'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.' 
'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
'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.'
'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
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
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'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
'Lisa kept the classes fun, informative and interesting and we would recommend HypnoBirthing to anyone who wants a calm and panic free labour. I also found it invaluable in alleviating the fearful thoughts of the impending labour as our first birth experience was pretty appalling. My labour was relaxed pretty much throughout, I didn't tear and the relaxation and breathing techniques made me feel in control and gave me something to focus on. We wouldn't change a thing about the whole labour and birth experience we had and I don't think many people can say that about their birth experiences!'
Jackie and Peter, parents to Ceira, Crystal Palace
'We had a very fast birth, so fast in fact that we did not have time to get to the hospital. We called but they said it was too early, 30 minuts later out Emilia popped. We called for an ambulance but it did not arrive in time so it was down to Dominic to deliver Emilia, but by then all the hard work had been done by Aurelija, Dominic literally just had to catch Emilia as she popped out - lucky he was good at cricket!... We both feel that the HypnoBirthing course was very useful, it gave us a lot of confidence, and we would recommend it to others. Thank you for all your help, Lisa.'
Dominic and Aurelija, parents to Emilia, Croydon
'I think HypnoBirthing is fantastic. It really gave me a different outlook on birthing (Frazer, who weighed 8lb 12oz, is our second son) and I felt prepared and positive.'
Nicola and Nigel, parents to Frazer, Croydon
'... I regulary listened to the Rainbow Relaxation CD during pregnancy and would encourage you to say to other mums if nothing else this really helps you relax and prepare as I found that on the evenings that I just listened to Rainbow I slept much deeper and better (and woke less to go to the toilet), which was brilliant. We all enjoyed the calm natural birth and the birth centre and the midwife we had was brilliant. I think the HypnoBirthing really helped prepare and calm me.'
Claire and Sam, parents to Oliver, Croydon
'... Thanks for the HypnoBirthing classes. We've been telling everyone about our amazing experience. Even the midwife asked some of her colleagues to come in once everything was over to meet the couple who had had such a "chilled out" delivery! You were quite right when you said they might not believe I was in labour. I was advised at around 8.30am that as I so obviously wasn't in "proper labour" I should come back the following day and they'd start me off. I knew my baby was ready to appear and two hours later, we were cuddling her! Already looking forward to seeing you again for a refresher course when No2 is on the way.'
Lizzie and Brian, parents to Astrid, Locksbottom
'Gave birth to Sophie today! All at home, and NO DRUGS!! Completely natural and it felt amazing!... When the pressure became very intense I did mutter to my doula Natalie that I might like to try some gas and air, but she distracted me brilliantly and I focused back on dealing with each surge... I kept visualising the blue satin ribbons and rose petals unfolding while repeating 'Totally loose, totally limp' and 'I approach the birth of my baby with confidence, baby is coming to me'. In my head I did have several moments of 'I can't do this' but I never said it out loud as that would have broken the spell. My doula said she had never seen anyone so calm. Although very painful, it was a different pain, only bearable by believing in how and why your body is changing... Then my body seemed to go completely still for a few minutes and within three to four huge surges Sophie was born. First she crowned, then her head, arm and body came out, it felt good, and I knew I'd only had a small tear... After a bath I sat on the couch and had tea and toast. The sun was shining brightly, what a perfect day!'
Suzy, mum to Sophie, Carshalton
To read the full account of this birth along with Suzy's birth plan, click here.
'... Despite starting our HypnoBirthing classes late at 37 weeks, the daily practice enabled us both to enter a deep state of relaxation, and in the latter stages of labour helped me to ride the discomfort with relative ease... When Scarlett was born, our midwife told me that she felt privileged to be a part of our experience and asked if she could come to our next birth. I'm not quite ready for another baby yet, but this experience was so positive that I would go through the birth again tomorrow with no hesitation... Thank you, Lisa, for providing us with the opportunity to fully experience the birth of our daughter in such a positive manner. Two months ago I was preparing myself for a hospital birth with possible interventions because I lacked the confidence and knowledge that HypnoBirthing gave me. In the end I let my body and baby take control, concentrating on the positives of giving birth and looking forward to meeting my baby for the first time. Scarlett Rose is a very chilled little girl and we are very proud parents.'
Jo and Niall, parents to Scarlett, London
To read the full account of this birth, click here.
