COMMENTS
1. At 16.39 on 10 September 2010 Alison Fyfe wrote:
Hi Steve. My friend Donna and I are midwives in labour ward and HB practioners. Does HB work...? Absolutely! And in many, many ways! The feedback from women after birth… no one has yet to describe severe pain in labour! Descriptions mainly include comfortable to uncomfortable, with some women saying there were only tightening sensations. Even when special circumstances arise, women still find the birth a far more positive experience. Warm regards for a very calm, beautiful and empowering experience for you, your partner and your new baby... I hope you post your birth story! Alison
2. At 17.01 on 10 September 2010, Karen wrote:
I am a convert to the benefits of hypnobirthing, but why is a ‘contraction’ deemed negative? To me it seems a purely descriptive term, neither positive nor negative, whereas ‘surge’ reminds me of seasickness!
3. At 19.44 on 10 September 2010, Tracy wrote:
Hi Steve. I am a newly qualified midwife (1 year) and in my final year I had the privilege to be at the birth of a baby where the parents were using HB. This was such a beautiful and fantastic experience for me to witness. The lady showed no pain and the partner was so supportive as they had learnt the techniques together, the lady was in control of her labour and birth at all times. The baby was born into a very calm and relaxed atmosphere and the new family bonded together straight away. The lights were down low and she gave birth kneeling on a crash mat by the side of the bed. The only thing that was missing was them being in their own home for a home birth and candles for the soft lighting. This experience inspired me so much that I am planning to become a HB practitioner. I wish you and your partner a truly amazing experience, hope to read about it soon.
4. At 21.24 on 10 September 2010, Alison Fyfe wrote:
Sorry, just to clarify... its HypnoBirthing- The Mongan method that we teach. Its the longest running hypnosis for childbirth programme and the only one I can comment and vouch for. In our opinion, a wonderful antenatal education programme!
5. At 22.37 on 10 September 2010, Bradders Hypnobirther practitioner and midwife wrote:
I whole-heartedly agree. It is all about language, acceptance of a woman's desire and supporting a woman in her needs. We give little thought to how we say things, habits are easy to continue and far too many midwives are scathing about women who have alternative ideas. It is about time we were more liberated. Hypnobirthing should be available on the NHS for all women free of charge.
These comments are all in the wake of the government reducing the financial incentives for medicalising birth by unnecessary LSCSs.
6. At 09.28 on 11 September 2010, Kathy Holford wrote:
I don't think you have to be a midwife practicing HB to use more gentle language. There is absolutely no reason to say 'she's been ARM'd!’ It’s much more sensible and less exclusive just to say her waters have been broken/ released. I have mixed feelings about HB though; I have witnessed amazing calm births where the woman is in complete acceptance of her body but I have also had (particularly) first-time parents really struggling to cope with the intensity of birth and HB doesn't seem to have had much effect on them, then they inevitably feel let down by it afterwards. I would love it to be taught as part of midwifery training and for us NHS midwives to be able to access free study days for it rather than fork out of our own pocket.
7. At 10.01 on 11 September 2010, Kim wrote:
Hi Steve, as a midwife sonographer, I'm glad you picked up on the anomaly scan, which in some places is now the anatomy scan. We are hoping to find that everything is normal and also that this is a bonding experience, when parents can see the baby's activity. I hope your family has a beautiful birth experience.
8. At 14.58 on 11 September 2010, Tez wrote:
As a midwife I have yet to look after a woman who has used hypnobirthing, but I like to keep an open mind about anything that may help woman have a positive experience during childbirth. I do feel there are times when a midwife and Dr have to communicate more descriptively about ‘special circumstances’ and actually say exactly what the issue is. However I am very much in support of any changes to the language we all recognise and use around pregnancy and childbirth as I cant stand the word ‘delivery’ and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. ‘Failure to progress’ and ‘slow progress’ are just awful. It’s almost like a blame game. When changes are made it needs to be widespread and across the board though to save confusion between practitioners and women.
