Can we talk "natural" pain therapies for labor? - Page 2

[konayossie]

I did Hypnobabies and did not need any pain control for the 42 hours I was allowed to labor; this was in spite of numerous interventions that caused my uterus to hyperstimulate at two different points. I was quite uncomfortable during the hyperstimming, but I never really felt it as "pain," and my normal contractions certainly didn't feel painful. I wholeheartedly recommend Hypnobabies to everyone. It leaves you unmedicated, mobile, and comfortable. But then, I do not do well on meds that others find pleasurable (hate nitrous with a passion).

[MariposaMami]

Originally Posted by Tresa

My labors weren't unbearable until my water broke toward the end, then I was making deals with god to just take me now. You sound like a pretty stubbornly natural birther...but don't let anyone rupture your membranes if they don't go naturally.

Oh my gosh! When I read this, I thought, when did I write this? Then I saw the name was Tresa! This is me too Tresa! Only at transition I am asking God to please let it be over with already and to draw out the pain little by little for a few months instead! Seems like He's come through with it the two times I've asked, and then postpartum is AWFUL!!! I planning on trying not to make any more "deals" with Him this time around! And guess what? My labors are really not that long! I call the midwife and baby is out in about 3-4 hours! I can't imagine going much longer!

I just ordered Smooth Transitions from Wish Garden herbs, and am hoping that will help!

[sachasmom]

Originally Posted by jessieb503

'Does hypnobirthing work for controlling personalities? I have never achieved any type of self-hypnosis or anything, I will start thinking Am I really not thinking? It's sort of impossible to not over think everything...' (I don't know how to do the quote thing...)

This is exactly WHY I am doing hypnobirthing. I am such a control freak and need to get out of my head. All it takes is daily practice.

Ha! Me too! I am a total control freak, and Hypnobabies worked fantastically for me. I posted a long post about it somewhere here the other day so I won't repeat that. But basically, their homestudy program is very thorough and structured and definitely well-suited for 'cover all your bases' 'belt and suspenders' type personalities. For me, having all the information and a backup plan for every eventuality is a necessary prerequisite for relaxing in labor.

I don't know the other self-hypnosis techniques and can't speak to how they work, though I've heard good things about all of them. But in general self-hypnosis is a truly powerful thing. At the very least it should seriously take the edge off. And I felt like it actually accelerated my labor by helping me get out of the way and let my body get the job done.

And the one good thing about having a type A personality? It means you'll actually DO all the excercises and fill out the worksheets and stick to your practice schedule. And self-hypnosis is a skill just like playing a musical instrument, so the more you practice the better you get at it <G>