BirthCreation

Birth Stories

I have received many wonderful words of appreciation for the BirthCreation programme from couples who have had very positive Birth experiences, confirming the effectiveness and the relevance of the programme. I would like to share some of those wonderful stories with you:

Savannah’s words about the Birth of Moses:

Dear Olivia
Thank you so much for that amazing course... Moses’ birth has completely changed my life and I really want to pursue spreading the word about positive birth...
"I don't know how I would have begun to cope with labour without the help of hypnobirthing. Having been absolutely terrified of 'pain' all my life, hypnobirthing gave me and my partner the confidence to trust in nature, ourselves and our baby to ensure that his birth was exactly as he needed it to be. I can honestly say that from practicing the hypnosis scripts and deciding the sensation I would feel during surges would be 'tightening', I never felt 'pain' during my birth. I remained completely relaxed and free of tension during surges largely thanks to my partner being so supportive and constantly reminding me of the deep relaxation techniques and keeping the birth environment free of stress and full of love. During the second stage he reminded me to smile as I would be meeting my baby soon and I gave birth grinning from ear to ear in genuine ecstasy. The act of giving birth was awesome and because I was so calm, I was able to totally enjoy the utter bliss of the moment my son came into the world. The water pool we hired was also fantastic and gave me back ten hours of energy with the relief it offered, Suddenly I was weightless and floating having been on my feet for nearly 24 hours. Moses’ birth was, as we had hoped, totally peaceful, calm and filled with respect for him and as a result he is an amazingly contented and responsive child. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to have had such an amazing experience and thank hypnobirthing for empowering women to enjoy birthing again."

Zoe went through many trials and tribulations during her pregnancy. Here is Osip's Birth story:

Dear Olivia, Well, finally i get to the internet to tell you that Osip Irie was
born, at home three weeks early, on june 23. It was an amazing experience.my mucus plug came out around midday, and i started to have very mild contractions. by 3 the contractions were barely noticeable but coming every ten minutes or so. i was pottering in the garden and chatting to alex, thinking they were branston hicks, or that maybe i would go into labour sometime in the following week. By 5 or 6 things had got a little more intense. i settled myself down, called ester, but she was out of town on holiday!!! I listened to the tape and relaxed, but i was in and out of deep relaxation trying to time the surges and work out what was going on!!!It wasnt til about 6 or 7 that i fully realised i was in labour. there was disconfort but not pain.actually, sometimes there was pain, but only when i allowed there to be, if you know what i mean, when i paniced. At nine my watters broke and then it all got really full on. I went into a trance state, i felt no pain or discomfort whatso ever, only pressure, the baby was moving down!!!! I went to the loo, put my hand to my vagina, the head was there!!! we called an ambulance and i got into that position you showed me for slowing things down. the ambulance arrived and i gave birth about a minute later in my own bed, without pain or pushing or fear or discomfort. Osip birthed himself!!! to me, alex and the ambulance woman, with soft music, love, even laughter!!!!! It was the most beautiful, intense, grounding and sublime experience of my life.......so THANKYOU a million times, you changed our lives with the birthing tools you gave me. Osip has had the best start in life.He is a beautiful, peaceful, calm and serene little boy who hardly ever cries . The nurses in the hospital where we went after the birth were amazed by his serenity. I am a very happy mum. So incredibly proud and pleased that i had that beautiful birthing experience i so wanted, just like the visualisations of us all post birth. Amazing. Hypnobirthing should be used by all women. I cant thankyou enough. All love, Zoe xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Marlow's Birth, a beautiful story of a fearless pain-free Birth.

