HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing (3rd Edition) Reviews

• Wonderful Book

  
  By A1A0RG3DDSDRSP on 2005-07-21
  I love the new edition of this book. It is far more interesting, entertaining and complete than the last edition. I especially like Dr. Lorne Campbell's letter at the beginning of the book which details how he went from a 25% c-section rate to a 1% (yes - 1%- that is not a typo) c-section rate after making some changes with his practice. The most major change he made of course was using HypnoBirthing.
  
  Reading this book will be a very effective way of getting rid of any fear that you may have of childbirth. The first edition of this book completely changed my life and my children truly owe their lives to it. Before this book there was no way I would have ever considered getting preganant or giving birth. I was too afraid of birth.
  
  So what will you learn? I can't do it justice in this review. It isn't only about self-hypnosis. That is only a small part of the HypnoBirthing classes and book. You will learn other tools like breathing (that actually works during birth), birth plans, laws of the mind, exercises, choosing a caregiver, how to avoid artifical inductions, c-section, nutrition, and much more.
  
  The book also comes with a Hypnosis for Childbirth CD.
  
  Yes, I have given birth using this method. My daughter is now three and I had almost no discomfort during birth. I love giving birth now. By the way, I also used the hypnosis technique's at this dentist. I had a several fillings that had to be re-done. I only used hypnosis and had no pain.
  
  Sheri Menelli, speaker, author, childbirth educator, mother
  
  

• The perfect gift for any pregnant woman!

  
  By A34RJ2G1HI5HVE on 2006-03-19
  It is now three days since I gave birth to my first baby, a beautiful 9lb girl. In my last few weeks of pregnancy I met a neighbor who insisted I read this book as soon as I could. She described the hypnobirthing philosophy of birth with no pain or fear and how she had used it successfully with her third child. I was skeptical that it could help me much because I had heard that first babies were more difficult to deliver than second or third babies, and I thought maybe her success was due to her previous experiences with labor. Regardless, I decided to buy the book. When it arrived a few days later I skimmed through it and attempted some of the breathing techniques. I found them very difficult because my lung capacity at 9 months pregnant was pretty low. The accompanying CD, however, was very easy to use and I got sort-of addicted to it (only the relaxation part) because it helped me get back to sleep when I woke up at 4am every morning. It taught me to relax my entire body instantly, with the idea that this could help me through contractions. It also improved my breathing technique somewhat. When labor came I was able to use my relaxation skills to work through early, active, and transition labor stages with relatively little pain and a strong sense of control over my body. I was happy and thought I would get through everything fine until the pushing stage. I had not read or practiced any hypnobirthing techniques for pushing and, unfortunately relaxation was not an option. My pushing was intensely difficult and there was most certainly pain and fear. I believe, however, that had I discovered hypnobirthing earlier and practiced all the breathing techniques, I may have had an easier time. Even though my pushing stage was hard, I didn't tear and I didn't require any medication, stiches, or other interventions. I plan to recommend hypnobirthing to all my pregnant friends early in their pregnancies, based on my strongly positive experience and will use it from the get go myself if I am ever pregnant again.
  
  

• Just a marketing tool for the classes

  
  By A4KP2QYUKB4IB on 2007-06-26
  While there are some interesting and useful ideas presented in this book, "some" is the operative word. I was disappointed to find out that this book is less of an informative work, and more of a marketing tool to get you to take the hypnobirthing classes. She will spend pages talking about a wonderful technique, only to glaze over any form of instruction by saying "...this technique, which you will learn in your class." Frustrating, and a waste of time. I was hoping to get something out of the book, because I did not have the time nor the money for the lengthy and expensive classes.
  
  Additionally, she makes some pretty hefty promises, including a "painless" birth. I know several people who have used this method and while it helped them, nobody has described their birth as painless. My OB warned me against trusting any program that made such a promise, and I think she's onto something.
  
  Another aspect that bothers me is that she encourages an "us vs. them" mentality when it comes to healthcare providers. Of course, you need to be in a position of making informed decisions with your doctors and nurses, but she makes it seem like hospital staff is out to ruin your birth, which was so far from my experience, and this mentality that she (and many other pregnancy/birth authors) pushes is completely counter-productive in the real world.
  
