I found the Hypnobirthing classes the best preparation for my labour. I also attended NCT antenatal classes and NHS antenatal classes. A bit overboard I know! The NHS classes in particular focussed on pain and how to cope and left me feeling scared. I was so pleased I had attended the hypnobirthing classes 1st as I was then able to filter out all the negative imagery that the other classes portrayed. 

Kirsty, Paisley (Mum to baby Aaron)

Just to let you know, we had a wee boy on 2nd Jan. We have called him Aaron and are absolutely over the moon. 

I went into labour naturally which I was glad of as they had booked me in for an induction on the 4th. Even so, when I went in they broke my waters (although I was already 4cm dilated) as they said they needed to get things moving because of my high blood pressure. They also said they would start me on the drip a few hours after breaking my waters but I managed to progress enough myself so didn't need it which I was also very pleased about.  The midwives had also said I would probably need an epidural because of my high blood pressure, (a pre-existing condition) but I wasn't particularly keen and in the end I managed without one. My blood pressure was dangerously high at one point and they said I might need forceps or a C-section, but then the next minute he started to be born! The midwife said someone was looking out for me as it could have been a lot more complicated. The labour lasted only 7 hours overall from when I started having 3 regular contractions every 10 mins. I am convinced the hypnobirthing helped me to remain relaxed and thus helped move things along without too much intervention. I found it hard to do the breathing towards the end, but I did manage it a bit and only had a small tear which didn't require stitches – I'm sure the birth breathing helped with that . 

Anyway, thanks again for everything.

Biddy, Lanarkshire (Mum to baby Cecilia)

Before Birth:

My husband Anders and I really enjoyed the course. Being a scientist Anders is a bit sceptical of anything slightly 'alternative' but I think he really appreciated your explanations of the scientific basis of hypnobirthing (I think this was helped by you having a scientific/medical background) which has helped him to take on board how helpful hypnosis can be for labour and birth and his role as my birth partner. As you know I've used hypnotherapy/hypnosis techniques for various reasons over the last few years so I feel confident about how effective they can be. The hypnobirthing techniques that you taught have already helped me to think more positively and deal with anxieties I've had during my pregnancy and I sleep better now than I have done in ages! I'm really looking forward to using them during my labour. It was nice that you ran the classes from your home as it was a very comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, and that you were so flexible in fitting the classes around our availability and travelling distance. 

After Birth:

Just wanted to let you know I had a baby girl at 11.15 am today (due date today) 7lb 7oz. Active labour was about 6 hours overall (not that I had any concept of time!) Dilated from 2-9cm in 90 minutes! The second stage was long and hard as contractions were very frequent and short, but got there in the end with help of Hypnobirthing and some gas and air. Only had a small tear that didn’t need stitches. Baby was very chilled throughout and still is. The hospital staff have been very supportive and a student midwife who was in delivery was quite fascinated!!