Hypnobirthing

The day Luke was born. I was a puffy, bedraggled mess, and it hurt like the dickens!

If there is one thing I learned from bringing Luke into this world, it's the necessity to stay calm and tranquil.

Which I most definitely was not.

You can read the whole birth story here, since I am not going to rehash every detail of it, but honestly? Luke's birth challenged me, and I didn't 100% love it or find it to be one of those cosmic, serene, beautiful life experiences that childbirth is chalked up to be. And it kind of pangs my heart with guilt since it wasn't all that and a bag of chips. Because of other past health issues in my life, I've spent a sweet chunk of time in hospitals and have developed a subconscious anxiety in association with being hooked to machines and hearing the methodical "beep-beep-beep" of heart monitors. That's not a good combination when going through a very long and intense labor. 

Would I do it again? Umm, yeah... obviously. All of the panic attacks and hurling and epidurals going all wonky are absolutely worth the joy of holding that precious bundle straight from heaven in your arms. But, now that I somewhat know what to expect, I've finally realized this next delivery doesn't have to be that way. And gosh darnit! I am ready to take it on this time around.

Enter hypnobirthing.

Being the over-analyzer that I am (especially when pregnant), any words resembling that of "hypnosis" and the like generally freak me out. Turning my brain over to my subconscious psyche? Probably not the best idea for this crazy ole' bird. 

Or so I thought.

For 2 months now, I've been listening to the Rainbow Relaxation HypnoBirthing tracks. I like to listen to them during my daily nap (if I'm lucky enough to get one) or at night as I drift off to sleep. And you know what? They actually work (by George, I think she's got it! . . . name that movie)! I am now to the point where I can recite the affirmations and words in my mind along with the narrator, and my body instantly kicks into a mode of deep relaxation and focus. So much so that I usually fall asleep in the first 10 minutes, although I highly doubt that will happen the day my uterus says howdy-hey and intensely contracts and dilates. Has that ever even happened? A woman sleeping through the birth of her own child, unmedicated?

Anyway, I still have a little under 3 months to go, but I feel 100 times more confident and comfortable with my body's ability to bring this baby boy into the world using the hypnobirthing approach I've learned so far. 

I know I haven't talked a lot about Baby Numero Dos on the blog a lot, but we are beyond thrilled to meet him. I can feel the uniqueness of his character and spirit as he grows under my heart, and I've  a strong impression this one's gonna be a good egg as well. How I got so lucky, I don't know, but I sure do count my blessings for his life that God is entrusting me with. We love you, little man!

So, how about you mamas? Anyone gone down the hypnobirthing route? What are your tried and true birthing and relaxation techniques that I should know about? Share the love! I'd love to read up and try out some more!