From a Huge sceptic to 100% Convert
I thought I’d send you an “eat my words” email just in case it maybe helps any of the dads you meet.
I don’t know if you could tell but (I suspect like many dads) I was a huge sceptic about HypnoBirthing. I was very keen to be supportive of what E wanted so I kept my opinions to myself somewhat. However, with a maths degree, being a Chartered Accountant and having 10yrs in Corporate Finance I have become a professional cynic and so entered HypnoBirthing in the same way I look at any financial offer that looks too good to be true.
All I can say now, is wow. I can’t wax lyrical enough about it and have been raving to all my family and our NCT friends about it.
I’ll try not go on too much (maybe I will) but in summary I’d say this:
1. E was just so so calm all the way through. She arrived at hospital so relaxed she wasn’t sure whether she was in labour or had eaten too much, until they checked her and she was 9cm!
2. She took maybe 3hrs to get to 10cm, and was totally in control and relaxed throughout. As feedback for you, the 4-8 breathing was REALLY helpful. She essentially slept between contractions but kept moving along.
3. As she got to the stage of feeling the urge to push, she switched to 20-20 breathing (I can’t remember the names, only the counting) and again this was brilliant at keeping her in control.
4. Throughout I kept doing the light touch massage and it really helped too. E said she found it far more tingly than when we practiced. She also kept moving around as advised, and that really helped things along.
5. I (baby) was also incredibly calm throughout. Our midwife, kept saying she was the calmest baby she’d seen – her heartbeat kept a constant 140bpm.
6. I was surprised also at how onboard all the midwives were with it too (as this worried me a LOT). MW kept telling me she was keeping the medics away as otherwise they’d jump in with drugs. I think she enjoyed this! After the birth, the nurses and (especially) the breast feeding helpers were incredibly positive about HB too – anything that makes their jobs easier I guess.
7. She finally arrived! I sh1t you not, E said that at no time was it painful. Incredibly hard work, but not painful. Wow! There was no martyrdom or anything and she was open to pain relief if she felt she needed it – she just didn’t. At the very end, fully crowned, she said “ooh that stings a bit”, which just made me and MW laugh. (A nettle “stings a bit” – this is childbirth Emma!). Oh yeah – perennial massage worked a treat too.
I could go on forever – I’ve already probably bored you! So I’ll leave it there. I’m a 100% convert as HB is just a good, sensible and logical approach – not “hippy” at all. As a male, all I can think of as a comparison is Mike Tindall winning the 2003 Rugby world cup on a broken foot – he was so focused that he just didn’t notice!
Empowered to make choices
Marie & Jim are proud parents to the beautiful William. Marie gave birth at home using a birth pool, Jim describes HypnoBirthing here…”A course that not only teacher you important relaxation techniques, but also teaches you about birth in general, giving you the confidence an empowerment to make your own choices.”
Initially Sceptical
“I was initially very sceptical about doing a HypnoBirthing course when my wife suggested it, however it was really worthwhile. It gave me a better understanding of the natural process of labour and a new perspective which gave me the confidence to provide valuable support to my wife during labour rather than standing by feeling helpless.” Ian, with Colette and baby Ben
Fully Involved Dad
“The idea of taking an active part in my son’s birth was scary at first but the HypnoBirthing sessions gave me the knowledge and confidence to enjoy the experience. The atmosphere at sessions was relaxing and informal, our HypnoBirthing practitioner put us at ease and the course gave us lots of useful strategies for managing all the stages of birth.
The relaxation techniques we learned enabled us to be in control of the birthing process and to stay calm. Without the classes I would have felt more a spectator than helpful.
HypnoBirthing allowed me to be fully involved and supportive during my son’s birth. For most of the time the midwife just observed whilst we got on with it.” Patrick, with me and baby Evan
Delighted Dad
“Several of my friends have had babies recently, and many of them told me it was a traumatic and stressful experience.
They said they felt powerless to ease the pain their partner was going through, and didn’t know what they were supposed to do.
Thanks to the techniques that Jenny taught us, I was able to help Catherine right the way through, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the birth – it was fantastic!”
Mark Jackson
Contact us on beth@sheffieldhypnobirthing.co.uk
