Just a consumer's point of view here. I come from a very positive, well-informed point of view regarding childbirth. I've read Dick-Read's CHILDBIRTH WITHOUT FEAR from cover to cover and many other books besides. I've had two brilliant waterbirth experiences at the Brisbane RWH birth centre and two contented babies to show for it. My birth stories with photos are on this website:
http://www.fbc.org.au >go to parents corner > read "waterbirths" "Kiran" and "Tiiva". Now still in my first trimester of my third pregnancy, I've decided to try hypnobirthing this go 'round. While the courses are not available here without considerable cost of hiring a private hypnotherapist, I am simply reading the book (on loan from a friend) and incorporating the meditation scripts into my yoga practise. I'm very much an active birther so I don't see why the visualisations cannot be employed while I mobilise the room or soak in a tub. At least, I'm hoping to give it a go. I have two acquaintances (in the US) who sing the praises of hypnobirthing - even claiming that their births WERE, in fact, "pain free". I try to read between the lines and I wonder if their assessment of the absence of pain was enhanced by post-birth amnesia but their experiences were especially positive all the same. I wonder if "pain-free" referred only to their first stage labours because I think ALL women become acutely aware of what is going on between their legs when baby descends and that indescribable "splitting in two" sensation proclaims that baby is almost here. If hypnobirthing can provide even a glimmer of comfort at that moment I'll be converted for life!! When the time comes, I'll let the list know about my experience with hypnobirthing. Until then, I remain open-minded. Jodie Miller -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
