Stuart and I met with Claire once we were in the third trimester of our first pregnancy. Although wary at first, Claire soon put us both at ease as she explained clearly and simply the methods of HypnoBirthing® and we were pleased as they mirrored our own hopes on how we wanted the birth to be. I had already been enjoying yoga through my pregnancy and had begun to learn some of the breathing techniques which are also used in HypnoBirthing® which was nice to find out.
During the next session with Claire she went through the course outline and asked me questions on my own personal experiences and thoughts about labour and the prospect of our newborn baby. Any worries Stuart or I wanted to raise could then be worked on in the sessions to ensure the birth and resulting new lifestyle was as relaxed and pain-free as possible.
Through Claire's support, both in terms of the classes and materials we were sent away with in between sessions I was able to learn techniques which proved invaluable in the birthing process. The information I learnt on HypnoBirthing® is also a knowledge I can and hope to use in my everyday life especially within my new role as a mum.
Our little Calum then decided to surprise us by arriving 5 weeks early which meant sadly we didn't get to finish the HypnoBirthing® course with Claire however the techniques we had learnt so far were fantastic in keeping us calm during the surges and allowing the process to flow naturally right up to the moment Calum arrived.
HypnoBirthing® definitely allowed me to manage the birthing process better than I ever imagined. The only pain relief used was gas and air after 7 hours of breathing with the surges and Calum was born, although premature, healthy and happy at 3am.
On reflection I was so pleased with the results of the course Claire offered and the knowledge learnt on HypnoBirthing®, my only regret is that we didn't start the classes earlier!
Liza
Mum to Calum born 20th Sept 2011
I was feeling anxious and apprehensive about the prospect of labour and birth, but was adamant that I wanted to keep things as natural and intervention free as possible, so was keen to find an alternative to conventional pain management. HypnoBirthing® really appealed to me, and after chatting with Claire at the expo in 2010, I knew she was the one to guide me through my anxieties and give me the skills to approach my birthing with confidence.
HypnoBirthing® with Claire was invaluable and greatly influenced my attitude to the impending birth. Rather than feeling frightened by it, I learnt to see it for the wonderful experience it could be, making me look forward to, rather than dread, the day Ava arrived. I lost the fear I had, and I believe that the relaxation and visualisation work you do in-between sessions played a huge role in my keeping my pregnancy a healthy one.
I put a large amount of effort into practising the techniques as 'homework', and this really did allow me to go into 'auto-pilot' on the day, which was really important as it can be hard to actively think things through, and they need to be second nature.
Although my labour was an intense and tiring experience, the techniques covered in HypnoBirthing® empowered me to achieve the birth I wanted, and I will be forever grateful to Claire, and am sure to return to her should I be lucky enough to fall pregnant again. She is warm, accommodating and can give you the information, skills and knowledge that can make your birthing experience a wonderful one.
Ava is a chilled, healthy and happy baby, and I truly believe achieving a natural, intervention free labour and birth is the reason for this, I openly recommend HypnoBirthing® and am pleased we invested the time, effort and money into it - it proved invaluable to us all.
Kirsty
Mum to Ava Autumn born 30th Dec 2010
As a sufferer of M.E and anxiety I was extremely concerned as a first time mum how I would cope with labour and the birth!
Using HypnoBirthing® techniques I amazed my partner, mum, midwives and myself with a rather short, uncomplicated and drug free labour. I was able to remain calm, relaxed and achieved the home birth that I longed for with very little discomfort and effort.
After just 4 hours labour my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart and we called out the midwives. At this point we thought that I was only in my first stages and that I would have several more hours and more intense contractions to come.
When the midwives arrived 30 minutes later, to the surprise of us all, I was fully dilated. Within 15 minutes my waters had broken and 5 minutes later with little effort our gorgeous daughter was with us!
Throughout the whole labour I had used the HypnoBirthing® techniques these enabled me to remain relaxed and in-control. What we had learnt on the course with Claire was put into practice and gave me the birth I had hoped for.
I can't praise the technique enough, it is something I will not forget and will definitely use again. Since practicing the techniques my anxiety levels have lowered and I feel a calmer person which can only help with being a mum.
HypnoBirthing® ensured my whole labour was tranquil and serene. I now have a calm, content baby and memories of beautiful birthing experience.
THANK YOU CLAIRE & THANK YOU HYPNOBIRTHING®....
Anna
Mum to Lara Mae born on 10th February 2010
I was terrified of birth. As Claire is (too aware!) from our sessions I was overwhelmed with fear of examinations and being "messed around with". I did HypnoBirthing® so I could mentally "keep it together" so I could try as far as possible for a natural birth.
Claire is understanding, practical and extremely caring. Her approach even managed to win over my cynical husband.
I used the techniques to prepare and used the meditations and surge techniques for preparation for birthing day. The preparation was well worth it and whilst those around me on the labour ward seemed to be out of control with the sensations and pain on the whole I coped so much better than I was expecting.
My husband was fantastic - he was cynical about HypnoBirthing® but very quickly realised the benefits as we went on our birthing journey together. I found HypnoBirthing® combined with learning for NCT was really helpful in communicating fears and preferences with hospital staff. We very much worked with the hospital staff drawing on their expertise. I feel the preparation we did meant that we understood every step and were happy to ask any questions along the way. Even though we ended up with intervention we are very happy with the choices we made and have a very happy, gorgeous daughter as a result.
Claire went the extra mile in every way. The lessons were in her lovely welcoming home and she provided great snacks! Seriously though, her practical non-judgemental approach made all the difference. At the end of our course some of my fears still lurked and Claire offered to give me a free session to help me. This made me feel so satisfied that she'd done everything she could to help us in every way. A very big thank you.
Trudi
Mum to Rosa born 21st Sept 2010
Thank you so much for introducing me to HypnoBirthing®. Anya Madeleine's birth was very special for both phil and myself and was a lovely experience. We really enjoyed our evenings with you and I took relaxation to a much deeper level due to your sessions. Thank you and best wishes.
Emma
Mum to Anya born 17th August 2009
Thank you for all your support and expertise. We loved our sessions and learnt loads.
Liv & Gary
Parents to Saoirse born 11th July 2010
We want to thank you for your help and support in preparing for our HypnoBirthing® experience. I know that baby Dylan James is also grateful for having such a relaxed and confident mum leading up to and during birthing. We will certainly recommend you to our friends who are looking for a calm and natural birthing experience. Thanks again.
Christina & Adam
Parents to Dylan born 8th October 2010
Thank you so much for your support & advice during the lead up to my new arrival Ella. We really enjoyed the course & the techniques worked well to relax me throughout. Unbelievably I fell asleep in the bath while Tim was reading scripts to me with music. Light touch massage worked well while I was rocking on the birthing ball. I was quite impressed with myself that I didn't need any pain relief while birthing Ella in the birthing pool. Thank you so much.
Philippa
Mum to Ella born 23rd June 2010
Thanks so much for the HypnoBirthing® coaching! It was amazing and really worked for me!! Will be in touch when baby no 2 is on the way.
Collette
Mum to Florence Rose born 1st May 2010
For more birthing stories from families Claire has worked with and from other HypnoBirthing® couples all around the world please get in touch.