  Finally, there is some flat out inaccurate information, which makes me question the other "facts" presented in the book. For instance, she includes butter and fruits in her list of foods to help you meet your protein needs. An entire stuck of butter only has 1 gram of protein; fruit is a poor source as well. And rather than giving into your evil doctor's advice should induction become necessary, she tells you to eat spicy food -- a complete myth. Maybe some people go into labor after eating a taco...but some people go into labor after eating an apple, too.
  
  If you don't intend on taking the classes, I don't think this book is worth while. But then again, if you do plan on taking the classes, you will most likely learn everything you need from them, making this book unnecessary.
  
  

• I'm Sold

  
  By A3BPKBGA27PATX on 2005-10-01
  As opposed to Henci Goer's "Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Birth", which scares you into wanting a natural birth by making pretty much all intervention sound ghoulish and dangerous, this book makes you want a natural birth because of the beautiful experience that the author describes when talking about her own hypnobirth and the other births that she's been involved in. I can only speak for myself but I respond far better to positive motivation.
  
  The philosophy behind this method and the book makes good sense: women have been having babies for thousands of years, our bodies are designed to do it, and a lot of the pain in labor comes from being conditioned to be afraid of it. You get scared, you tense up, and it hurts. When I went to my obstetrician today, I asked her what natural birth method has been the best in her experience, and she said that all her hypnobirths have been "beautiful". What can I say? I'm sold. I'm having a hypnobaby!
  
  

• Great book that I highly recommend

  
  By A1DTBOM5227I0N on 2005-09-08
  I think this book is such a great read for any expecting mom. I thought the idea of hypnobirthing sounded a little bit strange when I was first recommended the book by my cousin. She said it helped her so much with her labor and delivery so I assumed it would only benefit me to read it. I have always wanted a natural, drug free child birth so this book really backed up my beliefs in doing so.
  Whats great about this book is that it doesn't talk about "hypnobirthing" the whole time. It takes about how labor is a natural process that we shouldn't fear. It goes over many important aspects of pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding that any pregnant woman should know about. It also gives great breathing exercises and focusing techniques that are similar to lamaze techniques.
  I am due in 7 weeks and I can't wait. This book has made me excited and confident for my labor. I know that I am capable of having a natural childbirth and this book has really helped me get mentally prepared for this joyous event in my life.
  
  
• Not a bad read!
  By ACDU5YGSYPC2O on 2007-01-20
  I bought this book because I was really curious about hypnobirthing and I was trying to decide if it was for me. I've been taking Bradley classes to prepare for a natural birth. Yet, I know a few people who claim that Hypnobirthing really helped them. It was definitely a good intro to the technique. I learned about the terminology, breathing and visualization techniques involved with hypnobirthing. It even comes with a CD that I may use during my own labor. I'm not sure that this book is detailed enough to replace taking a Hypnobirthing class though. I also don't think I would feel confident enough to employ this technique just after reading the book. I would also suggest that if you are serious about trying hypnobirthing you begin early in your pregnancy. This might really give you the opportunity to master all of the techniques provided.
  
  
• Glad I did the program, but birth was not pain-free
  By A32QI9LTW7KBUZ on 2006-08-09
  I poured myself into this program. I absolutely loved it. I started the book when I was 4 months pregnant. Because I was planning a homebirth, I wanted to be prepared. I found a teacher, did the class, practiced all the exercises with my husband, and listened to rainbow relaxation every night for the last 3 months of pregnancy. I truly believed that I would have a pain-free birth. Labor started on my due date, gently at first. I loved knowing what to do, how to breathe, what to visualize from the very beginning. I feel like labor was a little out of my control, and hypnobirthing teaches you the tools to move easily into an out of control situation, allowing it to take you where it needs to (birth!) while you are just focusing on the moment at hand; breathing and relaxing. My birth was at home and it was pretty textbook; 22 hours and 3 1/2 hours of pushing due to my daughters hand on her face. I had also practiced bikram yoga during my pregnancy, so had high hopes that between the yoga and hypnobirthing labor would have gone faster, but it didn't. I did feel pain. A LOT of it. As soon as I entered into active labor I was uncomfortable. The only visualization that worked was riding a wave and my cervix opening like a rose. I spent a lot of time in the tub with my husband. I did not ask to go to the hospital because the pain was too much. I spent the whole labor focused on my breathing techniques, but not in the altered, hypnotic state I had so easily slipped into while listening to rainbow relaxation before. I pushed my daughter out in one push. I had been pushing for so long that I wanted it over. She was healthy, bright and beautiful! I felt really let down after the birth, frustrated I had spent so much time following the book and tapes so completely. I didn't know what I had done wrong. That said, when I get pregnant again, I will do the program. And, although my birth was not pain-free, I used all the tools in this book. Looking back on my experience, hypnobirthing was a beacon of light in the dark unknown of labor.
  
