© 2010, Carol Peterson, ICCE, CD(DONA) Erie, PA

Birth Journeys

Carol Peterson, ICCE, HCHI, CD(DONA)

Instilling Confidence in Birth Since 2004

814-899-7722  * cbecarol@yahoo.com * Erie, PA

Q&A with Jake and Amanda: Their Hypnobabies Birth

 

Jake and Amanda’s birth was the first hypno-birth I attended.  I admit that I was curious, as attending a birth is different from teaching, and even learning, about birth.  I was anxious to see the techniques “in action”.  I was so amazed with what I saw, and so pleased when Amanda announced “That was a great experience!” right after her birth, that I wanted to share it with everyone.

 

So, that is exactly what I am doing.  Here is their interview, unedited.

 

Jake and Amanda, with your first birth you took my traditional class, and then came back to take Hypnobabies with baby #2.  What made you decide to take Hypnobabies?

 

Amanda: I was looking for a more natural experience.  Hypnobabies gave an interesting look at childbirth.

 

Jake:  My wife.  

 

Amanda, many people have the misconception that hypnosis-for-birth removes mom from her birthing experience.  I was with you at your birth, and I thought you were very present… very in tune with your body.  How do you view your experience?  Do you feel that you were on the outside observing, or really present?  

 

Amanda: I was much more present this time.  I was able to experience every pressure wave.  I listened to my body and trusted that it knew how to give birth.  I loved working with my body to deliver our son.

 

Jake, as the birth partner, you were very involved with this birth.  How did your preparation and involvement differ this time around?

 

Jake:  There was a lot more preparation with Hypnobabies because we had never done hypnosis before and we had to train Amanda to be able to enter hypnosis.  I read scripts to Amanda every other day from the day we started the class until the baby was born.  My involvement during the birth was more involved this time because it was my second and therefore not as scary, but also because I was guiding my wife with her hypno- anesthesia, and if I wasn’t doing that then it would have been a horrible experience.

 

In your honest opinion, do you think this birth differed from the first, and what do you attribute it to?

 

Jake:  This birth was completely different.  It was much better than the first one.  I attribute it to the preparation and tools that Hypnobabies provided to allow us to deal with the birthing experience.  I knew what to expect, and was prepared to deal with it.

 

Amanda:  Yes, very much so.  I made the decision to have a different experience and I did everything in my power to make that happen.  I spent time each day preparing for the wonderful experience and that is exactly what I got.  

 

(A special thank you to Jake and Amanda for their willingness to share their story, and for sharing their amazing birth with me!)