Birth Stories

We were both excited, shocked, and terrified when the sonographer announced that Marge was expecting twins. With a toddler at home we soon realised life would be hard work but with massive rewards!

We had used HynpoBirthing techniques successfully for the birth of our son after completing the course with Rachel, so were keen to use it again. As Birthing Partner, (and more importantly, Daddy), I enjoyed the HypnoBirthing last time, as it gave me something to focus on, kept me involved and meant I really was needed. Rachel was only too helpful again, second time around and provided a few refresher sessions for us. The thoughts of how we would cope with newborn twins and a nearly two-year-old were daunting, but both Marge and I found the fear release techniques particularly useful. Rachel is knowledgable, was able to answer all our questions however daft they seemed, and filled us with confidence about the birth and beyond.

The hospital's protocol for twins is to induce at 37 weeks if the babies are at a reasonable predicted weight. Everything was progressing well, Marge was struggling with her size, so it was agreed to book her in for an induction at 37 weeks. Marge stayed very relaxed during labour, while we listened to the CDs, I read the scripts, and we kept good humoured. The midwives and anaesthetist gave us a number of opportunities to discuss pain relief options, but each time we explained that we were happy to continue with the HypnoBirthing techniques we had practiced. After around 11 hours since induction was commenced things had slowed down, and we were beginning to grow impatient! The midwives were keen to get things moving, so it was agreed that her waters would be broken. The contractions came on fast then, but with the continued relaxation and breathing techniques, within 45 minutes, both Oliver and Emily had been born. Marge had no pain relief throughout the labour and birth.

Many of the midwives and supportive staff had heard about HypnoBirthing, but few had experienced a HypnoBirthing birth. None had witnessed a pain-relief-free twin delivery. It was the talk of the staff on duty, and many of the staff were jealous of those who had witnessed these special births.

Oliver and Emily are both calm, relaxed babies, who feed and sleep well, and smile lots. The fact that their journey into the world was relatively quick, relaxed and drug-free must be a factor in this.

Thanks Rachel, we owe you one (or in fact three).

Dave and Marge, York

We were very keen to embark on the HypnoBirthing programme as it was important to us to have the most natural birth possible and to get the most from the experience of being pregnant as well as the actual birthing process. Before starting we had a vague idea what the course might be and the philosophy behind it, but were delighted that it surpassed all expectations. It helped to embrace our joy and celebrate the forthcoming birth of our daughter; acting as more than just a ‘how to’ and instruction manual as traditional antenatal classes can be. We found it touched on the sacredness of pregnancy and prepared us positively to meet our baby.

One of the most significant aspects of the course for us was that Spencer could be included as an integral part to the process as a whole. It helped support our closeness as a couple and share each step of birth preparations together. The visualizations scripts and hypnosis techniques were very powerful after practicing a few times; by the due date we felt fully prepared. There was just one ‘blip’ leading up to the birthing day when I felt a bit overwhelmed by the thought of the birth. Rachel did a wonderful additional fear release session with me and it worked amazingly well.

Unfortunately when my waters broke there was meconium in them and after a trip to hospital we discovered that the baby’s heartbeat from dropping quite dramatically with each contraction. I ended up having to have an emergency cesarean before I’d even dilated 1cm. This wasn’t what we had planned for, but with the help of the HypnoBirthing preparations I was able to remain composed and positive throughout. We did not have time to practice the visualization techniques during the birth together but Spencer used the ‘thermometer’ relaxation to help me sleep during the day while I was in hospital.

Jessie Katherine Vale was brought into the world very suddenly but from moment one, she was a calm and content baby. There was no health problem or reason for her failing heartbeat, perhaps just impatience on her part or a deeper knowing by her that this was the way it had to be. She breastfed fantastically straight away, and continued to do so for another 5 months. People often comment about how happy and relaxed she is and marvel at her ability to sleep through the night for 11 or 12 hours from about 3 months. We are sure that HypnoBirthing play a large role in this.

We are so pleased that we decide to go down the HypnoBirthing route instead of traditional, formal classes. Emphasis was placed on the positive and the naturalness of the birthing process which fitted so well with our ethos. We will always be grateful to Rachel for sharing something so special with us and being part of our lives at such a significant time. I have told many people about our wonderful experience and cannot recommend it enough.

Jenny and Spencer, York

HypnoBirthing kept me so relaxed that I didn’t even know I was in labour until I was 8 cm dilated! The contractions were intense but not painful. The pushing phase was fantastic, with no pain apart from a few seconds right at the end as I had a couple of tears. The entire labour was only 7 hours long. All in all it was fantastic experience and I was relaxed throughout. Our son was 6 lb 15 and born very alert and chilled! Latched onto the breast straight away and had been good as gold since. I gave birth in the hospital birthing pool. HypnoBirthing was also great for prenatal bonding and bonding with my husband. This is my first baby and I can’t wait to have another!

Tracy and Peter, York

Thank you very much Rachel, for your support and especially for your flexibility in terms of time and most importantly in terms of listening to us and our points of view and to adapt the course to us as you did! Thank you!

Our overall opinion of HypnoBirthing®: It gave us an idea of what to expect at birth, and feel more confident about the process. We were very happy to birth naturally and would do it again this way. Rachel was able to understand us and our perspective on birth and adapt the program to our needs. The course was very personalized.

Marie and Desmond, Leeds