  
• Relaxing
  By A2Z99WCMGU2TYF on 2006-02-25
  Although I did not finish the book before having my baby, what I read was helpful. I was able to relax during labor and have my baby without an epidural which was my goal. The breathing exercises were helpful. I managed to stay home until my contractions were 2 minutes apart and I was dilated 8 cm! I honestly think it was because of the breathing techniques given in the book. I only wish I had the opportunity to take the class and/or finish the book.
  
  
• Very helpful even though I didn't practice everything
  By A39INGV1Y4EVHN on 2006-09-07
  I didn't take the hypnobirthing class and I have to admit that I didn't do all the exercises and certainly not with the frequency recommended, so I wasn't surprised that my labor was not completely pain-free. That being said, to the extent that I did practice the breathing in combination with pain-coping techniques from the "Birthing From Within" book, I felt very prepared for labor and my birth experience was really positive - I even smiled during labor even though the contractions started at about 5 minutes apart and quickly progressed to 2 minutes apart. The "pain" was bearable and I believe my ability to relax with the help of the CD early on in labor made the labor relatively short for a first timer (12 hours). The staff at the birth center was surprised with how "in control" I was. I attribute it to the wonderful explanation in this book of how important it is to relax during labor and my husband and my usage of co-chanting during each surge. My husband also really helped by coaching me to stay relaxed so our baby can come out and reminding me how each contraction ("surge") brings our baby closer to us (hypno birthing concepts). Another helpful thing was during pregnancy not letting people tell me scary birth stories (when someone seemed like they were about to start a scary story I used to say "only happy stories please"). Reading a lot of positive birth stories was also helpful for me.
  To summarize, this book was very helpful for me and I recommend reading various books to have a variety of things to draw on during labor since you don't know what will be the most helpful.
  
  
• Desperately Over-Hyped
  By A1CMVSAHXGLIDI on 2007-12-21
  I have read this and over a dozen other books as part of my labor doula training. Now, as an expectant mother, I've discussed this curriculum with several doulas, midwives, and midwife assistants. I also audited the class last year.
  
  Bottom line: If you want to learn about childbirth preparation, there are better books (Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Kitzinger). If you want to learn about overly interventionist hospital policies and practices, there are better books (Missed Conceptions, Wolfe; Ina May Gaskin, etc.). If you want an emotionally and spiritually connected approach to birthing, Birthing from Within is great. If you want to develop relaxation techniques that work specifically for you, paying a few bucks for the book won't hurt, but the class is over $400, for that money you could meet one-on-one with a licensed hypnotherapist who could tailor techniques just for you.
  
  Mongan's basic principle, that a relaxed woman will labor more effectively, is something I believe whole-heartedly. I'm even planning a homebirth. But the idea that it *shouldn't* hurt if I'm doing the exercises right is overstated and, frankly, I think abusive to women. As if barfing during transition is a sign of a character flaw. The section on pushing the baby out is particularly misleading and wildly unrealistic.
  
  I like that they're encouraging people to demand more compassionate care in labor and delivery. But this movement seems more invested in making a brand for itself than in thoughtful, well-reasoned, well-researched approaches to improving maternity care.
  
