I have been using a CD for quite some time but I wanted to get the Mongan Method book & CD too… I had been looking everywhere for it and FINALLY came across it in Barnes & Noble this past weekend. I didn’t want to order it online with out being able to see it and flip though though, just in case I hated it! Well, now I wish I would have bought it sooner. I have been practicing my breathing techniques along with my visualization like a good girl. I am really hoping it helps! I would love feedback from anyone who has happened to use Hypnobirthing (any method!!!) as a means for pain management. I am really hoping that when the time comes I am able to put myself in the zone and I am able to use these techniques. I’m worried there will be lots of distractions in a hospital setting where as at home it’s easy to go somewhere quiet and practice and on top of the hospital… HELLO, pain is quite the distraction by itself!!! I wonder how hard it will be for me to go in and out of trance so I can communicate with my husband and doula as well as nurses when they come in for checks. My goal is to remain MOBILE so I can be in and out of the labor/birthing tub and walk as much as I can as well as change positions… I know that will be impossible with an epidural. On top of all this, being that I look like I am going to give birth at any moment now, everyone wants to ask my preference about labor and they seem to think that telling me “No matter what you do, get the epidural” is great advice. I always just smile and nod because it’s sooo much easier than trying to explain an unconventional method of pain management and lets face it… I really don’t have the patience to argue over an epidural with someone. I just hate feeling like my decision is in some way being challenged. I have been really good about trying not to set any standards or expectations for myself and if it gets to a point where I really can’t handle it anymore I am totally OK with getting the epidural. This is something I have never experienced before and I refuse to let myself have a one track mind about it. I am trying to be open about all the possibilities of labor and delivery and what may or may not happen. I must say though, the closer it gets the more disappointed I am that my goal of having a waterbirth in the hospital seems to be slipping away. I knew it wasn’t guaranteed but I’d really hoped the hospital would make a decision (and the RIGHT one) by now.
Kellie Said:
on July 2, 2008 at 10:45 am
People really say that to you? Blah! It’s your body, you do want you want! I think you will do beautifully no matter what, I have faith!
Katie Said:
on July 2, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Oh yeah…I can’t even tell you how many people said that to me! Uh…thanks for the advice! You’ll do great.
Karey Said:
on July 2, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Hey there – I’m a total stranger… hope you don’t mind! I came across your blog because I’m subscribed to they wordpress hypnobirthing tag feed, so I see lots of stuff about hypnobirthing. I’m doing hypnobirthing – 1st baby – and I’m due today, so I’m getting excited and anxious!
The whole premise of hypnobirthing that you really need to retrain your brain on is that labor and birthing don’t have to hurt. There doesn’t have to be pain. We are taught by society and culture and movies and TV that it’s excruciating, and when we are tense and fearful, it certainly can be! Hypnobirthing isn’t about pain management, it’s about keeping your body relaxed so it can do what it was designed to do: gently bring your beautiful child into the world!
Another post on the hypnobirthing feed today gave me a little more insight: http://hypnobabies.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/birth-as-a-mental-challenge-rather-than-a-physical-one/
Best of luck to you!!
Katharine Graves Said:
on July 3, 2008 at 7:16 am
It’s your decision whether you have a water birth, not the hospitals. Be firm, but polite, and tell them waht you have decided. They are your medical advisers, not your medical dictators (and you take their advice seriously before you make up YOUR mind what’s best for YOU). HypnoBirthing is wonderful. Have a look at the website http://www.thehypnobirthingcentre.co.uk for reports from HypnoBirthing mothers. Keep practicing. Find a HypnoBirthing teacher near you if you still have time. Consider a home birth – they’re safer.
And have a wonderful birth and a beautiful baby.
Lots of good wishes
Katharine Graves
Katharine Graves is a HypnoBirthing teacher holding classes in London