FREE Hypnobabies CD

FREE Hypnobabies CD

For moms who are interested in Hypnobabies and want to learn more. There is a free Introduction to Hypnobabies CD available. There are 2 different tracks on the CD

Track #1 Hypnobabies Introduction: What is Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Childbirth?

This track introduces you to the benefits of using childbirth hypnosis as well as the specific advantages of our Hypnobabies program. You’ll learn about “Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis”, the importance of complete childbirth education and how you can easily become a mental computer reprogrammer, creating a much easier and more comfortable birthing experience for yourself by simply listening to one Hypnobabies CD every day.

Track #2 Relax Me (hypnosis session)

Track #2 is a special gift for you from Hypnobabies! This hypnosis session allows you to experience deep physical relaxation throughout your entire body and a powerful hypnosis training session. You’ll choose a special word cue that will train you to become completely relaxed and calm in any situation, from now on. How wonderful to be calm and in control at all times, in work, family an driving situations, with stress-relief as a wonderful side-effect! Enjoy.
There are two ways to get the free CD. You can call Hypnobabies or you can download them from Enjoy Birth.

Hypno-Curious?

Hypno-Curiously.....
Misconceptions about Hypnosis for Childbirth
By Kerry Tuschhoff and Carole Thorpe

Click on the link to this wonderful article here.

It is kind of a lengthy article, that is why I just linked to it. And also, be sure you have a few minutes to read it. But I thought it was a fantastic article explaining many misconceptions there are about childbirth hypnosis, and more specifically, Hypnobabies. I don't think I could recommend Hypnobabies enough, it's WONDERFUL! Talk about enjoying your birth!

Have the Kind of Birth That YOU Want

I just wanted to follow-up a little bit from my last post. I don't know why, but I think sometimes women who don't have "natural" labors feel a little threatened by those who do. I just wanted to clear things up a little, in my opinion anyway... For me, I don't think those who have natural births are any better than those who don't. I don't go around and brag about my natural births. Whenever I talk about my experiences, I'm just sharing what amazing experiences I had for me. I found a way to have a natural labor with no pain, it was perfect FOR ME. I don't wish labor pain on anybody, so if that means that if YOU want to get an epidural, great! Than go for it! But just be educated in your decision, and know that sometimes, there are risks associated with that. Just like there are risks associated with pretty much anything in life! Especially with anything medical, there are side effects to all medical procedures, little or not. You just have to weigh the pros and cons, and statistics for you. So if you had a wonderful experience having an epidural with your birth, that's great for you! You were one that side-effects were ok, and the other risks didn't happen for you. Everyone has a right to the kind of birth that they want, so go for it!

Hypnobabies Radio Show

So I'm going to be on an online radio show! It's the Hypnobabies live radio show, and I'm going to be on as the hypnomom of the month to talk about my birth experiences of using hypnobabies. So I hope you can listen for me, here's the details:

To listen live on Friday, August 1st at 10:00am mtn time, or August 2nd at 2:00pm mtn time, go here at the specified time and click on "LISTEN LIVE" at the top of the page. To listen to the show anytime you want in the archives, go here after a few days after the first airing of the show, click on "Radio Show Archives" on the left of the page, then scroll down until you see "Men, Women & Family Issues" and listed underneath that you'll see, "Kerry Tuschhoff, Hypnobabies Live" click on that, and then you'll see a list of the archived shows. Look for the one with my name, and click to listen to it anytime you want! Thanks!

Hypnosis For Childbirth

Hypnosis for Childbirth - What Is It and How Does It Work?

by Kerry Tuschhoff, HCHI, CHt, CI

Mention Labor and Delivery to an expectant mom in her last trimester, and chances are good that her heart will begin to race, her mind floods with concern and in some cases, panic. She knows that the day is coming when a force much bigger than herself will take over and her body will govern itself completely. For some women this is a very fearful event, but for a Hypnobabies mom, it is an eagerly anticipated challenge.