  
• This book is fabulous! Very helpful.
  By A26VHUZ3J5321O on 2006-05-16
  I loved the new edition of the book. After giving birth to my son in 2003 using HypnoBirthing I was thrilled that the new edition was out just in time for the birth of my daughter in August 2005. After a second successful HypnoBirth I'm hooked!
  
  I now give this book/CD to all of my newly pregnant friends. With or without the class, this is an important read for every woman preparing for childbirth. I like that it comes with the CD.
  
  This book provides useful tools that can be adapted to your own labor and delivery. The methods helped me throughout the birthing process.
  
  
• Sorry Eliza, You are wrong.
  By A1GZQ5Y4J82QJX on 2006-01-28
  I don't know what promoted your desire to support O'Neill, but you are wrong in all categories. O'Neill may have thought in her head that HypnoBirthing was a catchy idea, but she never promoted it. If she has any proof that she created the term, she has never delivered any proof to Marie Mongan or the Federal Government and has never had a lawyer represent her even though her husband (assuming she is still married)is an attorney. The fedarel government has awarded to Marie Mongan, the trademark for HypnoBirthing(R).
  
  
• Ok, but there are better.
  By A3FDG1ASGMUQSL on 2007-07-12
  I bought this book in the hope to learn some new guided imagery that I could use to relax me during labor, and during pregnancy. The book is one of those books that is just ok, not life-changing. When you read it you don't really have any "aha" moments. The CD that comes with it was ok, but not that special. I have found Belleruth Naparstek's CDs to be by far the most transformative. Her CDs make me SO relaxed! Even the heartburn and swelling seem to calm down after I've relaxed to her CD for about 45 minutes. Also, I find that during the weeks that I do her CD I have a more positive outlook and I can cope with things better. The pregnancy hormones seem much more dark and difficult to deal with when I get busy and don't do the CD. I like her "Pregnancy and Childbirth" CD, as well as her "Relaxation and Wellness" one. If you had a traumatic birth experience or pregnancy in the past, her PTSD CD is really powerful. Hope this helps someone!
  
  
• HypnoBirthing: The Breakthrough Natural Approach to a Safer, Easier, More Comforatable Birthing-The Mongan Method
  By A31UG0BJMK9E0J on 2005-09-28
  This book is incredible! It takes birthing back to it's simplicity in nature. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to take birthing back by calm!
  
  
• ok but neededmore
  By A1QWF8SHG8XS9B on 2005-10-31
  I bought this and then received The Hypnobirthing Bundle for Happy Hypnomoms and Blissful Hypnobabies . {baby shower gift} I found the Bundle new edition much easier and more comforting and professional.you could try them both but I thought The Bundle was a 5+ and actually all that was necessary . We didn't even take a childbirth class as the Leclaire hypnobirthing method was transforming.
  
  
• This book is a great help!
  By A2UC4D7QEF9YLZ on 2006-02-02
  I read this book just before I gave birth and it helped me a lot. I loved reading the history of hypnobirthing and the birthing process in other countries. I felt very comfortable using the techniques in this book.
  
  
• Great help during birthing!
  By ABGL3TRF1HEHG on 2007-01-05
  I read the book and practiced with the CD for three weeks prior to the birth of my third child. I wanted to try it all natural. When I got to the hospital, I was so far into my labor and was told the anesthesiologist probably wouldn't make it there in time for an epidural to work. So, I waived the epidural, put in the CD, and 20 minutes later had a beautiful and healthy daughter with very minimal pain! It was actually my best birthing experience out of all three of my children. My contractions seemd to last shorter, and my husband said at the height of my contraction I didn't seem to be bothered by them. I learned how to overcome the pain just by listening to a CD! I have told everyone I know who is having a baby of my experience, and encouraged them to buy the book and CD.
  
  
• Do not recommend
  By A3W57JVKW2P6XG on 2007-11-14
  I do not recommend this book. I purchased this book AND took the class. I practiced all the exercises and was confident for my birthing. The only thing this book provided me was confidence in birthing. However, it made me suspicious of my doctor's advice, which is/was bad.
  
