Natural Birthing Experience via Hypnobirthing

Since I've gotten pregnant, I have been seriously thinking about what I want my "birthing experience" to be like. Early on, I decided I wanted to attempt a natural birth - without any medications. The two methods that I started considering were the "Bradley Method" and "Hypnobirthing." After speaking with my midwife, my husband I made the decision to try Hypnobirthing. We wanted to make sure that our practioners were supportive of our birthing decision, and every midwife we spoke to at our practice recommended Hypnobirthing over the Bradley Method. I think the general consensus with the Bradley Method was that, in their experience, the mothers who chose this method were more anti-intervention and/or recommendations made by the midwife AND the success rate for completing a natural birth was higher for Hypnobirthing in this particular practice.

I have read up on both methods and I believe either is a great method to prepare for childbirth. But I do recommend that your practioner supports whichever you decide upon.

Anyhow, Justin and I have been attending hypnobirthing classes for the past three weeks or so, and have found that the relaxation and breathing techniques are definitely beneficial in "destressing." We have a few more classes, and a lot more practicing to do, but I'm crossing my fingers that my birthing experience will be as relaxed as possible.

For references here's a link to a Dateline special on Hypnobirthing that came out about 10 years ago:

PART 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llT30oHxz6g&feature=related

PART 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f05YQbnsUGA&feature=related

And a great resource website: http://www.hypnobirthing.com/

T-36 days to go!

So I had my 35 week appointment today and there wasn't much new that they told me. The baby is about 5 1/2 weeks from being due, and all else seems normal.

Now let's define "normal" - swelling, fatigue, round ligament pain...all normal :). Anxiety, mixed in with anticipation is also "normal".

The house set up is coming along - as is the nursery. Even though we've made a lot of progress, I still feel like we're a gazillion miles away from having the house ready for baby. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous - I know baby doesn't need much anyhow. She'll have milk, clothes, diapers, and two loving parents. I'm sure that is really all she needs.

BUT, I know that all the stuff that needs to get done around the house won't really get done after she arrives. Moving at 30 weeks pregnant is really not something I suggest anyone to do. I'm trying to take a "laid back" attitude, and not let small things get to me...but I'm definitely not programmed that way it seems. Reprogramming oneself is not an easy task, but I'm trying!

I've been reading up on nursing and calming unhappy babies. I've gone to LLL meetings and watched DVD's on how calming techniques. We'll see how useful any of these things are once baby arrives :).

Husband and I are super excited to meet this little munchkin who's kicking around inside.