am doing a homebirth. With a wonderful midwife. I am sorry but I think that hiring a doula would be kind of an insult to my midwife. YKWIM?
I am not looking who can replace DH. I just wonder if hypnobabies techniques are as effective without a birth partner.

Yes, obviously if you are working with a midwife and having a homebirth, the doula would not be necessary. You didn't mention that in your original post. If you are birthing at home with a midwife, I would think you could absolutely do hypnobabies without a birth partner.

[Sudonk]

It sounds like you already got your answer, but I just wanted to agree with the others. I used Hypnobabies twice (I wouldn't even consider giving birth without it!) and enjoyed having my husband present, but didn't really need much from him. It was more that I wanted him to have the connection to the baby that comes from being part of the birth, not that I needed him to "handle" the birth. There was about 90 seconds of my first birth (using hypnosis, but not Hypnobabies) when I "needed" help, and my doula provided it. There was about 20 seconds in my second birth when my husband jumped in with a Hypnobabies cue to help me remain in complete control, despite a very intense moment when the baby went from free-floating to 1/2 way down the birth canal in a single, sudden movement as the water broke. Holy pelvic spread, Batman! I would have been ok if he hadn't done that, but it was helpful, so I'm glad I took the time to at least explain the Hypnobabies cue words to him. My third birth was my most intense and took only 3 hours from start to finish, but Hypnobabies kept me totally in control of my responses to the intensity, and I never needed any assistance from others in using my hypnosis skills.

I think teaching him the basics and setting up a "signal" that lets him know that you would like him to use the skills is a good way to go. I know several couples who used that approach, and were happy with it. It let the birth partner know that if he wasn't hearing the signal, she really was as calm and comfortable as she looked and he could relax and enjoy it. And it let her know that additional comfort and assistance was just a word away. I even know someone who taught her partner all the Hypnobabies cues while she was in transition, and it worked great for them!