Birthing Class Dvd's

You can actually go to YouTube for free and see some birthing videos. I would recommend hypnobirthing and aromatherapy in combination to help relieve the pain. There are some videos on hypnobirthing; this lady sells them for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum: www.aromandina.com

I plan on using her stuff and have researched since there can be bad essential oils out there.

Good Luck!
J. W. MPH
Maternal and Child Health Educator
Chicago Examiner Family Health

http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...

This is not a video, but I highly suggest taking a Bradley class with your husband.
We took a class from Juli Walter and had an amazing delivery!!

Juli Billings Walter
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www.juliwalter.com
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You probably know that a major factor in pain management is the fear/muscle tension response. I used a self-hypnosis recording to release my fear of labor and childbirth and was able to experience drug free births.
Another effective tool for relief from all kinds of issues from emotional pain to physical pain is Emotional Freedom Technique or energy tapping. Its a simple yet powerful procedure using your fingertips to tap on your own energy meridians that is likened to acupuncture without needles. It has been taught by hospitals, doctors and therapists. You can even find demos on youtube or learn it in one hour through a hypnotist or EFT practitioner.
There are dvds available but the ones I know of are in a set and kind of pricey.

I second the Hypnobirthing or Hypnobabies class, which is a CD and books. I would also highly suggest picking up a copy of The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin. She has really excellent sections on pain management and coping. A good reference for you and your husband. You should also consider getting a doula, who can help immensely with this.

I second the recommendation for taking Bradley Method birthing classes (full disclosure: I'm a Bradley teacher), but if you really can't find room in your schedule, please look into reading Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. It has lots of relaxation techniques and recommendations, some of which you can practice at home before your labor.

I also highly recommend hiring a coach for a private session (for whatever method you prefer.) We did hypnobirthing preparation that way, and two private one-hour sessions were actually cheaper than signing up for a 6-week class, and we got to pick the time.

It is not a DVD, but a book that I recommend - Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method by Marie Mongan. It teaches relaxation techniques to reduce the perception of pain during labor. It is ideal for natural births, but even if you plan to use medication, knowing how to stay relaxed and focused during labor can be such a huge benefit. Also, it helps you understand that your fears and expectations surrounding labor and pain can really make a huge difference in how painful your labor is (a very well researched idea - if you fear and anticipate pain, you will feel it). The book is designed to be used along with a HypnoBirthing class, but the techniques described are things you can do without a class, as well. The book also comes with a CD with some relaxation scripts/music. (I personally find my husband's voice much more relaxing that the CD and plan to use my own playlist of relaxing music, as well.)

For my first labor, I had back labor for many hours of my 30+ hour labor and the unexpected fear of that pain made it impossible for me to relax, further drawing out my labor. I took Bradley classes which taught sooo many physical techniques for relieving pain, but I did not focus at all on how to mentally relax. Even in the moment I knew that I needed to try to relax, but had no way of knowing how at the time.

I'm due in 2 days and have been practicing the techniques for deep relaxation for a couple of months now. I really feel much more confident and prepared for labor this time around because I know that I will be able to relax and let my body do what it needs to, instead of my mind getting in the way. Don't get me wrong, I accept that I will probably feel pain (I had more than my share last time) but I know that if I can stay focused and relaxed I will be able to handle it better.

Good luck!

I actually followed the Bradley method. I used a book and watched whatever I could find online. Basically? DON'T hyperventilate. My hub's job was to tell me to exhale after that pain hit on each contraction, and letting out my breathe was the biggest pain reliever I had!
I also was suggested to, and brought, olive oil (a new bottle) to the birth. She would dribble that on me while crowning and OMG it really alleviated the burning.
Those are my tips!! You could also talk to a doula, could contact birthways. Good luck! you can do it!

I used Hypnobabies. It's a great home study course. It comes with scripted CDs you listen to, plus a work book you work through, and a series of scripts for your partner. This was especially helpful when I had to be induced after my water broke a little, but labor didn't start. Unbeknownst to me, there was a script in his book for when there's a change of plans, and it was hugely calming. We did practice the exercises together. Basically just followed the program. I had a very easy 9 hour hospital labor, plus half an hour of pushing, no pain meds even with the Pitocin to start my contractions. I had the luxury of a tub of water for the second half of my labor which also helps with pain, although I delivered on the hospital bed. No tearing. Wonderful, quick birth and it was definitely the hypnobirth stuff that got me through (my mom and sister both took more than 30 hours with each of their first babies). I'm going to use it again with my next child too.

Hello, I used HypnoBirthing and you can find the book online and in most book stores. Just an FYI, I am a certified practitioner and offer group and private instruction. I know how time consuming things can be especially with schedules. If I can help in any way please feel free to contact me. I used HB to birth my first son in 2007 and will use it again this coming December; truly life changing even for those who are not necessarily looking for an unmedicated childbirth. However, a good majority do go on to have natural childbirth due to what is learned through this method!!!!

I am suggesting that you ask for birthing consultation at www.birthlink.com - I believe that this could be over the phone to get resources (including DVDs) to plan for your upcoming birth.
Hypnobirth and prenatal yoga are typically used to prepare for birth.

Carol chaimblain. Laugh and learn about childbirth. We loved it!

I used Music to help with my pain management. Concentrating on my favorite songs made me forget about the pain, plus the epidural was a GREAT idea.

I liked Laugh and Learn About Childbirth. It's section on pain management is not in depth, but I think it did a very good job on covering the topic. There is a slight bend towards no epidural, but the instructor presents accurate facts on each technique. I was able to get this dvd from the library which was great.

http://www.laughandlearn.com/page/classes-sheri