These wise women use hypnosis to eliminate pain and fear from the birthing experience. In the past, the word "hypnosis" conjured up images of stage hypnotists re-creating Elvis, or mesmerizing others into embarrassing situations. Now it is common for hypnosis to be used therapeutically in many areas of medicine, dental and surgical anesthesia and personal therapy sessions. Even so, there are many misconceptions regarding hypnosis that can dissuade those contemplating this powerful tool. Here are a few FACTS:

* All hypnosis is self-hypnosis; the hypnotherapist is only the guide. A person chooses to enter into a hypnotic state, stay in and come out at will.

* Approximately 90-95% of the population can be hypnotized. Willingness, belief and motivation have great influence over hypnotizability.

* During hypnosis you are neither asleep nor unconscious, and will always "come out" whenever you wish. You are always in complete control.

* Stronger-minded and stronger-willed people are easier to hypnotize; not the other way around as is usually assumed.

* You cannot be made to divulge information or do anything against your will while in hypnosis.

*Hypnosis is not Satanic or religion-oriented at all, just a way to direct your inner mind toward the positive for great personal benefit.



*We are all in states of hypnosis many times a day already!

What about Childbirth Hypnosis Classes?

When learning how to use hypnosis for childbirth, you are taught an understanding of how the uterine muscles will work efficiently together, as they were designed to do, when the body is completely relaxed. The depth of relaxation necessary can easily be achieved with hypnosis so you learn these skills in class, and practice them at home every day until your baby arrives. Important: Comfort in childbirth depends on much more than deep relaxation, so you are also taught the most in-depth hypnotic anesthesia techniques that exist. These make a huge difference in creating your truly comfortable birthing experience, and are easily learned and practiced.

Your Birth Partner can have a very integral role in the preparation process: listening to the CDs, reading the handouts and guiding the Hypno-mother into deep relaxation with hypnosis scripts. They are also an invaluable part of the labor and birth process as they help you to focus and concentrate, as well as supporting you physically. Please note: Mothers without partners can easily learn, practice and use Hypnobabies on their own. All aspects of Labor and Birth are covered in Hypnobabies classes, as well as information on Nutrition, Exercise, Avoiding Complications and Back Labor, Fear Clearing Sessions, Birth Plans, Consumer Issues and Postpartum as well as much more.

Fear and Expectation

In other cultures, childbirth is regarded as a natural, normal event in a woman's life. The birthing women are given support from other women, and children are often present to witness the event. In this way, birth is celebrated and honored. Young girls then grow up with the belief system that birth is a positive event and their expectations of childbirth reflect this attitude. As a result, their births are similar to their predecessors; without pain and fear. They have a positive expectation of childbirth. In our culture, it is very much the opposite. For many generations we have been told that delivering a baby will be untold hours of painfully agonizing work, to be faced with fear and trepidation. We have heard stories from well-meaning friends and family that send shivers up our spines, and so the legacy continues. We experience pain in childbirth, in part because we very much expect to!

In hypnosis for childbirth classes, you are taught to surround yourself with only positive people and messages, to create a positive view of childbirth and the expectation that your birthing with be a beautiful, peaceful experience. Hypnobabies’ Fear Clearing Sessions are integral to this process, as they allow you to address fears, work through possible solutions and then release them. Fear in labor can create tension, which creates pain, then more fear, and the cycle continues. Fear and anxiety can also create adrenaline production in the body, causing the labor to become dysfunctional, a common reason for Cesarean Section surgery. Freedom from fear can make a significant difference in the birthing experience.

By learning and practicing hypnosis, you are able to enter into self-hypnosis instantly, and create your own natural anesthesia whenever and wherever you need it. This is important as any drugs taken by a laboring woman can be dangerous for her, and especially her baby. Using Hypnobabies, you are in control over your body and emotions, and are an active participant in your birth process. You are always aware of everything around you, and as labor progresses, you’ll go deeper inside yourself, trusting in your body's natural ability to give birth with ease and comfort. Your mind is trained and programmed to give you exactly what you need as you give birth to your baby.

Too good to be true?

Can women give birth without experiencing pain? They can, and there are many variables in labor and birth that can affect the outcome! Couples need to have a positive but realistic view of hypnosis for childbirth. Each pregnant woman and her partner must take responsibility for the choices they make while in labor and how they can affect the dynamics and outcome. Many a wonderful birth has been thwarted by not realizing how to make positive, informed choices and yet these issues are easily addressed and learned in a good consumer oriented childbirth hypnosis class such as Hypnobabies.

