Hypnobirthing testimonials

Marie Cooksey, Northamptonshire

I gave birth to Fintan Joseph on Mon 10th May at 20.04. My surges started irregularly about 1pm, I then started timing them about 2pm. Called Steve home from work at 3pm, because I wanted to relax more. Had a long deep bath, and they seemed to kick in fully then.

Midwife arrived at 7pm (when I was 7cm) and Fintan was born at 8.04pm. Pretty swift really. Oh and I had him at home as planned - which was lovely. Midwives were well impressed at how calm and serene I looked.

I found that sleep breathing was excellent. It really did make the discomfort go away and is empowering as you know what your body is doing so you work with, instead of against it.

Steve was a fantastic birthing partner, calming me and talking me through my breathing - I wouldn't have been able to do it without him. I played the CD constantly as well, and kept saying the affirmations in my head to make me focus on the job-in-hand.

As for the J breath, I loved it - it made the actual delivery easy-peasy. I can't rave about it enough. Plus one push and the placenta was out - who needs drugs? Believe in the power that is HypnoBirthing? and you too will be talked about at midwife meetings.

Our community midwives actually said it was one of the easiest first time-mother births that they had seen in 20 years - now that is some recommendation!!

(This was the HypnoBirthing® couple featured on "Richard and Judy")

Kerry Woodcock, London

"I can't imagine how anyone gives birth without it! HypnoBirthing? kept me feeling calm and in control throughout labour. The contractions were no problem at all. I knew what to do and what to think. It gave me a better understanding of the physical and psychological aspects of childbirth. It also gave me greater confidence in myself and in my partner to work as a team, as I knew that we had the tools to ensure a safe and calm birth.

This meant that I avoided the use of pain-killing chemicals. I believe in myself (mind and body) a lot more now, and feel that perhaps there's even more I can achieve if I only put my mind to it. I would advise every mother-to-be and her partner to try HypnoBirthing? even if they intend to use drugs."

Mary, London

"I've never felt so well prepared for anything in my life! I went into labour, totally fearless. HypnoBirthing? was a huge, huge, huge help. It was amazing and the birth would not have been half as fulfilling without it. I now have a new understanding of what my mind and body is capable of and know that childbirth can be a very, very positive experience.

It was phenomenal. Even the midwife said: "I've never seen anyone deliver like that!" I'm so pleased that I was able to have the birth I wanted, and do it my way. People have commented that they've never seen me looking so well.

I have let go of a lot of anxieties and the baby is so relaxed too because my response is much calmer. I'm so pleased I found you. Thank you!"

Abigail, London

"This birth was much easier than the last four - I was quite detached from any pain and I felt much more alert by the time she was born.

The slow breathing and the balloon were the things that helped me most. Luis was great - he kept talking and stroking my back throughout. I feel that I have recovered much more quickly this time - I was not wiped out by the birth like I was with the others, and our baby is feeding well and is very alert.

We did not have much time to practice for our Hypnobirth and it still made a big difference…"

Mandi, London

I hope our story will inspire people to know that labour is such a natural process that it is possible to have a wonderful experience. It was brilliant and without the HypnoBirthing? course I would never have considered a home birth. My baby is so calm and contented and I feel this was because the birth was so relaxed and easy. Also the recovery time after this birth was considerably reduced, within a few days it hardly felt like I'd just been through labour at all.

I had no tears or wounds that needed stitching, as my body naturally took over at the pushing stage and stopped several pushes to make it a gentle passage for my baby to enter the world. It has been the catalyst for a relaxed and loving start to my baby's life, which I can't thank you enough for, as without you and your course we would never have had such a wonderful experience.

Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement that has given us the best experience of our lives."

Mandi had her second baby at home using HypnoBirthing? after a difficult first birth in hospital

Sam

Sam and I were lucky enough to do a hypnobirthing course with Bridgette in preparation for the birth of our third baby. In our busy lives, it was very pleasant to spend a few evenings focusing together on the impending arrival of our baby, and taking time to be together thinking about his arrival and talking about how we both hoped the birth would be. Bridgette was extremely skilled at transforming our mental state from busy harassed parents coping with the strains of bedtime, to calm, serene hypnobirthers.

The main feeling that the course gave us was a sense of confidence in what we wanted...and the courage to stand up for whatever it may be. Luckily on the day, we did not need to exercise this too much as the midwives at the Whittington hospital were extremely supportive of natural birthing. However we felt very relaxed (but excited) as we approached the hospital, and the labour proved to be a very straightforward one, as well as very speedy! In my previous labours I had used a tens machine in the early stages, but this time I, with the help of my husband, was able to use the hypnobirthing techniques to go into a deep state of hypnosis, that really did feel like a trance with every contraction. I remember having to speak up to tell the midwives that my contractions were really very intense as I was aware I wasnt showing any signs of pain! In fact my labour progressed very quickly (all done in just 2 hours) and again I had to ask them to hurry up and prepare the birthing pool as I knew the baby was coming and not going to hang around!

The final moments of labour took place in the birthing pool and again I was able to use the visualisation and relaxation techniques to stay focused, and a very happy, peaceful little boy was born into the water.

The whole experience was really a wonderful, joyful one, and the following night spent trying to name our baby while he lay at the foot of our bed is one that we'll cherish forever.

If anyone is thinking of doing hypnobirthing, I can highly recommend signing up for one of Bridgette's course. As well as being very enjoyable, It gives you courage, strength, and when it comes to the labour itself, the ability to relax and focus.