HypnoBirthing Testimonials

TO READ TWO VERY INSPIRATIONAL BIRTH PLANS CLICK HERE.

'The difference in pain levels when doing the breathing and when not was very noticeable. I seemed so relaxed that the midwife left at about noon saying I'd probably have the baby that evening, but we had to call her 15 minutes later to say the baby was coming! Danny was born eight minutes later! Compared with my other two births, my contractions were much, much less painful. I also didn't tear as I'd done in both of my previous births.'
Kate, mum to Danny, Highbury

'I can highly recommend HypnoBirthing classes with Lisa. Both my husband and I found the experience a valuable part of the pregancy and birth of our son Caleb. It was important to us that the birth be as pain- and intervention-free as possible, as well as a positive experience, and HypnoBirthing ticked all the boxes. The classes and exercises helped bring us both together and helped my husband to feel more involved in both the pregnancy and birth. I was pretty nervous about the labour and birth and found that the relaxation, breathing exercises and positive visualisation helped turn it around so that I actually looked forward to it. While the birth didn't go to plan, HypnoBirthing allowed me to keep calm, cope with the pain and make clear, informed decisions. Lisa was a highly motivating tutor - she's passionate about HypnoBirthing and tailored the course to meet our needs. Lisa helped make HypnoBirthing a highly memorable experience that I would recommend to anyone fortunate enough to know about it.'
Maria, mum to Caleb, Addiscombe

'From the first, we were struck by Lisa's warmth and her passion for HypnoBirthing. My husband started the course with little knowledge about birth, babies or hypnotherapy. Lisa answered his endless questions with incredible patience and gave him information which he, the sceptic, was happy with. We learned so much more than relaxation techniques. I found Lisa inspirational at a time in my pregnancy when I was unwell and was feeling discouraged. By the end of our course, I felt that she was part of our lives and I was genuinely sad when we said goodbye. Perhaps we will take a refresher course if we have any more children!'
Jennifer, mum to Caitlin, Coulsdon

'Although we didn't complete the course in time, we think that HypnoBirthing made our birth experience a very special and positive one. Becky had only very minimal tearing and no need for stitches - I think this was because she was patient and listened to her body re when to push... The midwives were very interested in the whole HypnoBirthing experience and said that Becky had had a 'textbook birth'... Most importantly, we'd like to thank you very, very much for helping to make the birth of our lovely baby, India, a lovely experience. Hypnobirthing techniques definitely made a huge difference - and we really enjoyed the classes.'
Paul and Rebecca, parents to India, Crystal Palace

'HypnoBirthing helped in so many unexpected ways. Internal exams were not a problem, even the membrane sweeps (both usually excruciatingly painful) were also not a problem thanks to relaxation techniques and breathing (and also perineal massage). Once I was in hospital, I just listened to the Rainbow Relaxation CD all the way, during and between contractions and it helped me last the 12 hours - without it I think I would have lasted less than one hour. Then once it got to the epidural stage (in which you still feel very intense pressure in the genital/pubic area), Rainbow continued to help. Lastly what I'm most pleased about is when they whipped away my CD player from me for the C-section, I didn't fall to pieces and was still able to stay in a trance myself for the entire procedure (which was very prolonged due to multiple complications)... and tolerated the entire procedure with only half the amount of drug that they usually give, and I was able to control the side effects of shivering as well - therefore managing to avoid any further opiate drugs. (The last pregnancy I had so many opiates that I almost stopped breathing)... Regarding hypnosis in childbirth, I would highly recommend it to all pregnant women as I discovered it gives you the same "far away" feeling as gas and air and pethidine. "Conventional" analgesia is not more effective and hypnosis certainly has less side effects than pethidine.'
Aileen, mum to Aran, Beckenham

'... We also wanted to send you our very warmest regards and thank you for all the effort you put into our HypnoBirthing classes. Although our birth did not go completely to plan, our HypnoBirthing classes helped us keep on top of things to enable us to keep the birth as natural as possible. We felt you as a teacher were enthuastic and encouraging and particularly wanted to thank you for being available at the end of the phone. We wish you all the very best with your other HypnoBirthing couples.'
Lynlea and Gareth, parents to Lucas, Dulwich

