I had always wanted to experience a natural, calm birth, preferably at home. When I read about Hypnobirthing I asked my brother-in-law about it, as his PhD research was about hypnosis and pain. I was encouraged and found the course invaluable. Doing the course as a couple meant that we both knew what we were aiming for and how we were going to approach the birth. We then went home and practiced daily.

Having an understanding of the birthing process and a positive approach to it, I did not take too much notice of the surges at the beginning. I felt at ease and confident that my body knew what to do and as a result was able to fully relax between surges. This I think was vital to conserving my energy and strength but also to coping emotionally and breathing correctly.  

After a light lunch, which duly came back up again and as the surges gained intensity I used a hypnosis script, which I had practiced many times.  Although we did not use a full script, Ben prompted me to relax my mind and body. I realised then that the preparation before the birth was the key to effortlessly benefiting from the relaxation prompts – having some experience and memory of the ‘state’ desired. I also drank a hot drink of plum concentrate and honey, full of iron and energy that helped to revive my strength, during the birthing.

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