Testimonials

My Hypnobirth Experience

Since I was a child, I have suffered from such severe anxiety attacks that I thought I might never be able to manage pregnancy and birth, although I wanted a baby very much.

When I heard about hypnobirthing it seemed like the perfect solution. I was sceptical at first, but really wanted to stay calm through the pregnancy and not be dreading the birth the whole time, so my partner and I started looking for a good instructor. We chose Cath because she seemed a great combination – very sensitive and open, but also well-organised and a good teacher.

We started the classes pretty early – when I was only about four months pregnant – and it made a huge difference to me. I listened to the CDs every day, and noticed a real change in my attitude very quickly. I found myself telling friends that I was looking forward to the birth, and I began to really enjoy the whole process, as my body and nature worked their magic.

We planned a home water birth with our independent midwife, and Cath let her attend classes with us, so that she would be fully aware of what we were doing and why.

We had a bit of trouble finding time to practice the hypnobirthing as a couple, but Cath helped us to find ways that worked, and my partner even recorded his own hypnobirth messages for me, so I could listen to them when he was away working.

About a month before my due date, we discovered that our baby was breech, which is regarded as high-risk, and we were propelled into a world of consultants and c-sections. It was a very frightening time, but I had my CDs and my partner and Cath to help me face my fears.

Hypnobirthing gave me the courage to stick to my guns and wait for the birth to begin naturally. I trusted my baby and my body to know what to do.

When my labour began, one sunny summer evening, I took some cushions and lay down in my garden. I watched the clouds scud by overhead, and listened to my partner’s recorded relaxation exercises. I found the experience exciting, and although the surges seemed strong, I was quite focussed and could enjoy the gaps in between as my body filled with endorphins – nature’s natural pain relievers.

In total, I laboured at home for nearly two hours – though the surges never became regular or got that close together. Because the babe was still breech, when my waters suddenly broke, we decided to head into hospital for a c-section (the NHS don’t ‘allow’ natural breech births any more). I stayed calm – something I could never have imagined, as a c-section was something I had feared a great deal.

When I arrived at the hospital I was relaxed and collected and chatting, so they didn’t realise that I was fully dilated – until I had a surge and the baby’s feet popped out!

The staff jumped into action and tried to get a c-section started, but my lovely baby had other ideas – just four more surges and she was out – healthy and happy – a miracle. I had a tiny bit of gas and air, but no other drugs, and I can honestly say that my daughter’s birth was one of the best experiences of my life! It was a very intense and concentrated couple of hours, but I did not find it unbearable or overwhelming. I would recommend hypnobirthing to anyone and truly believe that it helped me to have the fear-free and enjoyable birthing I had always dreamed of.

Tara and Ben Bacon Wivenhoe

If it hadn't been for Hypnobirthing, I don't know what we would have done. My experience of being pregnant was unfortunately not a great one.....until we met our teacher Cath! The classes made Jon (the daddy) and my sister feel more involved in the whole process. I was very scared about the

whole thing at first...that is where the hypnobirthing helped so much. The most amazing thing to come out of it is our little boy, who is the most chilled out, happy and relaxed baby!!
Would recommend it to anyone.

Janine and Jonathon Hills (Halstead)

Cath explained everything very well, her warmth and personality made us feel like we'd known her for ages, she listened to everything we had to say, and her voice had a real calming infulence, which put us at ease straight away.

My Labour started early in the morning, and was pretty much unaware of it. When the surges started to get stronger I just used the breathing I learnt and focus. At about 7pm i was 7/8 cm, from then got into the pool, kept my focus through what Cath had taught me and breathed my baby out, it did'nt hurt hardly at all, it was quite

orgasmic in a word! It felt nice. I caught him and brought him to my chest, i felt amazing, I'd done it, just lying there cuddling my new son, i burst into tears of joy!.

I believe that Hypnobirthing made all the differnce to me, Cath was brilliant, and I couldn’t wait to tell her how well i'd done, so well the Midwife kept telling me i was so quiet!! Now after having this experience I'd love to have another baby using this method, and video this time!!

Julie Hall (Sudbury)