'... I was transferred to the labour ward and within an hour I was 5cm dilated. By this point my surges were coming thick and fast and I was using gas and air. I was trying to listen to my Rainbow CD as well but unfortunately I couldn't concentrate very much as I was constantly being monitored in case the baby's heart rate dropped, so I caved and opted for an epdiural. However, as it happens the epidural didn't work. By the time the anaesthetist came to re-apply the dosage I was fully dilated and it was too late, so in the end I delivered our little boy completely naturally and only utilised gas and air. The perineal massage appeared to have paid off when the midwife said I could accomodate the baby by stretching naturally, but at the last minute (and I literally mean at the last minute!), Aral's heart rate fell dramatcically so I had to have an episiotomy to get him out quickly. One more push later and he was out. After the birth my placenta didn't come out so I had to be taken into theatre for manual removal. So basically I had quite a hard time with unexpected complications so HypnoBirthing took a bit of a back seat but definitely helped me to cope and I used the breathing exercises throughout. Funnily enough I continued to use HypnoBirthing after the birth as well because I had several stitches deep breathing was VERY helpful for when I went to the toilet and for relieving discomfort.'
Sim, mum to Aral, Croydon

'... Despite this being a far cry from the natural waterbirth we had hoped for, I feel very positive about the choices we made and extremely grateful that medical options were available, as opposed to feeling the process was out of our control. I am struck by the number of women I have since spoken to who have had a labour with unexpected circumstances and feel deeply unhappy with their experience. Most would think me mad to say that I found a 60-hour labour empowering but the preparation and coping techniques learned through HypnoBirthing in no small way contributed to this. Esmé remains calm and collected and, according to the cranial osteopath, remarkably unscathed after her extended delivery. She is a joy and yes, I would do it all again!'
Sue and James, parents to Esmé, Croydon

'We are happy to say that we had a really great birthing experience. We were able to stay at home for most of the labour and were lucky enough to have a birthing pool and some fantastic midwives for the time we were at the hospital... We went into the birthing pool at 1am and James arrived three hours later. We can honestly say that the HypnoBirthing training really helped us to stay calm and in control: the breathing, the CD and most of all the light touch massage that Ian did so tirelessly for many hours all made the pain manageable. I was not able to "nudge" the baby out with the J breathing, so I did push at the end, but the HypnoBirthing techniques helped me to stay calm and meant I had enough energy for this final stage. Thank you for all your support, Lisa, and we have been recommending HypnoBirthing to anyone who will listen'
Lisa and Ian, parents to James, Surbiton

'Lisa's presentation of the HypnoBirthing coursework was both thorough and enjoyable - she put so much energy and research into making it entirely beneficial and rewarding for both of us. The course is filled with great tools and techniques for relying on Mother Nature's most instinctive and powerful resources in childbirth - we have no hesitation in recommending both HypnoBirthing and Lisa.'
Sarah & Chris, parents to Molly May, Sanderstead Hill







Sarah's account of weaving a Navajo Motherhood Bracelet while reciting positive HypnoBirthing affirmations

'[Weaving the bracelet] is a very positive ritual, affirming that a woman will have a natural and beautiful birth experience... My band was red in colour. Prominent. Standing out. Not scared, not doubful, confident, ready, shining. I would wait till the house was quiet. When I was alone. I would chant out aloud an affirmation for each row of my band. I would repeat and repeat the affirmation "Slow, comfortable birth... slow comfortable birth." When I was in labour, I concentrated on my favourite breathing techniques and every so often, when I needed a bit of a mental push, I looked at my wrist. It was brilliant and helped me focus... [After the birth] it came off as over a period of time it became weak. But that's the beauty of the band. It falls off naturally. Its job was done. It was a success, the whole HypnoBirthing experience was a success.'