'I went into natural labour on my due date but after two days of surges I had to have an emergency C-section. I used my HypnoBirthing breathing techniques and Rainbow Relaxation CD for most of the time before the op but after 48 hours I had only dilated 4cm... I don't think I could have got through the night without my Rainbow CD... I used the breathing when they administered the epidural which took two hours as they could not find the gaps in my spine... I'm glad that we attended the HypnoBirthing sessions with you as I don't think I could have got as far as I did with no pain relief.'
Anna and Steve, parents to Stefan, Purley
'HypnoBirthing helped by making me brave enough to have a natural birth and to go there with no fear. Starting from being terrified of giving birth naturally and wanting to have a Caesarean section, to giving birth only with the help of the pool, gas and air and the HypnoBirthing breathing techniques, was amazing for me... Involving Gareth so much with the birth was great as often he was the only one I could hear. The relaxation techniques that he learned from you really helped before giving birth as well.'
Anca and Gareth, parents to Louca, New Eltham
'We had our baby in the birth centre and had the water birth I was planning... I have to be happy because I was able to give birth without any pain relief at all - no gas and air, no TENS machine, no epidural... All the way through each stage was quite manageable - intense at times, but not out of control... Had I not done the HypnoBirthing class I would probably not have had the confidence to have my baby in a birth centre in water, naturally without drugs. Thank you, Lisa, for your sincere passion and instruction which put us on the right track.'
Lynda and Matthew, parents to Daniel, South Norwood
'Thank you again for your lovely classes - we learnt so much and although we didn't end up having a natural birth, your techniques contributed to us feeling more in control and calm throughout the pregnancy and delivery.'
Wei and James, parents to Emily, Beckenham
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'The HypnoBirthing worked brilliantly at getting me through the first stage. I'm not sure whether the surges were actually any less painful than with my previous two births, but I was able to cope with them, and was able to relax between surges, rather than just dreading the next one... I think I would've been able to use the HypnoBirthing techniques more had things progressed more slowly. As it turned out, the whole labour was only four-and-a-half hours, from waking up as my waters broke until the birth, and there just wasn't time to use any of the deepening techniques. I do think that the positive outlook the classes gave me was enormously beneficial though... In all the birth was an extremely positive experience and we're all very, very happy.'
Helen and Ben, parents to Nyle, Dulwich
'We had a special start to the year 2010 with the birth of our son Guillaume on the 1st of January. Guillaume's arrival was a memorable experience and we believe that this is for a large part due to you. The birth was calm and controlled without any requirement for pain relief and all this made it one of the most beautiful moments of our life. We shall pass our experience on to other future parents and hope that you will be able to pass your knowledge over to many others.'
Laetitia and Hugo, parents to Guillaume, West Wickham
'I'd been worried about how Lesley would cope, and she'd been concerned about her pain threshold. In the end she coped magnificently, and I am still amazed at her drug-free, natural birth with no intervention... We didn't use the HypnoBirthing scripts we'd learnt, or the birthing pool, but I knew they were there and it helped me to remain calm. From Lesley's point of view the breathing was the key, along with using visualisations to move things along... I will always remember the wonderful way our lovely Ellie arrived into the world, breathing and crying straight away - I was so relieved Lesley had done it. The birth was 9 hours 18 minutes from start to finish and Ellie was 7lb 7oz. Lesley felt exhausted but exhilarated, grateful for the wonderful experience the three of us had shared.'
Paul and Lesley, parents to Ellie, Beckenham
To read the full version of Lesley and Paul's inspirational birth story, here.
'Baby Theo arrived on 31 October and life since then has been a whirlwind - an exciting and fun one at that!... We had the most natural birth I could have hoped for. The pre-labour warm-ups started on Friday 30th in the evening. We left for St Thomas' at 7:30am on the Saturday and I was holding Theo at 20:17pm that evening. I was in the birthing pool for about five hours and then had gas and air in the last couple of hours or so. Simon, bless him, remembered to read the script and play the CD - I really believe that all the breathing exercises kept us both calm... In fact, I managed to sleep through and between most surges. I was so relaxed that our midwife and consultant thought I might sink and drown in two feet of water!'
Ann and Simon, parents to Theo, Bickley, Kent
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 sceptical father's experience of HypnoBirthing® called 'I swore I'd never be there, but my baby's birth was mesmerising', published in the Daily Mail on 29 November 2007, click here.
To read an article about a doctor who used HypnoBirthing® techniques during the birth of her daughter called 'I had a baby under hypnosis', published in the Daily Mail on 4 December 2000, 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.