I just left a comment on another thread about recommendations for courses. I definitely would attend a course as the exercises are demonstrated ensuring that you'll leave the course knowing exactly what to do and when to use them. I've signed up with an awesome teacher named Reshma. You can find her on www.hypnoclinic.net. She works in the same clinic as Helianthe that is mentioned in this thread and taught with her. My sister had a brilliant experience after attending Reshma's course so I cannot recommend her enough. There are lots of positive comments on different forums about her. She taught in Wandsworth before from the Vitality centre and now teaches from somewhere in Wimbledon. There are options for courses so check it out!

You can do either days or both. I agree with mamabel: the CDs are relaxing but the workshops really give you the techniques etc. definately worth it. good luck!

I've been looking at Sandra Bush's Natal Hypnotherapy courses run at the Gooseberry Bush cafe. I think she is OK with doing the first day - the pain relief day - as a one-off but I am not sure.

When I did it you could choose just to do the pain relief day- it was 3 yrs ago so maybe it's changed?

Thanks. I can only seem to find two day courses - the first day looks at pain relief and the second at practical birth tips- perhaps they have changed the format!

We did the course as both my husband & I were pretty sceptical about it all- we've never really been ones for alternative therapies etc. I think the course helped me "get it" all a bit more & be confident I understood what I was doing. And it also made my husband get involved which would have been an uphill struggle otherwise! (I think it's really helpful for whoever is going to be at the birh with you to understand it all).
If you and you're birh partner both pretty enthusiastic about it you may find the CDs sufficient but I thought the course was worth it. I just did the one day NH one.

I have to say I have found this thread very interesting and I am definitely going to give natal hypnotherapy a go. The workshops seem quite time consuming and pricey though - please could someone comment on whether these are worth the effort vs just buying the book and CDs?

Many thanks

I just read the book - Marie Monagham sp? - and practiced relaxation with the cd before the big event.

The book provided me with enough knowledge that I could relax and let my body take over. Had a natural birth(no drugs) lasting just over 7 hours. The breathing is similar to yoga breathing and very useful.

Don't think a one day course would have been that beneficial for me - especially at the cost of some of them. I would say read the book first and then see how you feel!

I can't speak from personal experience - but Hannah Hatherell is a local mum of two who loved Hypnobirthing so much after using it for her second son, that she trained as a course provider for Ante Natal Hypnotherapy. She's lovely.

Her details are here http://www.naturalhypnotherapy.co.uk/about
Good luck

I would highly recommend the Natal Hypnotherapy. I know a fantastic practitioner in SW18 called Hannah Frankel. You can find her on the Natal Hypnotherapy website.

I can also recommend Natal Hypnotherapy. I did the hypnobirthing course for my first baby and it was fine, but then used the Natal Hypnotherapy CDs and book on the advise of my doula and found the NH philosophy and approach so much more convincing and effective. You can find a list of practitioners on the NH website. Good luck - and yes - do invest in one or the other because it makes SUCH a difference! (I had the most fantastic birth and now recommend NH to all my friends).

We did a combination course which I think was a one day Saturday session in a group and one home session.

It did help to have a private one as it is totally geared to you, mum-to-be and your birthing partner and as I chose a home birth, Helianthe offered some good advice about creating the right environment. I also had a few phone consultations included, doing personal visualisations to release particular worries and fears I had about my birth - she was very open about you calling to chat outside of sessions.

I used natal hypnotherapy - we did a one day course & then I used the CDs to prepare. It was excellent- I got to fully dilated without even being certain whether I was in labour or not with the 1st baby. And also delivered an 11lb3oz baby 2nd time without any problems!
When I was choosing who to use I found the natal hypnotherapy company a bit more affordable than the others

Thanks so much for the reccomendations!

Just contacted Kristin. How many private sessions did you have on top of the course?

We did a course with Helianthe Ruskin which was brilliant - hypno-birth.co.uk - somewhere around Wandsworth and would recommend at least one private session. You do need to put in the practice but it's worth it.
I personally couldn't stand the relaxation cd so found some music I loved and used that. I also made up an aromatherapy blend and got that out too every time I did the exercises. I swear it helped!

Also went for this 2nd time round and a home birth. Managed well for 4 hours and detached from any pain. It turned out my baby was huge and distressed and despite fast and strong contractions there wasn't much progress. With concerns for me and baby, 2 ambulances arrived. I think the midwives and my husband were very worried but I remained focussed and calm and managed to deliver my 11lb 3 1/2oz (yes really!) son 2 hours later with no drugs or intervention.
I really believe without hypnobirthing this would have been a very scary and dangerous experience for us both. And 99 percent of women also have normal size babies. Go for it!