Without a doubt, all of our Hypno-Moms are much calmer and more relaxed during labor, which automatically creates more comfort, as well as having *powerful* post-hypnotic suggestions to actually eliminate pain and fear. How effective is this? Statistics vary depending on the goals of each Hypnobabies mother, as well as the dedication and compliance to the program. Our Hypnobabies Instructors all have backgrounds in both hypnotherapy and childbirth education and are able to address each woman's personal needs to help her achieve her goals for childbirth.

Statistics: The following are statistics for Hypnobabies only: (our very successful 6 week course, 18 total hours of instruction)

1) Pain-free births - 70-75%. Women who report that they felt mostly pressure, tightening or mild cramping sensations.

2) Pain-free until transition - 15%. Pressure only, until the 10-60 minute transitional period, with mild to intense degrees of sensation thereafter. "Very manageable."

3) Pain-free until active labor – 10%, with mild to intense degrees of sensation thereafter This group can have any number of things that affect their birth experiences; prodromal labor, posterior or asynclitic presentations that do not resolve, other labor complications, emotional issues, lack of support, or they simply did not do their homework! (30 - 45 minutes a day) Hypnosis for childbirth won't help a mother or a couple that is not willing to do the work involved in preparing for their baby's birth.



All women reported that the Relaxation and Fear Clearing in Hypnobabies were invaluable to them during their labors.



Benefits of using hypnosis for childbirth:

* Fewer drugs or no drugs at all - less risk of side effects on mother and baby.



* Shorter labors - resistance of the birthing muscles as a response to pain is minimized or eliminated.

* An awake, energized mother, due to total relaxation throughout the birthing process.

* A calm, peaceful birthing environment. A comfortable natural birthing also allows for a joyful, rested mother and a calm baby post-partum.



* Breech and posterior babies can be turned using hypnosis.

* Fewer interventions and complications during labor.

* Babies who are better sleepers and nursers due to fewer drugs in their systems.

It is well worth the time to look into hypnosis for childbirth as an option, both for yourself and for your baby. Natural Childbirth without intense discomfort has many benefits to mom and baby, and the deep relaxation has even helped many a nervous dad to enjoy pregnancy and childbirth, since they experience hypnosis in Hypnobabies class as well! In addition, the skills you will learn for relaxation and hypnosis will benefit you for the rest of your life.



Kerry Tuschhoff, HCHI, CHt, CI is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Hypnosis Instructor, Childbirth Educator, Hypno-Doula and Founder/Director of Hypnobabies Network in Cypress, CA.

She teaches Hypnobabies Childbirth classes, Hypnobabies Instructor Training Courses, Hypno-Doula Workshops, Pregnancy Nutrition and Breastfeeding workshops, Birth Hypnosis Specialty Courses and gives seminars in her community on natural pregnancy and childbirth options.

Kerry also created the Hypnobabies Home Study Course for women who need self-study options for hypnotic childbirth, and is the author of Hypnobabies, Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis, The Introduction to Childbirth Hypnosis Workbook for Professionals, and The Hypno-Doula Training Workbook.



The foremost expert in Hypnosis for Childbirth, she is also the “Ask the Doula” Expert on www.Pregnancy.org and an international conference speaker and lecturer.



Kerry can be reached at: (714) 952-BABY (2229).

Website: www.Hypnobabies.com

E-mail: Hypnobabies@la.twcbc.com

What If...

I recently found this link, and I just think it's a good one if you have any concerns about home births or even birth center births. There's a lot of what if's surrounding home births and birth centers, and if you go here and click on "But What If..." on the left side, it will clear some of those up. One thing I do know is that a midwife is there with you while you labor THE WHOLE TIME, while doctors in hospitals are only there a brief amount of time. So since the midwife is there with in close contact, they can see earlier on if there is anything going wrong. But also, as they teach in Hypnobabies, you should create a positive thought process about birth. Imagine all the what if good things happen instead! The mind is a powerful thing!

