Power of hypnobirthing - Your Letters

I had an absolutely amazing VBAC experience using hypnobirthing. My first child was born by cesarean. When I became pregnant with my daughter six months later, I was a bit frightened to say the least. I had this thought in the back of my mind that somehow I had caused my cesarean because of my fear of the pain of birth.

My mother told me about hypnobirthing. I called around and found a very kind and generous hypnobirthing teacher. My husband and I attended classes once a week, and every night I put a tape in my Walkman and fell asleep to it.

Being hypnotized is basically just a state of deep, powerful relaxation. This relaxation is what enables a mama to give birth with virtually no pain. The fear and tightness of your muscles during dilation are what cause the discomfort.

I had my first contraction late on a Wednesday. I immediately went to bed to get some rest for the big event. Thursday morning I found my contractions to be a bit painful while I was lying down, but when I stood up and bent forward with my head resting on my arms, they were hardly noticeable. I still wasn't in any pain when we went to the hospital at 4 p.m. The midwife examined me and, with surprise, proclaimed that I was dilated at a "good six!" After about two hours my water broke. I told the midwife, and she checked me again: nine and a half. Holy cow! Within ten minutes, I was nursing my daughter. This was amazing!

My mother-in-law sat next to me during the birth and later said, "I was watching your hands in awe. You never even clenched your fists, not even when you were pushing." It was truly a beautiful and peaceful experience. I actually had the perfect birth.

EMMA SULLIVAN

Minneapolis, Minnesota

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