Francis and Dani gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy, Marlow, on 11th July
at 10.20pm.....all as smooth and easy as could possibly be. Two hours of pain free, incredibly quick labour in the tub before Dani got out and gave birth standing up holding onto the side, Francis on his knees to receive the baby boy. The midwives were still on their way to the house. They showed up half an hour after the birth, in time to deliver the placenta and tell Dani she was a star and had not even the slightest tear. He'd slipped out like a seal pup just as we'd asked him to! A birth from heaven.
Funny, we hadn't actually practiced much hypnobirthing, but knowing that it didn't have to be a painful process did it for us. Dani felt no pain whatsoever at any point. I think the most significant thing we did in our preparations was actually to decide to stop doing any preperations and relax. At that point we stopped feeling bad about not doing enough and entered the state we needed to be in in order to have an easy birth. We know too that the primary reason we had such an amazing birth process was that we
didn't allow any fear to cloud the process and our preperaions for it. Fear is what brings pain. We now know that from first hand experience, and we're saddened by how much fear is present in Western birth process. Twice in the days since the birth, relatives of ours have brought their fear into our hibernation room and expressed it in a way that was not respecting our openness...at these points Dani immediately felt post natal pains. It took a lot of energy for us to return ourseves to our pain free state. But that's where we reside in now....calm, tired, grateful to all our teachers along the way, enjoying the presence and emergence into the world of this beautiful boy,
Much love
Francis and Dani xx

Luke's calm arrival

Dear Olivia,
A big thank you for helping us have the calm birth we wanted. Luke was born on 31st August and thanks to everything we learnt with you, had a calm journey and arrival in this world.

Luke was born in our pool at home and laid straight on my tummy where he was welcolmed by both me and Darren who was sitting in the pool with me - just as I had visualised in the hypnobirthing sessions.

The techniques we learnt with you were invaluable for keeping me calm and focussed and consequently Luke's heart rate stayed stable throughout the whole birthing.

During the surges I used the slow breathing and visualised filling up balloons or waves crashing on the shore. Darren was fantastic. He massaged my lower back and prompted me with cue words and kept reminding me that every surge brought us closer to meeting Luke. The midwife just left us to it and was so impressed with Darren's support that she said he should be a doula.

The pool also made a huge difference. The active positions that I had used out of the pool were so much easier in the pool and it was relaxing to just float in between the surges. The J breath was also extremely helpful during the second stage.

The rainbow relaxation tape continues to help me as I use it to get to sleep or just relax when Luke sleeps during the day.

Love Darren, Alison and Luke


More HypnoBirthing® stories from the official HypnoBirthing® UK site

The following two testimonials are from midwives with experience of HypnoBirthing®.


Women sail through the birth of their babies

I would have to say that HypnoBirthing® is the most amazing phenomenon to observe in action. Women seem to sail through the birthing of their babies, working as a team with their birth partner who is the essential anchor for her.

There is nothing for the midwife to do except sit quietly and watch and wait. The entire experience seems to bring the couple closer together as they share in the achievement and benefit from the enhanced trust in one another that they have developed.

I also think from an educational point of view couples seem to really take on board the physiological process and how a positive environment is essential to a normal outcome.

And finally, I think the real success story for HypnoBirthing® is its benefit to men. Men have the hardest job really, being supportive to their partners but not really having a defined role.

Men's role as HypnoBirthing® partners is clearly key to the whole success story and being actively involved in the birth of their children allows men to bond easily and immediately with them.

Jacqui , independent midwife UK


Invaluable in increasing the likelihood of a natural birth

As a midwife, I feel it is unethical for me not to inform my clients of the benefits of HypnoBirthing®.

I strongly support HypnoBirthing®, having attended a workshop and supporting several women who have employed HypnoBirthing® and shown immense coping strategies and strength.

HypnoBirthing® is not only invaluable in increasing the likelihood of having a natural birth, but also supporting women through antenatal discomfort and when births do not go according to plan.

HypnoBirthing® is also beneficial for birth partners, in particular fathers, as it provides them with a practical role during the labour and birth and enables them to remain calm, informed and in tune with the birth process.

Natalie, independent midwife

Twelve hours of contractions - and no pain

"Using the breathing and relaxation techniques we were taught, I was able to get through twelve hours of contractions with absolutely no pain at all. All I could feel was pressure.
The final part, where I was pushing Mia out, stung a little bit but that was all, and I didn't need any pain relief - not even gas and air.

What's more, my sister saw me soon afterwards and said I looked as if I'd just come back from a health farm, not just given birth!"