Choices in Childbirth

I found this little article from http://choicesinchildbirth.com/ I just agree so much with it, especially the first two paragraphs. I thought I'd just post the whole thing instead of try to paraphrase it. The only thing that I don't totally agree with is the thought that homebirth is the best for every women. While I do think homebirth is a good option for some, especially if you're close to a hospital, I don't think it's the best option for everyone. High risk pregnancies should be at the hospital, and some women are just more comfortable at a hospital. I do think that birth centers are the best of both worlds though, but that's just my opinion. Women should birth their babies wherever they feel most comfortable. So here's the article:

"It is my profound belief that childbirth is a normal, natural and amazing process. . . one that can be experienced as a joyous, positive and life-enhancing event when a woman has educated herself on all of the choices available to her for this special time in her life.

Education includes knowledge of the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects of giving birth, and a deeper awareness of our bodies and our strength as women. Preparing yourself for this special moment in your life is important, because it will give you the confidence and resources to deal with this physically challenging and rewarding experience.

When childbirth moved from the home setting, where a woman labored with the loving assistance of her female relatives and friends, she left the only place where birth was respected for the normal and natural process that it truly is.

In the hospital setting today, women must make more of an effort to achieve the birth experience that they desire. Simple pain relief measures such as taking a shower or the freedom to move around as needed to stay comfortable becomes more difficult to achieve in a technology-driven setting that specializes in taking care of those who are sick or injured.

Sorting out what is truly medically necessary instead of what is typical and ordinary in today’s hospital births can be difficult and frustrating, especially since evidence-based studies do not support much of today’s routine technology for childbirth.

Evidence-based medicine in Obstetrics means less reliance upon medical interventions. It is up to each pregnant woman to determine whether medical interventions suggested during labor and birth are truly medically indicated and that they are NOT simply being used because they are convenient for medical caregivers.

"The shift to evidence-based medicine reflects not only the constant desire to improve practice but also the developments that have taken place in clinical research, methodology and the increase in medical literature."--- World Health Organization

The challenge for every pregnant woman is to try to find a compromise between what she needs for her comfort in labor versus what is done to her and for her by medical caregivers in typical hospital settings.

KNOWLEDGE OF CHOICES IS A KEY COMPONENT TO PLANNING A JOYOUS BIRTH.

There are many things a woman can do to create a joyous and empowering birth experience. . . choose an appropriate birth setting, choose a philosophically compatible medical caregiver, utilize a Birth Doula to provide additional comfort and nurturing during labor, breastfeed her newborn, and utilize a Postpartum Doula's assistance during the first few weeks after the baby is born to rest and recover from childbirth as smoothly as possible.

Let this web site be the first of many steps you take on your journey to learning about ALL of your choices for your childbirth experience."

Warmest regards,
Victoria Macioce-Stumpf
ICCE, CD (CAPPA, DONA)
ICEA-Certified Childbirth Educator, CAPPA and DONA-Certified Doula

Why I Chose Hypnobabies

Well, you may wonder why or how I ever came upon Hypnobabies. Well, I'll tell you. When I became pregnant with my first, my Mom told me the more detailed story about the birth of her firstborn-my older brother. She told me that she had gotten her epidural late into her labor, and they had to use forceps to get the baby out, and then she did not do well recovering because of her epidural. She had to have catheter because she couldn't go to the bathroom for a week. So for her next 3 babies, she did it natural. So I decided to do more research on the subject of epidurals and other pain medication used in childbirth. And while I was reading on babycenter.com about what they had to say on the subject, I saw a comment from somebody who had their baby using childbirth hypnosis, more specifically, Hypnobabies. It sounded interesting...so I went to the website. I read all that they had to say about childbirth hypnosis. At first I didn't think it was possible, like it was all sounding too good to be true. But I was intrigued, because I thought that everything I read about it sounded good. So I decided then to join the Hypnobabies Yahoo Group to talk to real people actually using Hypnobabies. I wanted to ask questions to those who already used Hypnobabies, and I was also able to read the many birth stories listed in the group. I loved reading the birth stories, it was amazing the way their births turned out. My questions were answered, and it didn't take long for me to decide that this is what I wanted to do. So I ordered the home study course because there were no instructors in my area of Southern Utah. I was so excited to get the course in the mail, and started the lessons pretty soon there-after. As soon as I started listening to the CD's everyday, my pregnancy symptoms were diminishing away, and I was sleeping a lot better! I slept all the way through the night all the way through my pregnancy. I also started reading a book recommended by Hypnobabies called, "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" Reading that really made me see the facts about all the interventions that may happen during a birth and the CHOICES you actually have, and how to avoid the things you don't want. I recommend this book to anyone ever going to have a baby. It really educates you on these things, and I believe woman having babies should know about these things and the risks, and not leave the final decisions up to the doctors, nurses, or hospital without understanding the birth process. But anyway, Hypnobabies really changed my mind-set on childbirth, and I really have been able to accomplish amazing, wonderful, comfortable births.