Ben was born weighing 7.9lb. As he was born by Caesarean (he was breech with the cord wrapped round his neck!) I was unable to use the majority of the HypnoBirthing techniques but I did use the Sleep Breathing when they were administering the spinal anaesthetic as
it was quite sore. I also find the breathing helps get me to sleep quickly which is helpful as Ben isn't a keen sleeper so I have to grab a nap when I can. Ben is generally a happy and alert baby. Thank you so much for the HypnoBirthing coaching, hopefully we can use it properly for our next baby!'
Liz & Jon, parents to Ben, Forestdale

We are so grateful to you for the HypnoBirthing course - it really worked for us and the birth was just perfect... I lifted Ilya from the water and at the moment I placed him on mum's chest he looked at me for the first time - it was the most beautiful moment of my life... Renata tells me that in the first stages she felt that the satin ribbons and rosebuds opening visualisations combined with the correct breathing really shortened the overall length of the birthing... At about 5.30 Renata asked to try gas and air and this saw her through to the birth, with no other pain relief even thought about. The midwife commented that Renata was smiling between every surge... Ilya was really calm (the heart checks were consistent throughout) and really alert when he entered the world. Renata was happy and relaxed and I was elated. Thank you so much. I know I was sceptical when we first met but I am a true convert. I can't imagine the birth being any better than it was using HypnoBirthing. It took a lot of dedication from Renata in particular and also from myself to get the most out of it and I would emphasise the importance of having practised as much as possible. We would also recommend to other couples that they keep an open and positive mind about combining HypnoBirthing with other non-invasive pain relief especially for the final stages of birthing (ie Tens or gas and air).'
Renata and David, parents to Ilya, Croydon

'The thing that helped me most was breathing - I did not need any pain relief and felt in control except the end of pushing stage. And although birth breathing did not seem to work during the birth it was very helpful when I had to go to the loo in the days after birth (I had a 2nd degree tear). Although not everything worked as planned, I still think the HypnoBirthing course made a huge difference - I was not scared, I was looking forward to giving birth, and when it started, felt in control.'
Ewelina and Amechi, parents to Monika, Croydon

'My labour was quite long but by using HypnoBirthing breathing techniques it was still an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. I stayed very relaxed and focused during the whole process. When I say now my birth took 47 hours I always add "but it was very bearable". Our baby is very contended and easy to be around. Who knows, maybe it is due to the fact that we felt so relaxed about the birth and practised relaxation techniques every evening? I was most impressed with how HypnoBirthing influenced my husband - he was not scared of being my birth partner any more. HypnoBirthing is an eye-opener! It should be much more advertised, so that more people could have an easy birth.'
Anna and Pete, parents to Simon, Crystal Palace

'I was most impressed with the enthusiasm and knowledge of our instructor, Lisa Jackson. She was personable and hospitable and we could have stayed all day learning about HypnoBirthing. I think it's an excellent tool to prepare you for birth, particularly the breathing techniques, which help you stay in control of the situation (if at all possible). Since it was my first baby and it was a very long labour, I felt that the breathing techniques helped me enormously and kept my baby's heartbeat very stable. While I was on the Syntocin drip I managed to avoid any pain relief for eight hours just using the breathing techniques. However, after all this time I was only 3cm dilated and was in a lot of discomfort and had an epidural. Three hours later I was still only 4cm dilated and the surgeons recommended I have a C-section since my waters had broken 62 hours beforehand.'
Sukhminder and David, parents to Reuben, Croydon

To read more HypnoBirthing stories click here.

To read an article about a couple who attended Lisa Jackson's HypnoBirthing® classes and gave birth to twins at home without any pain relief, published in the Croydon Advertiser on 13 August 2010 click here.

To read an article about a male journalist's experience of HypnoBirthing® called HypnoBirthing: a man taking charge during childbirth?, published in the Metro on 1 August 2010 click here.

To read an article about a journalist's experience of HypnoBirthing® called Birth bliss, published in TIME magazine on 22 February 2004 click here.

To go back to the HypnoBirthing page click here.

To go back to the HypnoBirthing: Frequently Asked Questions page click here.

To go back to the What Hypnosis Can Help page click here.

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