Table of Contents

Track 1: Introduction 3:11" Track 2: The birth preparation hypnosis session 38:05" Track 3: Relaxation session 14:23"

About the Author

Maggie Howell Founder of Natal Hypnotherapy Having learnt self-hypnosis while pregnant, to help with the birth of her first child, Maggie Howell went on to give birth to her eldest son, Joseph, at home in a relaxed and comfortable environment: "When Maggie first mentioned that she was going to use self-hypnosis for her first labour, I was sceptical as to whether she would be able to achieve this. During her labour I was happy to be proved wrong. Her ability to remain relaxed, totally in control, yet fully communicative throughout the experience was impressive." Judy Aitkin, NHS midwife. Ria Haydon, NHS midwife agrees: "Maggie's demeanour was calm. She appeared to be 'sleeping' during most of her contractions, breathing slightly more deeply as they peaked. She used no pharmacological methods of pain relief and conducted her labour and delivery entirely under self-hypnosis. She appeared to experience no pain and very little discomfort throughout." The midwives were so impressed with the effects that they asked Maggie to talk to local antenatal clinics about her experiences. Maggie then decided to give up a successful career in the events and conference industry and train to be a Clinical Hypnotherapist. The aim then, and now, was to use the power of hypnosis to help women overcome their fear of birth and enable them to be more in control and manage the physical sensations involved in child birth. Maggie developed the Natal Hypnotherapy CDs as a result of her research and hypnotherapy work with individual mothers and antenatal groups. She has since used the techniques herself for the births of her second and third son. Maggie is a Doula (trained birth companion) and currently works with midwives, antenatal groups and hospitals running workshops and classes. She also runs 'effective birth preparation' courses for couples teaching them how to use hypnosis for an instinctive birth as well as training workshops for birth professionals. Cont/... -2- Maggie Howell Media Experience * TV - This Morning, London Tonight and The Baby Channel * Radio - BBC Radio 2, Woman's Hour, BBC London, BBC Solent, County Sound, Radio Leeds, Radio Belfast, Radio Dublin * National newspapers - The Guardian, Daily Mail, Daily Express, Daily Mirror, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Express * Articles/comments written for magazines - Prima Baby, Mother & Baby, I'm Pregnant, NCT New Generation, Flying Start, ABC, The Mother Magazine, Doula UK Newsletter, Boots Parent * Speaking appearances - Birth Professional Training at Royal Surrey Hospital, Hull Regional Midwives Conference, National Childminding Association Conference, Parent Craft workshops at Basingstoke Hospital, attachment parenting groups and home birth groups * Resident expert - Maggie is the "natural birth " expert for the Pregnancy & Birth magazine Maggie is also currently writing a book 'Calmer Birth, Calmer Baby' which will cover key areas including: Hypnotherapy (clinical and natal); birth preparation; doula; breastfeeding; baby sign language; communication skills; attachment parenting; co sleeping and instinctive parenting.

Reviews

Liz Rider 16th January 2006 QEII Hospital Herts Listened to the Birth preparation CD 20+ times "I started with cramps on Sunday evening which developed into contractions on Monday lunch time. I was having 20-30 second contractions every 2 minutes. The hospital told me to call back when they were really painful, at least 60 seconds long and 3-4 minutes apart. I was told my baby was trying to get into labour. At 6pm my waters broke and the hospital asked me to come in saying they would probably send me home but needed to check me. I arrived at hospital at 7pm and was told the water birth expert would arrive in 1 hours which wasn't a problem unless I was a miracle case. A while later the midwife confirmed I was fully dilated! Officially active labour was 2 hours and 27 minutes. A very positive experience. Pain - what pain?!!!" Elizabeth McGowan 28th October 2005 Rotherham Hospital Listened to the Birth preparation CD 6-10 times "I was one of those women who was totally terrified of the thought of birth from the age of seven. My sister who is a midwife was present and couldn't believe her sister was being so calm, relaxed and in control throughout the whole labour. I went into a totally hypnotic world of peace and calm - I closed my eyes throughout, breathed deeply at each contraction and was sprayed with water to cool me, and a flannel on my forehead. My sister and I have been praising and verbally selling the amazing attributes of the CD to produce a most wonderful birth experience. I can honestly say I enjoyed yes enjoyed the birth with the aid of the CD. I cannot thank you enough - 28 years of worry (worry is wasted energy)." Kim Walton 19th January 2006 Huddersfield Royal Hospital Listened to the Birth preparation CD 20+ times "The CDs had a huge impact on me during the labour and birth itself. I felt very calm and in control - especially my breathing. (The birth music was very relaxing). Before hand I didn't feel I could relax and be hypnotised but it appeared to work! My labour started on the Wednesday late afternoon and my baby was born at 5pm on the Thursday. I used the TENS machine for approximately 12 hours on Wednesday evening and also kept mobile during contractions. I went into hospital at approximately 5am when contractions were approximately 5 minutes apart. I was 3cm dilated when I arrived but then things slowed down. I then continued with aromatherapy massage from my partner and walking/keeping mobile. I was sent home at midday and my waters broke at 12:30 and it then all started. Back in hospital I managed on gas and air and although I wanted a water birth they decided against it because of my blood pressure. My daughter was born at 4:50pm. I coped mainly by focusing on my breathing - mainly the out-breath. At no point did I feel I needed more pain relief. I'm confident the CDs did help - I was so calm! It was a very positive labour and birth for me."