Max's Birth Story

Max was born on April 20th, 2007 at 3:45 am. He was 10 lbs 8 oz, 21.5 inches long, with a 15 inch round head. Everything went really well, and I’m glad to have my big baby out of my stomach.

I used Hypnobabies again, practicing my light-switch, and listening to a CD everyday. This time I went to a birthing center, and what a wonderful difference it was! The number one difference I think was the fact that I felt more like a person being cared for with the midwife there the whole time, instead of a procedure, a number, or that woman in that one room giving birth. The birth center felt like home, with a big bed that my husband could lie in with me. The prenatal visits were night and day different too. Instead of waiting for 45 minutes to see the doctor for 15 minutes, I would wait hardly at all to see the midwife for 45 minutes. I loved having a midwife, and birthing at the birthing center!

At 39 weeks I was checked and was 3 cm and 50% effaced, so the midwife said that my cervix was favorable if I wanted my membranes stripped the next week or later. That following week, I kept having braxton hicks that I could only feel if I touched my stomach, sometimes they’d be coming regularly, and sometimes not… But my feelings were that this baby was coming soon… For my 40 week appointment on Thursday the 19th, we arranged for a babysitter for my toddler, and packed our bags to travel the hour down to the birth center. I knew that I didn’t want to travel that hour back home without a baby!

The Midwife checked my cervix at my appointment at about 6:30pm, and it hadn’t changed, but we decided for her to go ahead and strip my membranes, and give me cohosh. We monitered the baby for a little while and then we left. We drove down the street to IHOP to have dinner, and as soon as I walked through the door, I had a contraction. I felt the same as the ones I had before, but then a few minutes later I had another, and they quickly became 2 minutes apart. So we ate our dinner, and then I called the midwife, she asked if they were getting stronger… I really had no idea… So she suggested we go to the Mall and walk around a little bit. So we did that for about a half hour, and our midwife called me back, and I still didn’t know if the contractions were getting stronger, I just knew they were coming. So this was about 9:00 at night, and we decided to go back to the birth center to see how things were going.

I was checked again, and no progress, but the contractions were still coming. I still couldn’t tell if they were getting stronger. She explained that the cohosh would give me contractions for a while, and then my own body would kick in and continue labor. So if they got stronger that was a sign of my body kicking in, otherwise the contractions would die off because my body wasn’t ready. So the midwife didn’t want to prepare my room unless we were sure that my body was kicking in, and it wasn’t just the cohosh. I didn’t want to go anywhere, and I just wanted to listen to a CD or something. So we stayed at the birth center, and I lay down on the couch in the waiting area, and listened to the birth guide CD, which has many suggestions that I AM in labor. So after over an hour, the midwife checked on me, and I said that I thought the contractions were maybe stronger, and that this was it. So she prepared my room, and I was in there by about 10:30pm.

I laid on the bed for a while, and started using my light-switch (going into hypnosis) during the contractions. I remember when it was 11:00, about 4 hours after I received the cohosh, thinking that this was really it. Because I remember the midwife told me that it took about 4 hours for the cohosh to wear off, and I was still having contractions close together and regular. My husband was still in the waiting room watching a movie. I went in to see him after a while, and his movie ended. We went back in on the double bed so we could both lie down. The midwife asked me if I wanted to get in the tub… I was really comfortable where I was in bed, but I said, “Sure, start filling up the tub.” I got in a little while later, and it was really nice! Even big enough for my tall body too.

