[HayMC]

We are planning a water birth at home and I have just read a hypnobirthing book. It has some great ideas about breathing and relaxation techniques. Has anyone had success in breathing through surges and using the 'j' breath to breath your baby down instead of 'pushing hard'?

[~Sorceress~]

Yes, I've mostly breathed my babies down . I had some hypnobirthing CDs I listened to before my last birth and the breathing really helped with the Stage 1 contractions .

[HayMC]

Yes, I've mostly breathed my babies down . I had some hypnobirthing CDs I listened to before my last birth and the breathing really helped with the Stage 1 contractions .

That's Fantastic news- thank you so much. I don't have the cds but have some really beautiful relaxing music ready to play.

[blu3berry]

Hi,

I did Calmbirth which is the same thing as Hypnobirthing just the 'Australian' version I believe... I also did and am doing weekly yoga classes where different breathing techniques are taught and practiced.

Anyway, I found breathing immensely helpful during all stages of surges. My breath kept me grounded and focused the whole time, in the 2nd stage when I did lose my focus during crowning, my husband gently reminded me of my breathing and I was able to move back into a good head space

I want to add though that I think it is essential to practice your breathing throughout pregnancy to get the best results from it. I plan to use my breathing again in 5 weeks or so when me baby decides to come earthside

Good luck!

[SimplySarah]

For my first 2 I didn't use anything and they were both painful and I had a lot of tearing. The 2nd was quite traumatic also. When I got pregnant a third timed I found hypnobirthing, I practised daily from the 2nd trimester onwards- i had the CD, and I also practised squatted as this was how I wanted to deliver. The resulting birth was amazing- my husband thought I was asleep when I was doing my relaxation techniques!
I also used it for baby 4 and would highly recommend it to everyone who is pregnant. I didn't have any tearing with number 3 or 4. Hope all goes well with your pregnancy and birth

[Milamum09]

I used hypnobirthing with DD2 and breathed her down. I found this labour much less painful that with DD1. I loved my hypnobirthing classes too. Good luck with it!!

[Turquoise1]

I'm totally interested in hypnobirthing or Calm Birthing. Do you know any good 'teachers' in Victoria? Can someone recommend CDs for me?

Thank you!

[jhana]

i just read the book & found it very helpful, couldn't do the breathing the way she says to but it still worked!

More info http://www.essentialbaby.com.au/birth/birt...80624-2vwl.html

[HayMC]

Keep running into people who have turned to it and what great stories!!!

Just read the 'Mongan Method'- full of great techniques.

[dogsneaker]

I used hypnoborthing for my DD. There was no pushing at all in my experience, just breathing down/using my body's natural expulsion reflex.

Highly recommended.