Catherine Jackson, Jersey

Catherine's husband Mark was equally enthusiastic about HypnoBirthing®.

Delighted Dad

"Several of my friends have had babies recently, and many of them told me it was a traumatic and stressful experience.
They said they felt powerless to ease the pain their partner was going through, and didn't know what they were supposed to do.

Thanks to the techniques that Jenny taught us, I was able to help Catherine right the way through, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the birth - it was fantastic!"
Mark Jackson, Jersey

And here are even more positive experiences of using HypnoBirthing®.


Can't rave about it enough

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!!
Marie Cooksey, Northamptonshire

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


Sent to the pub during full blown labour

Just to let you know that I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last week - he arrived at 2.27am on Thursday 13th May.

The labour was about 11 hours, but I was so relaxed that the midwives didn't really believe I was in full blown labour until we had about 5 hours left to go! They were amazed when they checked me out and I was 5 cm dilated.
In fact, they said I should just keep on relaxing and sent Ben and I to the pub next to the hospital for an hour!
I had no pain relief at all, although I did jump into the pool, more because it seemed a shame not to when it was there for use!

The slow breathing was what got me through it - it's a godsend.

Ben did a rainbow relaxation when the surges were becoming very intense, which helped - and the arm stroking was a real rock, as was the background CD music.

Elaine Millard, Bicester

Another raver

I can't rave enough about HypnoBirthing®. My husband and I decided to do the course as I was interested in what it involved.

Don't be sceptical until you have tried it.

We started off with the intention of having our baby in hosptial but by the end of our course decided to try and have it at home and hired a birthing pool which was lovely.

As the labour progressed, Andy took me into relaxation which enabled me to relax and even sleep while in the birthing pool.

I did go into hospital as a precaution as I wasn't dilating enough [and] on entry to the hospital they wanted to give me a c-section straight away, believe it or not. However, I had a fantastic midwife who new what we wanted to do for the birth of our baby and gave us a chance to continue with that as the baby wasn't distressed.

Andy took me into deep relaxtion at this point and I actually fell asleep for about 1/2 an hour in the peak of my surges...it was at this point I believe my body had rested and relaxed enough to allow my baby to move ready to be delivered.

I do genuinely believe that if I had not had the hypnobirth experience I would not have realised the potential of my own body and how it needs to be able to 'get on with the job in hand' without the addition of stress which fights it all the way.

When in relaxation I would describe it as that Sunday afternoon sleep that you contently drift in and out of. I could feel the surges and would describe them as the ache you get during your period.

Happy HypnoBirthing®!

Heather and Andy Goram, Northampton



Calm labour

"I casually wandered into hospital with my husband, not even sure I was in labour, only to discover that I was already 6cm dilated, and progressing fast! The midwives were astonished at how calm I was, especially for a first time mum!"

Katy Johnson, Thrapston



It wasn't scary

"I didn't have any pain relief not even gas and air...I just laid there and listen to my hypo-birthing CD...I felt all the contractions but it wasn't scary I was just relaxed and concentrated on the breathing that I had been taught.

It was really strange when the contractions got really strong and close towards the end I just slipped in and out of a really deep state of relaxation, they said I didn't make a sound. Once it was time for the baby to be born I automatically changed my breathing patterns and breathed him down to be born.

I was supposed to breathe him out as well but the midwife told me to push instead, so I did (wish I hadn't as I ended up with stitches even though I did the massage, baby came out too quick head shoulders and arms)

It was definitely worth having the HypnoBirthing® lessons, a girl that had her baby on Tuesday said the midwives were all talking about it on the labour ward.

Baby Tom was born at 6.40pm on Tuesday 13th October and weighed 7lb 3oz.

Thanks for your lessons, we will spread the word for you!"


Lindsey & Tony Lloyd, Northampton



Recommend it to anyone

"My husband and I found the HypnoBirthing® sessions informative in explaining how the female body works during the birth and how to maximise the effectiveness of it. The positive nature of HypnoBirthing® helped me to look forward to the birth and to believe that a pain free birth is possible.