9. At 20.08 on 11 September 2010, Helena wrote:
Really interesting. I think there is some truth in the 'self-fulfilling prophecy' idea, as women who don't know they are pregnant generally don't have any pain only discomfort as the baby is born. In these circumstances there are no preconceived ideas as to what it will be like and so the woman barely notices when it's happening.
I'd be very interested in your postnatal blog - good luck!
10. At 10.39 on 12 September 2010, Nat wrote:
I love the idea of this, renaming contractions ‘surges’ and such could lead to women experiencing labour and birth less painful, but in my experience you either paint TOO rosy a picture of labour and people are dissatisfied that you as a midwife did not prepare them for the most painful day of their life! Or you tell them that it is a hard/challenging experience but very fulfilling and be considered ‘negative.’
How do we win here? Coping with pain is an individual experience for everybody. And because of this can we ever do right for every woman?? Believe me, I try my hardest every day to prepare women for birth and motherhood but ultimately I can only do so much. It's up to a woman to truly prepare herself to go through the process of becoming a mother.
11. At 14.04 on 12 September 2010, Donna wrote:
I'm a second year student midwife and recently came back from a doula weekend during which I participated in a hypnotherapy workshop. I found it hugely beneficial, as I feel that we student midwives receive very little in the way of teaching regarding real psychological support of women in labour. I left with much greater awareness of the phrases I use with women in labour and I cringe now at some of the things I have said! For instance, using words like 'try' (for a VBAC/ to breastfeed etc.) instead of 'plan', which signs to the subconscious that it will be difficult and probably unachievable. It would be great to see hypnobirthing become part of direct entry midwifery training.
12. At 15.22 on 12 September 2010, Jacqueline wrote:
Well done Steve for your thought-provoking comments. It's great to have a man's view of the philosophy of Hypnobirthing. Yes, it absolutely does work. If you haven't done so already, look for classes in your area - you wont regret it. I look forward to hearing your birth story. Jacqueline
13. At 15.35 on 12 September 2010, Dr. Sandra Massry wrote:
I am not a midwife, but my experience with Hypnobirthing was so amazing it made me want to share it so much. I became a practitioner and I now teach it to couples Herr in Mexico.
Good luck with your baby and I loved your thoughts on language – once you come to think about it, it all seems pretty obvious, don't you think?
14. At 18.14 on 12 September 2010, Kat wrote:
I'm a student midwife and have had my first baby recently. During my pregnancy I was preparing myself for hypnobirthing with CDs and classes. I strongly believed it wouldn't be painful, however the actual experience was totally opposite. I thought it wouldn't hurt and I'd only experience some light surges and remain relaxed and calm so my uterus could work efficiently. Birthing pool was great and I don't know if I'd have managed without the soothing effect of water but... every surge was very painful and the labour lasted so long that afterwards I was very disappointed with HB. It will be hard for me to trust the idea again but hopefully next time will be different...
15. At 01.36 on 13 September 2010, Allison wrote:
Thank you, Steve! I had two Hypnobirths, and they were magical. I find the language of HB to be not only more positive but also more descriptive of what is actually happening.
16. At 12.04 on 13 Septemebr 2010, Sarah Johnson wrote:
I don't find anything negative about the idea of mooing like a cow. What's wrong with cows? Many women find that making low-pitched repetitive noises is more helpful than trying to be quiet and ladylike, or squealing up the scale (which tightens the throat and increases tension.)
17. At 14.05 on 13 September 2010, Happychick wrote:
I am not a midwife but have used HB in both of my homebirths and it most definitely works. Although I would say you have to believe it. On my notes with number one my midwife noted that it was hard to tell when was having contractions because I was so calm. HB or a true belief in the ability of your body to do its job is invaluable in a peaceful birth.
18. At 10.09 on 14 September 2010, Sue Waller wrote:
Hello Steve. Yes I found one of the homebirths a very rewarding experience following her course of hypnobirthing. The poor lass was even frightened to get pregnant but following her course she entered pregnancy and the labour with the serenity of a grandmultip (a woman who has had many babies) and gave birth with out any pain relief in the comfort of her own home.