So there I lay, in the tub, using my light-switch, going completely off during each contraction, while my husband and the midwife just sat next to the tub. They would be talking, and I would close my eyes during a contraction, and then they’d stop talking or whisper, “She’s going under again…” The contractions still were only felt as pressure and with no pain. The midwife said I was really hard to read as far as reading my progress, etc. I began using different positions like leaning forward against the tub while on my knees, and Travis would pour water down my back, which felt really good.

At about 2:45am my legs starting shaking, I remembered that this happened with Elora’s birth when I was in transition. But the contractions were still only pressure with no pain. A little while later, I started to push, but I felt like something was there in front of the baby. I really had to pee, but I just couldn’t… She said it was ok to pee in the water, but I couldn’t… Sorry if this is too much information, but it just wouldn’t come out! Finally I did pee, and a little while later my water broke at 3:15 am. So then pushing felt like it progressed much better. I got to a point where I just wanted this baby out NOW! And I got really impatient. Pushing was harder this time because of this. But it was good to move around and use different positions in the tub instead of on my back in bed like last time. When he was crowning I reached down to touch his hairy head, and it was a weird feeling. Well, I kept pushing, and he was out at 3:45am, what a relief!! The cord was around his head, which the midwife took off before the rest of his body came out. When he came out, and I saw him and held him, it was very shocking again. I couldn’t believe there was baby in my arms. He was healthy and chubby. It was amazing!! I had our beautiful son in my arms!! What a miracle!

After a little while of holding Max, we pretty much decided his name right there, the cord was cut after it stopped pulsating. Then I got cleaned up and dry, and went to bed. I tried breastfeeding, but Max would only latch on for a few sucks and then let go and go to sleep, he was pretty tired. We found out too that I had a few abrasions on top and a first-degree tear at the bottom. But when we measured Max and found out he was 10 lbs 8 oz and 21.5 inches long with a 15-inch round head, the midwife started bowing down to me. We rested in bed, my husband got more sleep than I did, and ate breakfast and did a few other things. We were out of the birth center by 12:30 pm that day, so 9 hours after the birth. It was good to go home and rest in my own bed.

What a wonderful experience, I’m so thankful for Hypnobabies again. It made the whole experience a memorable one in a good way. This birth was easier than my first, and my first was pretty easy! The birthing time was about 8 ½ hours compared to 6 hours last time. The birth center and midwife was sooooo much better then the hospital and OB/GYN. This time the contractions were only felt as pressure the whole time, and last time they felt a little more like mild cramps at the end and really intense during transition. This time pushing was harder because I just wanted it done. This time my body was really tired during pushing but I could change positions easily. Last time my legs got really tired having to hold them up in bed. Oh, and I totally recommend a water birth!!

So I’m really pleased with the experience and I love my beautiful new baby boy.

(This story was written about a week after Max was born.)

Elora's Birth Story

Elora came to us Friday, September 23rd 2005 at 8:32 pm. She weighed 10 lbs 3 oz and was 21 inches long. She is beautiful and has brought a wonderful spirit into our home!

To explain a little, I used a childbirth hypnosis program called Hypnobabies. It was a home study course that I ordered off the Internet. For the last few months of pregnancy, I practiced going into a deep state of relaxation, and basically re-programmed my mind to think of birth as a wonderful, positive experience with little or no pain. That birth doesn’t have to be complicated and a fearful matter. I learned to put away any fears, which could’ve led to the fear-tension-pain cycle. I practiced everyday by listening to CD’s and bringing myself into hypnosis.

I had been having braxton-hicks contractions for a while before birth, but nobody believed me because I could only feel them if I touched my stomach and it felt tight. I discovered this when I went to my doctor at 36 weeks and I was on the table, and she said, “You’re having a contraction right now.” I just thought to myself, “Oh, I am?” Anyway, I was almost all the way effaced for the last month of pregnancy, but I was always at one cm. Starting at 39 weeks, I drove myself crazy wondering when this baby would come. I did everything they tell you to do… but nothing worked, this baby just wasn’t ready to come out yet. So at 41 ½ weeks my doctor and I decided we would induce with Pitocin at 42 weeks.

