I wanted to share other couple's birth stories with you and I have tried to illustrate a range of experiences including those where the eventual outcome was not the one wished for.

Whilst HypnoBirthing® cannot guarantee a natural birth, every couple I have worked with has found that it helped them to deal calmly and rationally with whatever transpired during the birthing process.

Ideally, HypnoBirthing® is designed to complement your birthing team, whether consultant or midwife led, and help you to work together to achieve your desired birth choice. Where there is team co-operation, couples find that their whole experience of birth is positive rather than frustrated. I advise you to see the right caregivers to enhance your experience and to find a HypnoBirthing® teacher who is sympathetic to your needs. Your birth is highly personal and precious. 

Bekky and Mark: fourth baby

Bekky started the HypnoBirthing® programme late into her pregnancy. Her previous pregnancies had been relatively positive, though not entirely pain-free or intervention-free. She felt that she could now achieve a completely natural birth and opted to work with the midwives at the Brent Birthing Centre.  

"Baby Akkiki was born naturally in around six hours, with a birth weight of 8lb 11oz. I was delighted with the experience. At one stage, my midwife had to physically manipulate my cervix in order to assist the baby's descent. This could have been painful, had it not been for the hypnoBirthing® techniques that kept me centred and relaxed. I was able to rely on gas and air only. I would wholly recommend the HypnoBirthing® programme to all pregnant women who wish to give birth naturally and calmly. The benefits go far beyond the birth. Akkiki has been an excellent breast feeder and a content and joyful baby."

Ali and Joe: first baby

Ali started her HypnoBirthing® classes early in her pregnancy. Physically, she has a tiny frame and had been on the receiving end of negative comments about her "ability" to give birth naturally. However, Ali's only real concern was whether she could reach the depth of relaxation that she needed for a calm and gentle birth. About half way through the course, Ali suddenly realised that she had indeed become profoundly relaxed and that her approach to her pregnancy had shifted into a deeper, calmer level. Joe too, felt totally in control and confident. Nearer her due date, Ali called me to discuss the possible need for natural induction. She was over a week overdue and her hospital had a 11 day induction policy. We discussed her birthing instincts and Ali felt that her body was indeed gently preparing for birth and that baby Esme was on her way. Ali was able to agree a new birth date with her attending midwives. She spent most of her labour at home and found that the breathing and visualisation took her through the first stage confidently and swiftly. When she transferred to hospital, Esme was born in just two hours and took to breastfeeding calmly and successfully.

"HypnoBirthing® made so much difference to us. The techniques helped me to go into a far deeper level of peace than I had expected - beyond any fears. Joe and I enjoyed practicing together and this really helped us to become closer through the pregnancy. Even when I was well beyond my due date, I knew that I could keep calm and work with the baby and not with the fear. Everything did progress as Karen had described it and I felt very supported. In fact, I could easily have remained at home to birth my baby. It was an amazing experience and one which we will never forget. I would recommend this preparation to any expectant mother."

Suzanne and Leigh: first baby

Suzanne had an anterior placenta presentation which meant the possible risk of a placental haemorrhage during the birth. She applied the HypnoBirthing® programme brilliantly to help her allay any fears and to keep calm and relaxed. We discussed and assessed the possible risks and she worked closely with her care team. She was keen to avoid caesarean. In the end instance, her baby was delivered prematurely and there was a lot of blood loss during Suzanne's birth, but with the help of the programme, she was still able to breathe through her labour and to deliver naturally. This was a big achievement.

"Whilst not without trauma, we believe that the hypnobirthing course helped me to keep any fears under control and to have a natural birth. We were aware of the risks but not prepared to give in to C-section. We were pleased with the outcome under the circumstances." 
    

Louise: first baby (Focussed breathing sessions)

Louise experienced abnormal blood loss before her due date and had a premature delivery. However, she applied the HypnoBirthing breathing techniques and managed to have a natural birth despite much pressure and some foetal distress.

"I am so indebted to the HypnoBirthing® programme of breathing. I firmly believe it kept me focused and in control and prevented the medical intervention."