  My birthing went well, but could have been less painful and finished faster had I listened to my doctor. Hypnobirthing says that when your water breaks, to not go to the hospital until your contractions are felt. In my case, I didn't feel contractions for 24 hours. I did go in after 12 hours when my doctor said that I should be induced. I resisted. 12 hours after, they induced me. Hypnobirthing says that if you get the epidural, it will be more difficult for you give birth because you do not know how hard to push so you'll be pushing for a long time and then the baby gets stuck and then you'll end up getting a c-section.
  
  So, I did not get an epidural. BUT there is no possible way to endure drug-induced contractions naturally. It is/was the MOST painful thing EVER. At one point, I was ready to get a C-section just to stop the pain. Finally, I got the epidural. And I must say that it was the best thing that happened. I didn't feel a thing and was laughing and telling jokes. Hypnobirthing also says that you should not push, but you should "BREATHE" the baby out. Well, I PUSHED the baby out and 20 minutes later, I had my sweet baby.
  
  Because I was trying to have my birthing the hypnobirthing way, I had unnecessarily lengthened the labor time and endured massive pain. In the future, I will only use this book during pregnancy to help me relax, which is why I am giving it 2 stars. But I will not practice any of the book's philosophies. I will not create a birth plan, I will get induced and ask for the epidural.
  
  My advice is to read this book only for the relaxation techniques and to help understand the birthing "process" but don't bother with the birth breathing AND Listen to your doctor.
  
  
• Strongly recommend
  By A5K27GS44UBMD on 2007-02-05
  I just gave birth to my third child using the methods described in this book and working with a hypnobirthing therapist who worked with me. This was my first time using hypnosis, and I believe it made a huge difference. (I had a c-section the first time, and over 24 hour labors for both.) My third child was born only two hours after I arrived at the hospital. I did have pain then, but the early labor was not painful at all. I wasn't even sure I was in labor, and I let my husband take the kids ice skating with friends. I had to call them back. When I finally did have some pain, she was born about 3 to 4 hours later.
  
  The book is defintely worth it and you definitely need the cd. The book has information that I have not seen in any pregnancy/labor book. The breathing methods are also new to me -- and I teach yoga -- and they were very beneficial. Frankly, we were all shocked how easy the delivery was; although my hypnotherapist said it would go quick, but I was rather skeptical. She was right, because she has seen it happen over and over. She said usually she has a difficult time getting to the hospital in time for the births.
  
  The only draw back with the method is that you are supposed to have a partner to practise the relaxation techniques. My husband was not really into this, so I did it mainly on my own. He did participate in the last week or so when he saw that the methods kept me calm and sane, and alleviated my fears of childbirth and hospitals.
  
  
• Really does make childbirth easier
  By A1LK1G3HZWIW8R on 2007-08-14
  I had given birth twice & was expecting my third when I got this book. It really is a low price considering it includes the cd & book! I will be honest & say I never read the whole book & didn't have much time to listen to the cd but I listened a handful of times while pregnant.
  
  My husband didn't take part in the cd or the exercises in the book. So it can be done without them following along.
  
  The first time I gave birth naturally it was a very traumatic & painful experience. It was something I never again wanted to feel. The second time went much smoother. It was another natural birth as my epidural couldn't be given in time. My labors are normally long (14 1/2 & 20 1/2 hours long) I normally need pitocin because I stop dialating naturally around 5 cm.
  
  My water broke & I started practicing my breathing in the car. I could tell it was working because I went from feeling no pain to a good amount of pain & was afraid we wouldn't make it to the hospital in time so I stopped practicing. We got to the hospital at 2:15A I was expecting to need pitocin which I did not want! Around 3 I was 6 cm. Then at 4:03A I was 10 I couldn't even believe I had done it on my own. My son all 9 lbs & 21 inches was born by 4:17A with no medication at all.
  
  I won't lie & say it was pain free but it was a lot less painful than my other med free births.
  
