HI K....I used hypnobirthing with my son (first child...and only at the moment). I don't know that you need to be a meditation expert to be successful...I think it has more to do with really believing that it will work and not buying into the common idea that childbirth has to be painful. I love the concept, love the idea and think it works. My son was turned and I experienced back labor when I had him, also, my labor wasn't progressing to a regular pattern in the beginning. I had a great midwife (from an ob group) that was very supportive of what I was working to accomplish. The back labor made the hypnobirthing challenging for me, but I know that the hypnobirthing was what allowed me to be relaxed and even cracking jokes between contractions. I didn't have the epidural though I thought seriously about it at times. From what I have heard, back labor is a big reason many first time moms have c -sections. I did give birth naturally, with no drugs. I do attribute it to hypnobirthing. If I had it to do again, I would definitely have had a doula there to help me focus and help keep me in birthing positions that I wanted (somehow, I wound up on my back pushing which was absolutely NOT what I wanted at all). Also I know to stay on all fours even though very uncomfortable, to help the baby turn and situate himself the right way much earlier in the process.
I hope that helps. I don't remember the cost of the program, but I don't recall it being all that high really. I think what you put in is what you get out. It will educate you and help you learn that giving birth does not have to be the tortured war story you so often hear about. It is a beautiful process that your body knows how to handle...it's all about getting your mind and your fears out of the way.
Hope that helps! Feel free to send me a message if you'd like more info or to talk more about it. Thanks!
L.
Stayin Home and Lovin it!
www.TimeForDreaming.com