We both felt very relaxed leading up to the birth. Unlike others in my NHS antenatal class, I never complained of sleep problems. The relaxation techniques didn't just benefit me; my husband, who frequently suffers from insomnia, experienced the best sleep of his life!

My waters broke at 5:30am. My husband and I prepared to go into hospital and were there for 7:30. What I now know to have been the beginnings of my surges started at about 7:00.

At 9:00, the hospital sent me home and told me to go ahead with my obstetrician's appointment the next day. I should have been more assertive in insisting that I believed I would have my baby that day. My lack of pain appeared to lead the midwives to think that labour had not started.

While I relaxed in the bath, at home, my husband timed my surges - 60 seconds long and 2½ minutes apart - so back to the hospital we went. On returning there, at 12:30, I was 5cm dilated.

I cannot explain very well what happened during the first stage of labour. I continued to practise the breathing with each surge whenever I felt a tightening. At some point, my body seemed to take over. My uterus seemed to convulse, pushing downwards. This was totally involuntary on my part! The midwife felt that my body was taking over and knew exactly what to do.

During this time, my husband took over all discussions with the midwives and I was able to use the self-hypnosis techniques tototally relax, shut out the outside world and focus on my surges.

The midwives and doctors were incredibly supportive of our wishes to use the HypnoBirthing® techniques. My husband and I both enjoyed the birthing experience.

We felt relaxed throughout and so did Amie as it appears to have transpired. The techniques taught to us certainly helped me to relax my body, which I believe enabled me to be pain free.

I had been anxious at times during the pregnancy because of my medical condition, which could have created problems during the birth. However, the HypnoBirthing® sessions gave me the confidence to take greater control of the birth while respecting the need, in my case, for considerable monitoring and potentially for medical intervention.

I would certainly use the techniques again, should we have more children, and would recommend it to anyone."

Clare Sparks, Northampton



Can't imagine how anyone gives birth without it

"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."


Kerry Woodcock, London



Totally fearless

"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!"


Mary, London



Much better than previous births

"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..."


Abigail, London



Hardly felt like I'd been through labour

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, London

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



Labour is a beautiful, beautiful thing

As soon as we knew the signs that our baby was coming to us, we were very excited, we talked about what the baby would look like.

We were very positive and both extremely relaxed. We knew this was going to be a great day.
I was feeling only tightenings in my stomach, I visualized the muscles stretching up then pushing down to open the cervix. I felt very happy to have this feeling as I knew the baby was coming to me.

I was never uncomfortable and it was very peaceful as I listened to music and the colours of the rainbow tape. With each wave it was if my body went into a totally automatic relaxed but focused state. Between the waves I felt so relaxed, I felt sleepy.

Soon I felt the urge to push, Our little "Lucy Maree" was handed to us after 3 pushes of non interference labour.

The HypnoBirthing® programme and Peter had shown me how to enjoy my labour. With each surge I felt very happy and confident. Labour is a beautiful, beautiful thing and I wish everyone could experience the peace and calmness that I did whilst birthing our baby.

My recovery was very quick as I had not used my energy in fighting fear of my birth. The HypnoBirthing® technique has become a very special gift in my life. I feel totally privileged to have this knowledge to have given me the ultimate birth experience.

I remember at one session with Peter watching a video of this total in control mother giving birth and I thought, wow. But no I still don't think I'll be like that. .... Well from the first wave to the last I was like that lady, but I wasn't even trying to be.

It's exactly like I learned, "Turn your labour over to your body". I was so proud of myself, and my husband couldn't believe what I was like. Due to work commitments my husband was unable to come to all the classes, he was happy for me to do the programme.

The point I would like to make to all the mothers is, "It is possible to do this on your own". Geoff my husband was extremely supportive throughout the pregnancy and the birth and was so proud of me. He is now so positive of the HypnoBirthing® Programme.

Thank you so much for helping me to enjoy birthing as it should be enjoyed, also enjoying life as it should be enjoyed.

Tania, Geoff, Samuel and Lucy Sharman