Claudia and Jag: third baby

Claudia came to me late into her pregnancy, at around 38 weeks. She was experiencing fear and anxiety and recognised that she needed to prepare herself for her imminent birth. Her second baby had been delivered breech and this baby was showing signs of breech also. We concentrated on the relaxation and breathing techniques and fear release. With the additional help of acupuncture and reflexology, Claudia's baby turned and she had the birth of her dreams - natural, calm, quick and joyful.

"As soon as I started practicing HypnoBirthing®, I could sense that my body and mind would be able to relax and release all my fears. I found the techniques gentle but powerful and they made complete sense to me. My baby also picked this signal up really quickly and turned almost overnight. This pregnancy was completely different to my last one. I could feel everything, but was able to work with my body. I would wholeheartedly recommend this programme to all expectant couples - it made a great difference for me."                    



Rachael and Peter: first baby

Rachael, a trainee midwife, came to me for HypnoBirthing® at 34 weeks into her pregnancy. She was obviously fully aware about the process of labour and birth, but felt that she could benefit from learning the techniques. Rachael's eventual labour was five days over term, but she was able to resist all pressure on her for induction and possible caesarean, by keeping calm and listening to her body and baby.  

She chose to spend as long as she could at home during the opening and thinning stage of labour and found that the HypnoBirthing® slow breathing helped her immensely. However, on arrival at the hospital she was only 3cm dilated and chose to go home again. She returned the next day. Rachael's blood pressure was reading high but again, she managed to allay all fears and emergency intervention, by agreeing to take a medical preparation to reduce her blood pressure. This however, did cause the labour to stall and she consequently experienced a long birth. Baby Amy was eventually born vaginally with a birth weight of 7lbs and is breast-feeding happily. Rachael is an excellent example of an educated mother who managed to keep calm under pressure. She avoided intervention by weighing up her choices carefully.

"The HypnoBirthing® programme undoubtedly helped me to relax and keep calm, particularly during the first period at home. I was pleased that I managed to give birth naturally and to keep my blood pressure down, but I do believe that I could have benefited from starting the HypnoBirthing® programme earlier in my pregnancy. It is a sensible and thorough preparation for birth."

Jo and Chris: first baby

"We had an excellent natural birth. The HypnoBirthing® techniques made absolute sense and building in plenty of practice was instrumental to the outcome. We would recommend it wholeheartedly."

Chloe: second baby (Focussed breathing session)

"The breathing made a lot of difference for me especially for the second stage. I was calm and relaxed. This was a great birth."

Kate: second baby (Focussed breathing sessions )

"I was delighted with my birth. HypnoBirthing made a big difference to me and helped everything unfold calmly and naturally. I would definitely recommend this preparation to all expectant mums."

Chantel: second baby

"This was a different experience altogether for me. The relaxation and breathing practice was invaluable and helped me to cope with any fears as they arose. All couples should prepare in this way."


Christine: second baby (Focussed breathing)

"This was a completely different birth to my first one. I remained at home for the greater part and only experienced minor discomfort at the last part of the birth stage. I firmly believe that HypnoBirthing® made a huge difference to the experience."

Melissa and Matthew: first baby

"The HypnoBirthing® really helped a lot. We practiced it as instructed. Matt was fantastic. I can't imagine having done it without him. He counted breaths and mopped my brow. The midwives said I was fantastic and I'm not saying that to boast but to give credit where it's due - to the breathing and visualisation. I used a tens machine, spent some time in the birthing pool and gave birth on a birthing stool, with some minor stitches afterwards. The midwives also commented on how alert Lola was and she latched onto the breast straight away. Thank you so much."

Stories of Intervention :

HypnoBirthing® will also ease and alleviate any fear and stress associated with unplanned interventions. Even for mothers who have elected C-section for medical reasons, the programme will help parents remain calm and in control at all times.

The following stories illustrate that HypnoBirthing® was instrumental to the birth experience, even for couples who were unable to have the natural birth of their choice.  

Clare and Jason: first baby  

Clare and her husband, Jason, were open-minded and enthusiastic about the programme. Clare recognised that because of her work as a physiotherapist for chronic neural conditions, there would be fears about birth which needed releasing and, and she was honest and thorough in her practice in order to do this.