19. At 23.16 on 14 September 2010, anon wrote:
Hi, I am a midwife! My sister-in-law recently had her second baby, the first being a caesarean after 12 hours in labour with an epidural. She was determined to make this a better experience so went for hypnobirthing. She was very sceptical about it but really went along with it all.
She ended up with a forceps delivery as the baby’s position was not ideal.
However, she described the labour as an amazing experience.
She took no pain relief except for gas and air near the end and she felt relaxed throughout. She could not believe the difference and has been raving about it!
20. At 10.25 on 19 September 2010, Eileen Powell wrote:
Hi Steve I really enjoyed your comments. I am a recently retired midwifery lecturer and had given my daughter an article on HB which had been in the Midwives Journal. I have nothing but admiration for the way she continued into her pregnancy once she and her husband started going to the HB classes. They were both empowered and positive language was certainly foremost in their minds. They were going to NCT classes but opted not to go to the labour session as they knew the focus would be on 'controlling pain' and they didn't want negative thoughts to interfere with their positive outlook.During the labour they both worked as a team and she says she only felt slight discomfort. Having been privileged to be with them through the labour it was a fantastic birth, so calm and peaceful. Eileen Powell
21. At 03.12 on 24 September 2010, Bradders wrote:
Re 4. There are several programs for hypnobirthing techniques. I have studied with several including the Marie Mongan method. The courses or classes all have the same aim, they empower women and teach excellent techniques for preparation for birth.
Much of the information included in Marie Mongan's course of Hypnobirthing, if not all, was first made available by Grantly Dick-Read in his book Childbirth without Fear including imagery and conditioning of the mind. This famous obstetrician made reference frequently to the uses of hypnotherapy in childbirth back in the 1930s.
As health professionals we should have an open mind in respect to the women's wishes, in order to achieve the birth they want however alternative this may be for us. Use their language not ours, think before we speak. It is their birth not ours.
Birth plans should be read and discussed, birth preferences respected where ever possible. Women should be treated with dignity when they decline treatment offered, we should inform them and empower them. It is their choice once they have that information.
22. At 09.33 on 5 October 2010, Yvonne wrote:
Well, I must say that making noises which, on reflection, did sound a bit like low pitched 'mooing' really helped me to cope with the second stage in particular, when it really, really hurts, before the baby is born. Throughout the first stage, loud sighing when I breathed out, while using entonox, really helped me to cope and release tension. I'm sceptical of HB; perhaps some women seem to cope much better with pain.
Regarding language, I'd rather have realistic words to describe what labour is like, but at the same time be reassured that there are many ways I can cope with such an experience. Making noise is a good way to cope (not screaming though).
I've had four babies, and I'm pregnant with my fifth.
23. At 12.42 on 5 November 2010, Zorgui
Noura
wrote:
I
AM A MOROCCAN PRACTICING MIDWIFE. I OFTEN SUGGEST TO THE EXPECTANT WOMAN IN THE
ANTENATAL PERIOD TO VISIT THE MIDWIVES TEAM AT THE HOSPITAL OR THE CLINIC SHE HAS
DECIDED TO GIVE BIRTH IN. FORTUNATELLY SHE BECAMES SO FAMILIAR AND GETS A
BAGGAGE OF POSITIVE LANGUAGE. IN THESE VISITS I TRIED NOT TO TALK ABOUT THE
WORD ‘PAIN’ INSTEAD I SAID ‘YOU HAVE TO HELP YOUR MIDWIFE’. WHILE IN LABOUR I
PROPOSE CALM MUSIC IT HAS A PEACEFUL POWER ON THE WOMAN AND THE MIDWIFE. AS
MOST OF MY PATIENTS ARE MUSLIMS I OFTEN SUGGEST TO RECIT SOME OF THE ‘CORAN AL
KARIM.’ AN AMAZING POWER THEY GOT THAT I USUALLY NOTICE.