On Friday, September 23rd at 2:00 pm we arrived at the hospital to be induced. The doctor checked me and I was 90 % effaced, 1 cm, and –1 station. They set up the IV and got the Pitocin going by about 2:30 pm. The contractions started at about 2 to 3 minutes apart and were pretty much like that the whole time. At first the only way I knew I was having a contraction was if I looked at the monitor or felt my stomach. So I really didn’t feel a thing. My husband, Travis, and I played Uno, then after a little while, he did his homework or slept, and I just put on my birth affirmations CD. After a couple hours, the contractions began to feel like mild cramps, nothing bad at all. So I listened to my Birth Guide CD, and began using my light switch for each contraction (going into hypnosis). After a little while they got a little more intense, but Travis used the cue word of “relax” and put his hand on my forehead, and a wonderful wave of relaxation went through me. At 7:00 pm I went to the bathroom and at 7:15 or so I asked the nurse if she’d check me. I was at 5 cm. About a half an hour later or so I started feeling really hot and shaky, and the contractions were really intense. I think it freaked Travis out a little, because he’d say “RELAX!” in a not so relaxing, pleading way. During this time, I was wondering if this is what transition is like? Thinking that I couldn’t be at transition, because they just checked me and I was at 5. But I began doubting, and thinking that I couldn’t take this much longer –thinking that I still had a while to go! I even told Travis that I might want an epidural, even though, in my mind, I knew that I didn’t want one! But Travis was great, and kept telling me I was doing great, and that I didn’t really want an epidural. I told him to call in the nurse to help me go to the bathroom, just to get a nurse in there. By the time she came in, I thought I felt a pushing urge, so I told the nurse this. She checked me, and I was 10 cm!! This was at 8:00 pm, so I went from 5 to 10cm in 45 minutes! So she called the doctor, and then everybody was getting everything ready, and I started pushing. I was making a lot of ooo and ahhh sounds, which seemed natural at the time. As I was pushing the nurse thought that she’d be delivering the baby. The doctor was probably very surprised to get a call. He even told me before labor began that he thought I’d probably deliver the next day. The doctor did come in time though, and I continued pushing. This didn’t hurt at all, just a little tiring for my legs. My eyes were closed when Elora was born, and my husband said, “Cynthia, open your eyes, you did it!” I opened my eyes, and there was a baby on my stomach! I said, “Oh, she’s big!” I couldn’t believe there was a baby on my lap! She was beautiful, it was amazing! So after a half an hour of pushing, Elora was born.

I am still in awe of this whole experience. The doctor and the nurses were all in awe. They said that I did better than most of their epidural patients. They hadn’t seen a birth like this before; I was the talk of labor and delivery. The lady who gave birth to a 10 lb baby naturally! Honestly I wouldn’t have known that I was giving birth to a 10 lb baby or a 4 lb baby! I did get a second-degree tear; I think this is because we slacked off on perineal massage. We did it during weeks 36 to 39, but during weeks 39 to 42, we were too busy hoping the baby would come soon. Recovery was great though, a little hard to sit and move around, but not too bad. The nurse kept asking me on a scale of 1 to 10 how much pain was I in? This was a very annoying question, I was thinking, “Pain? What’s that? I might be in a little pain, 1 or 2 maybe?” I didn’t take any pain medication after birth. The doctor did numb me with a few stabs before stitching me up, I think that hurt more than anything… I hate needles.

The only thing that I’m disappointed about is the fact that I didn’t go into labor all by myself, but I was getting inpatient. The fact that I had waited until 42 weeks to be induced was a long time already. I am really pleased with the whole birth experience; I would do it again in a heartbeat! Hypnobabies enabled me to be more relaxed as the due date of my baby came. I think it is because of Hypnobabies and because I was so ready and relaxed that my labor was so short, especially in a first time mom. I felt great the last few months of pregnancy. I slept all the way through the night, and felt little discomfort as the days progressed. I felt ready and had no fear of birth. Also, in one of the CD’s it says that 20 minutes will feel like 5, so even with a 6-hour birth, it only felt like an hour or two to me.

Elora is beautiful, and I can’t get enough of her! We are just so happy that she’s finally here! Making us a family of three instead of just the two of us. I love her so much, and feel even more love for my husband Travis as well.

(This story was written about a week after Elora was born)