At 35 weeks into the pregnancy, baby Oscar was breech and Clare worked hard with the HypnoBirthing® visualisations and physical positions to address this. He eventually turned at around 37 weeks. She opted for a nearby birth centre and was admitted at the end of her term (40 weeks).   

After a few days of very little happening, the hospital and Clare agreed to take a mild chemical-based gel to help induce labour, which meant that she was transferred to the labour ward and unable to go home. Her surges did start to build up but the team felt that Clare was not progressing sufficiently and recommended further intervention. In the end outcome, a C-section delivery was the only option left for her. Baby Oscar arrived in the world weighing over 7lbs and took to breast feeding happily and successfully.

"In hindsight, I felt that my estimated birth date was possibly too early and that my body was not ready to give birth at that time and it may have been appropriate to ask for an extension (note - HypnoBirthing® expresses caution about relying on your estimated birth date and does not consider a birth post-term until 42 weeks). Without the HypnoBirthing® programme I would not have been able to handle my experience of birth in the way I did. The breathing and visualisations helped me to relax, keep calm and to make the best of a challenging experience. Baby Oscar is a calm and content baby. I would definitely recommend this preparation to all pregnant couples".

Jo and Alan: first baby

Jo and Alan applied themselves brilliantly to the HypnoBirthing® programme and were intent on a natural birth. Unfortunately, when her waters broke, there was evidence of meconium and Jo agreed that induction would be necessary. Although she was unable to prevent an eventual C-section, Jo was adamant that the HypnoBirthing® programme helped her through the experience.

"Without HypnoBirthing® I would have would always have wondered if I could have done anything to prevent the intervention, but this was not the case. The techniques really helped me to keep calm and to work with what was necessary. At all stages I was able to discuss my choice with the midwives and to have a real chance at natural birth. We do have a lovely, calm baby who breastfeeds beautifully and we are convinced that the programme helped with this. We have been more than happy to recommend HypnoBirthing® to our friends."
    

Annie and Richard: first baby

Annie came to me for HypnoBirthing® late into her pregnancy. She is a busy Director of an entertainment company and like most working mums had not had time to think about her pregnancy until her maternity leave. However, she made quick decisions about how she wanted to work and what elements of the programme she would concentrate on. She had some concerns about her ability to relax deeply enough to achieve the birth of her choice but practiced the breathing techniques and Rainbow Relaxation to the best of her ability. She had a good understanding about the natural instincts of her body and the benefits of natural birth for her and the baby.

Annie also found out late in her pregnancy that she was testing positive for a mild form of diabetes. Again, we discussed this and she applied herself sensibly to a new eating regime and a regular series of tests. She was able to keep calm under pressure.

Annie's eventual birth was quite a long one and, towards the end, she chose to opt for a mild epidural. However, she was able to resist all pressure for chemical induction and instead, had a natural, vaginal birth for her beautiful, healthy little girl - Nuala.

Annie is a great example of a determined mum who was able to put all obstacles to one side and to calmly focus on what was right for her and the baby in the time she had available to her.

"I wanted to find a way of relaxing and calming down and was comfortable with HypnoBirthing® as a programme designed to complement existing caregivers and not compete with them. Karen's caring, down-to-earth approach and her own background as a working woman in London, reassured me that she could help me make informed decisions about my birth. At no point did Richard and I feel that we were being led into something against our will. The relaxation helped me greatly and I was encouraged to be educated about our choices, rather than simply rely on the hospital to decide for us.

When I exceeded my estimated due date by five days, the hospital started to talk about induction and even caesarean, because of my gestational diabetes. However, we opted to have more time and wait for a natural birth. It turned out to be a long labour and the hospital discovered that the baby was posterior. I decided against internal intervention to turn the baby, but I did opt for a carefully managed epidural. Towards the end of the birth, there was some evidence of the baby's heart beat slowing down and the hospital started to talk about a forceps delivery. Instead, I managed to find the extra energy and determination to birth baby Nuala into the world without this intrusion.

She weighed 7lb 15 oz and is being breast-fed. My gestational diabetes has disappeared now. I am totally convinced that I would not have approached my birth in the same way had it not been for the HypnoBirthing® programme. My birth was not without complication and was not free of discomfort, but without HypnoBirthing® I don't think I could have managed the outcome that I achieved. The course really helped me to be empowered."