  
• Hypnobirthing is the best!
  By A3RS8P6ACL6LW4 on 2007-12-23
  Since I was a small girl and all the way through my early 20's I had a phobia about giving birth. I would have nightmares and wake up upset that I would never have children. Flash forward to a couple of years ago. My hubby and I planned a pregnancy and I decided I would just go for it and hope for the best. I decided to take a class in Hypnobirthing and it changed everything for me. This is a book that empowers and comforts the pregnant mom. You'll learn that your body is designed to birth and if you get out of your own way and let it do it's work, you'll have a positive birth expereice. I went from being terrified of birth, to delivering my little girl in a joyful, calm, and drug free way. I simply didn't need any pain medication. In my birth video I look like I'm asleep between the pushes, I'm so relaxed! I still can't believe it! Read the book, take a class if you can, listen to the CD, and trust your body. Self doubt is the only thing that stands in your way. Even if complications arise in your baby's birth, the techniques you'll learn will keep you calm, relaxed, and confident. Happy Birthing!
  
  P.S. - This course is not about choosing to go "Anti-Epidural". You can learn these incredible techniques and still make any pain management decisions you wish. Don't worry. Just study the techniques and see how it helps you. I didn't need an epidural because my relaxation was so deep, I didn't have a painful experience (LOTS of pressure but not pain), but you can do what you wish while still having the techniques to keep you relaxed and positive no matter what you choose. It's not one way or the other. - I do have to say that it's important that you have a doctor and partner who is supportive of your ability to birth with no intervention. The doubt of your medical professional, partner, mother, or anyone else in the room can really sabatoge your positive attitude. If you were running a marathon, would you want someone driving along beside you saying, "You'll never do this on your own. It's going to be terrible and painful!" You MUST have people around you who believe in your ability to birth.
  
  
• Excellent book
  By A3JQ36TMQ86G78 on 2007-01-11
  I'm on my fourth child (out of three pregnancies) and wish I had this book/resource before. I'm also a registered nurse and find the information VERY useful. I'm excited to use this method during this delivery (I'm having a homebirth this time around) and taking the classes with our local Hypnobirthing Instructor (who will attend my delivery as well). I enjoy the fact that Ms. Mongan states out loud that this does not take the place of proper prenatal care through a CNM/OB-GYN nor is it for everyone, rather that it is a supplement to a normal, uncomplicated pregnancy.
  
  I'm actually thinking of becoming a Hypnobirthing Instructor myself (as well as changing my career path as a nurse into nurse midwifery). I believe this book and it's corresponding classes can really help women have a more comfortable and easier experience than traditional "medical" births.
  
  
  
• Only if you pay to take the class?
  By A1RPNKJJGAVB21 on 2007-02-14
  I was so excited to read this book. I choose this over some of the other options because this seemed like the original source of the information. But as I started reading it, I started to feel manipulated. There are so many references in the book to "what you will practice in class". And there is even a part that states "you will get these cue cards from your instructor". I bought this book because I didn't have the $300 bucks to spend taking a live class and I don't appreciate that they sell it as a stand alone book, but that it is written as an accompaniement to a birth class.
  
  I didn't feel as though I got enough from the book alone to help me in any way and as I had already done a lot of reading on childbirth, none of the extra information was anything new to me.
  
  Skip this book. I wish I had.
  
  
• Only way to have a natural birth
  By A3B2N367B3HOZZ on 2007-02-19
  This book was extremely helpful. It gave me different relaxation techniques. I didn't work with a hypotherapist or anything but I found that I could pick and choose what would work for me. Don't beleive is when it says that without fear there will be no pain because there definately is but you can work through it with the technique and a great partner to help you focus. Good luck!
  
  
• TRY IT
  By A3HCLAKZDS8CZ9 on 2007-03-06
  I bought this book only a few weeks before I gave birth, so I didn't even have time to practice the techniques much. This system worked anyway. It will change your whole perspective on giving birth, and it will give you a very effective way to manage your pain during labor and delivery. My midwife actually told me: "Your labor should have been on The Discovery Channel." Certainly every body is different, but it is definitely worth a shot. Also effective for dealing with stress and relaxation in your daily life. Outstanding, and definitely worth a shot.
  
