Besides Hypnobabies.... « Back to Group Discussions

[RenoKirbyButtrs]

I haven't made up my mind yet regarding hypnobabies, though all the good stories on MDC are reassuring. However, in the interest of doing my homework, I'm curious about what else people have used and enjoyed. My midwife mentioned the Bradley method, but I am generally uninformed on the range of natural birth options. Anyone BTDT?

[Kamiro]

I liked the Bradley Method. It worked well enough for getting my partner on board and bonding us.

I also liked the Pink Kit. It is a lot of 'work', and some times very difficult - but I would recommend it to any one who wants to start it in the next month or two.

[Ruby2]

We did Hypnobirthing, which is different from Hypnobabies. It worked very well for deep relaxation and really empowered dh. It gave him a feeling of control and ways to help me, which in turn made me relax better! I have a hard time meditating and never was able to completely check out, but the relaxation techniques and the "re-education" about what to expect and how to react to your body during birth was wonderful. We did classes the first time, but will probably just read the book again and do the relaxation cd at night during the last trimester. I highly recommend it.

[AmyW]

I have been interested in checking out hypnobirthing but was unaware until now about the difference between hypnobirthing and hypnobabies. I've got my research assignment for the day it seems. We did a lamaze based hospital CBE taight class with our first and while it helped, I felt like we missed out I guess. 

Additionally - has anyone done the home study methods? Courses seem challenging for us to make with a 3yo and no family to watch her. I guess it could be a financial benefit as well. I'd hate to register for a local class here and not even be able to make it. Ideas?  Suggestions?

[cristeen]

My doula friend highly recommended Hypnobabies to me.  We started Bradley with our first, didn't do anything with our 2nd, and that was a big mistake.  So I'm going with her recommendation. 

[lindsayjean]

AmyW- the Hypnobabies home study rocks!!  No teachers here when I was preg last time, so that's what I did and had an awesome birth!

Other classes- there are so many options!!  I encourage you to figure out which philosophy speaks to you most (Hypno classes teach that birth does not automatically have to be super painful other ones teach that it is and teach coping techniques for pain, etc)

[sarahlynne]

Birthing from Within is really good - and i never went to any classes, just read the book.  Lots of good methods for getting over fears(and identifying them in the first place) and practice for pain relief/relaxation.  Another REALLY good book to read is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - has lots of fun hippy birth stories and really good advice about birth.

[RenoKirbyButtrs]

Thanks for all of your wisdom. Looking at the various web sites, a lot of these sound similar. I'm not sure whether I'm better off with the type of method that teaches you to expect pain and how to cope, or refocuses you. I tried the free Hypnobabies relaxation track when I had a headache and it seemed to help some. I even used my signal word for relaxation at the orthodontist when they were grinding down my teeth and that helped a lot! Sounds silly, I know. But my husband hasn't agreed to pinch me so I can conduct further tests. 

[MeredithA]

I am just finishing up Ina May's Spiritual Midwifery -- I love all the hippy stories and pictures. Fabulous book. Birthing from Within is next on my reading list. My midwife actually had a list of expectations for me including eating healthy, taking vitamins, etc. and reading that book was on the list of things she expected me to do.  I'm looking forward to it. I read all those What to Expect books and Girlfriends Guide before and those really do make pregnancy sound negative in comparison- they seem to play up the nausea, aches, and pains. What I love about Ina May's book is how positive the whole thing  is. 

Originally Posted by sarahlynne 

Birthing from Within is really good - and i never went to any classes, just read the book.  Lots of good methods for getting over fears(and identifying them in the first place) and practice for pain relief/relaxation.  Another REALLY good book to read is Ina May's Guide to Childbirth - has lots of fun hippy birth stories and really good advice about birth.

[sarahlynne]

Originally Posted by RenoKirbyButtrs 

But my husband hasn't agreed to pinch me so I can conduct further tests. 

Actually, Birthing from Within recommends using a pain stimulus - she suggests using an ice cube and holding it tightly in your hand while you do an exercise.  My husband would usually press his thumb into one of my shoulder muscles, worked as a pain signal to work through and also worked out some tense muscles at the same time

It is great to practice and hope for a pain free birth but the reality is if it were mostly pain free for most women we wouldn't need all this advice on coping with pain.  Birth (for most women) is just plain strenuous - it will likely be the biggest workout in our lives.  So, pain aside, it is a great physical feat that will likely have, at the very least, moments that are difficult to overcome without sweat and tears.  I am always of the mindset to prepare myself mentally and physically for it to be tough, if it ends up a breeze that will just be icing on the cake

[callieollie]

I did Bradley with my first and found it full of lots of useful information.  Unfortunately, I ended up having a non-textbook birth with a posterior baby and back labor and that wasn't really addressed with Bradley and so everything sort of flew out the window.  We did hypnobabies with our second and loved it. I had looked into it with our first but it just didn't seem like it would work for me, sounded too hokey, and I just didn't believe that birth could be without pain! I am glad I tried it though because I had a completely pain-free birth.  Good luck with whatever you choose!