Hypnobirthing

If you follow me on Facebook, chances are you have seen my posts about reading "Hypnobirthing: The Mongon Method". So far, I know personally two people who have used this type of natural birthing. Both were successful. My sister had this book when she was pregnant with her child (she didn't use the methods) and subsequently gave it to me when we started trying for numero dos. I have to admit, I was extremely skeptical. I've always said that epidurals are for me and if there was a way to painlessly have a baby, I was all for it! The problem was, even though I had an epidural with Brandon, there were still extreme amounts of pain because of complications that arose. There are always things you think about "next time". What you'll change or make sure happens. I wish I had read this book before I had Brandon because I have really received a lot of insight from it.

First of all, hypnobirthing is likely not what you think it is. No one is standing in front of you with a swinging pendulum chanting things, who also has all "control" over you. Hypnobirthing is self-hypnotizing through breathing and relaxation techniques. You become so relaxed and have complete control over your mind that you can teach yourself to sense no pain. Of course, this does not happen over night. It is not a miracle "drug". It takes hard work, time, and patience. I have always been a high strung person. I'm impatient and anxious. The principles this book teaches would even help the nonpregnant person to relax. So far, every time I practice I feel sleepy, and when I practice before I go to bed, I fall asleep. From what I've read and heard, that's a good thing.

I'm almost done with the book now. I'm convinced it works and if you work at it, you can have a painless and drugless labor and delivery. However, I'm not 100% confident in myself. I feel like my mind is weak and my anxieties will take over no matter how much I practice. I am unwilling to give myself ultimatums. I'm not going to say "I'm not having an epidural" or "I'm just going to get an epidural". I am open to options. At the very least, I'd like hypnobirthing help me through most of it. I didn't get an epidural until I was 6 cm dilated with Brandon. Let me tell you, 6 cm with no coping skills for those contractions is not fun. And I figure if I make it, that's awesome! Epidurals are expensive, and I'll get to pay 20% of the cost if I get one. So, more power to me, it doesn't hurt to try. Anyways, enough rambling for now. If you're pregnant, or trying to be, GET THIS BOOK! It will change your whole perspective on how your birthing experience should be.