  
• Have a peaceful, joyful birth
  By ACDKM2C99SFCP on 2007-03-24
  As a practitioner trained in HypnoBirthing and as a certified doula (professional labor supporter), I can wholeheartedly recommend this book and the method it presents. HypnoBirthing is a way to be profoundly present in your birthing experience, to release your fears and anxieties about the birth and embrace with awe and wonder your body and its amazing ability to bring a new little person into the world. Marie is passionate about teaching women to trust their bodies and allow them to do what they are made to do. This book is an incredible tool to help you attain the calm, peaceful birth you deserve.
  
  
• There is a lot of good in this book...
  By A28J4ZKLWBMJWN on 2007-06-30
  My mom found an old copy of a Hypnobirthing book at a yard sale. Halfway through I was thinking, "Wow...I really wish this had a relaxation CD to go with it!" Found this book and bought it immediately.
  
  I didn't want to fork over the cash for a Hypnobirthing class, and I think this book+CD will be a suitable substitute. After all, there are several things in the book that are a little strange (the rainbow deal? weird.), so I probably would have been disappointed with the class anyway. With this book, I can get a thorough introduction to the concept of Hypnobirthing (very basically, relaxation = less pain), some visualization ideas, and a very relaxing CD to take into the delivery room with me. I plan to pop the CD in my discman, slip the headphones on, and basically ignore everyone else in the room until the baby is born. :)
  
  I'm due in 6 more weeks...I'll try to remember to update this review after delivery to let y'all know how it worked. :)
  
  ETA: Well, I didn't end up listening to the CD during labor, because I didn't feel I needed it. The breathing alone really helped relax me. My contractions were totally manageable the whole time. Not pain free, but nowhere near excruciating. Transition was a little rougher, but still manageable. However, the "birth breathing" didn't work for me. It wasn't effective enough to get my baby out. But it did move him down far enough that I only had to give 3 or 4 "purple pushes" to finish the job (and he was 9lbs!). Overall, this delivery was MUCH faster and easier than my first, and much less traumatic. I would still recommend this book and CD to any pregnant woman.
  
  
• A Let Down
  By A32DOGOQ135JKA on 2007-09-11
  This book was somewhat useful and had some good tools and the cd was useful. However, it is quite upsetting when it starts to get into a subject, exercise, etc. and merely states "you will learn more of this in your class". Apparently you are supposed to use this book while taking a class. If only the authors and publishers let you know that before you order it.
  
  
• It won't work for everyone
  By A16MAKEX0SQ2SM on 2007-10-30
  I felt the book itself gave me much more confidence in approaching my child birth experience, and I practiced the techniques and breathing from about my 4th month. However, my experience was that of a turned baby (facing back instead of forward) and yes the techniques helped me cope through 8 hours of relentless back labor... but in the end, it was an epidural and an experienced midwife who turned the baby. I got the natural delivery I wanted, but definitely not without immense pain - even though I was controlling my breathing until the end. My husband and I put off the intervention for longer than necessary - mostly due to my belief in this technique. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone (mine has been thrown out).
  
  
• Hypnobirthing turned process of birthing into a joyous experience for me
  By AWNWOK9HW3BOP on 2007-02-28
  I took Hypnobirthing classes because my first two births were overdue, drug induced and painful experiences.
  I had a beautiful experience birthing my third daughter (on the date I chose to birth her -- not overdue) and know my fourth child will be born peacefully too -- due to hypnobirthing. I just want people to know that the classes are worth the money. It is a shame that insurance does not cover teaching this "cost saving" technique (yet)! If it is still too much money or not offered by anyone in your area yet -- the books and tapes WILL suffice. You just won't get the additional support you would get by taking a class. All the basics are in the book and the relaxation scripts on the CD narrated by Marie Mongan are great. You can get additional scripts, ideas and suggestions in the classes, but my favorite is the rainbow relaxation script that is in the book and on CD from the institute. I also purchased the "Comfort Zone" CD from the institute and played it throughout my birthing. It was sooo soothing! Please don't doubt the process and especially don't
  doubt yourself and the incredible power your body has! So, smile, relax and breathe your baby into this world!
  
  

• Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

• Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
• Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
• Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition
• The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library)
• The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth