I thought it would be a nice idea to share these testimonials with you – from real people who have used Hypnobirthing and found it wonderful, natural and a powerful way to lessen pain and fatigue during birth……………..

Hi Bridgette,

Hope you’re well.

Just to let you know our daughter was born yesterday afternoon at a bonny 9lbs 1oz.

Thanks to you and the Wise Hippo program, I was able to remain calm throughout almost the entire labour (7am – 2:30pm) – only lost a little control through the last 1.5 hours because the contractions suddenly started coming really quickly and we only just made it to the hospital! She was born 20 mins after we arrived – I got into the birth pool about 2 minutes before she came out (got my water birth!) No painkillers at all, just how I wanted it.

Bubs is very aware / alert and was on the boob straight away. We stayed overnight because of routine strep B monitoring (there was no time for the IV antibiotics during labour in the end) and were able to come home this afternoon. In short, night and day difference to my first birth!

I’m still in a bit of shock, not least because the timeline of how it all happened was extremely close to what Phil and I had written in the exercise where you asked us to describe our ideal birth scenario. I feel so blessed and just want to thank you so very much for showing us the techniques to make it so much better this time and get me into the right headspace.

If you want to use any of this for a testimonial or to show other perspective clients, please do – I wish every woman could learn it!

Many thanks again 🙂

Emma (and Phil) x

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Dear Bridgette,

I hope you are well. It’s taken a little time but I wanted to thank you for the course. We ended up having our little girl on Halloween (of all days 🙂 I felt totally in control and actually enjoyed the process. At the time this seemed obvious but in hindsight both my husband and myself were blown away by how in control, calm and easily we worked through the day.

My waters broke at home at 2:30 on the 31 Oct. I called the hospital and they said I could come in if I wish but the surges felt really mild and irregular so I went back to sleep. My sisters family came over at 10 that morning to organise the Halloween party we’d been planning for the kids and by 10:30 my surges were about 5 mins apart and I decided we needed to go in. When we got there my contractions seemed so mild and the tens machine and breathing were really helping to control my pain that I don’t think it seemed so urgent to the midwives and we were left in triage for a while. I handed my birth plan over and briefly explained that I’d like a pool and that I’d being doing hypnobirthing. They came back to me about 30 mins later and were concerned as a swab I’d had 5 days prior had come back with some infection. They were concerned that this could effect the baby and I might have to be induced. Surprisingly we quickly gathered info but stayed calm and in control. They administered antibiotics to protect the baby and then checked me and I was only 3 cm dilated but they could feel the head (after this check the surges were stronger and faster). I walked down to the labor ward with my lovely midwife  and she showed me into a room which had a birthing pool and lots of things to help me birth.
They had to monitor me but I was allowed into the pool until the last 5 -10 mins because the monitor stopped working. I didn’t intend to do it drug free but I did using some gas and air (although it made me quite sick) so I mainly used breathing and the tens when out of the water. It was genuinely the most empowering experience and even though there were things that happened that could have made it a different experience (like the infection, the possibility of an induction and having to get out of the pool as the baby was literally coming) none of this made a negative difference. The room was constantly calm as apparently I was and it was just myself, my husband and the midwife over the 3-4 hours. Our little one is absolutely lovely and was so calm when born that she was sleeping. As soon as she was born we were both energised, loved up and I felt normal v quickly. We were both starving and and shared the best pizza express ever (I usually hate pizza).

Thanks again for all of your knowledge, support and direction. Also for working with us when we were being disorganised and late to classes.

All the best and hope you have a lovely Christmas.

Charlotte

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sam and I were lucky enough to do a hypnobirthing course with Bridgette in preparation for the birth of our third baby. In our busy lives, it was very pleasant to spend a few evenings focusing together on the impending arrival of our baby, and taking time to be together thinking about his arrival and talking about how we both hoped the birth would be. Bridgette was extremely skilled at transforming our mental state from busy harassed parents coping with the strains of bedtime, to calm, serene hypnobirthers.

The main feeling that the course gave us was a sense of confidence in what we wanted…and the courage to stand up for whatever it may be. Luckily on the day, we did not need to exercise this too much as the midwives at the Whittington hospital were extremely supportive of natural birthing.

However we felt very relaxed (but excited) as we approached the hospital, and the labour proved to be a very straightforward one, as well as very speedy! In my previous labours I had used a tens machine in the early stages, but this time I, with the help of my husband, was able to use the hypnobirthing techniques to go into a deep state of hypnosis, that really did feel like a trance with every contraction. I remember having to speak up to tell the midwives that my contractions were really very intense as I was aware I wasnt showing any signs of pain! In fact my labour progressed very quickly (all done in just 2 hours) and again I had to ask them to hurry up and prepare the birthing pool as I knew the baby was coming and not going to hang around!

The final moments of labour took place in the birthing pool and again I was able to use the visualisation and relaxation techniques to stay focused, and a very happy, peaceful little boy was born into the water.

The whole experience was really a wonderful, joyful one, and the following night spent trying to name our baby while he lay at the foot of our bed is one that we’ll cherish forever.

If anyone is thinking of doing hypnobirthing, I can highly recommend signing up for one of Bridgette’s course. As well as being very enjoyable, It gives you courage, strength, and when it comes to the labour itself, the ability to relax and focus.

Katrina, Grange Park, London, N21

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Hi Bridgette

I’m so sorry it’s taken such a long time to write this! It’s not going to be as detailed as I’m sure I will have forgotten a bit but I really wanted to write it for you as hypnobirthing made such a huge difference to me and I think it made the birth a really magical experience.

I was really nervous about child birth before starting hypnobirthing. I’d been at the birth of my sister’s first child which wasn’t straightforward and as an onlooker that had scared me so I needed to feel more prepared.

You were absolutely fantastic during the sessions and it was really lovely doing it with Matt as it definitely made it feel much more of a team effort and that we both had big roles in bringing our baby into the world.  I religiously listened to the hypnobirthing cd at night and still use the exercises now for relaxation.

I went into labour during a huge thunderstorm in the early hours of 18th July…I remember looking out of the window at the streaks of lightening and thinking how excited I was to be meeting my little girl.  I tried to sleep but was too excited so just tried to keep relaxed while Matt slept.  We got up early and the contractions were coming closer so we called the hospital about 9am. I had a bath to relax and we then headed to hospital. We were in the birthing ward with a birth pool and our music on and it all felt really relaxed.  As labour went on (on the hottest day of the year) the urges did become all consuming but at no point was I scared or tense….I just wanted to push my baby out! At the end (24 hours in) we were transferred to the labour ward as Alexa’s heart rate was dropping and she was helped out by vonteuse. I cannot describe how overwhelming it was meeting her for the first time and I don’t think you will ever forget cuddling your baby for the first time. I felt relaxed through it all and definitely have hypno birthing (and amazing maternity nurses) to thank. And I’m pleased to say that I did it all without drugs!

So, sorry it’s taken me so long, but thank you so much!

Lucinda (and Matt and Alexa!) x (Winchmore Hill, London N21)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Ive felt so much guilt as its been over a year and I have written my feedback, partly because of internet problems, being busy but mostly because I wanted time to write something good….. well I haven’t had the time  so here goes to whatever I can write before the monkey wakes .

Does hypnobirthing work? For me the answer is yes with the help of hynobirthing with Bridgette. This is despite my experience not being one of a natural enlightened water birth (which I envisioned). I had a c section.

Its important to note that I was freaked out by birth, like most women I heard all the horror stories and got to a point of wanting to opt for a c section. What made me stop in my tracks was remembering my work colleague who in the 60s had an experimental hynosis done to her to stop child birth pain. Now this woman was a no nonsense kind of person which led me to believe her when she said  through hypnosis she felt no labour pains whilst giving birth to her youngest son.

This led me to finding Bridgette. She was absolutely lovely. Very kind, personal, funny, accomodating, accommodating accommodating (intentionally repeated!), not money minded, by that I mean that i was not a money making venture,  she genuinely cared.

My birth experience…. well, I was contracting for 30 seconds every minute for 12 hours and they felt like nothing more than period pains.  I eventually had a c section as my babies heart beat dipped now and then.

More importantly Everyone was amazed at how I coped. I was being praised all the time by nurses and doctors through complications I faced. The only time I cried (superficially) for literally about 3 seconds was when i was told i was having a c section; I stopped as I realised I felt fine.

The breathing helped me remain very calm throughout the whole complicated labour! I was so calm that the anaesthetist (only unfriendly person) said “this lady doesn’t need anaesthetic, she is not in labour” to which they reassurred her I was very much in active labour!!!. At this point I decided to pretend a moan or two as I wanted anaesthetic before the next procedure.  :)…

Had it not been for hypnobirthing my whole labour experience would have been much different. However  at the end my sceptical sister (mum of 3), husband and nurses were true believers of hypnobirthing!

Sam, Palmers Green N13

I’ve just finished a Hypno birthing course with Bridgette and really wanted to share my experience and feedback through this testimonial. When I began the course I didn’t really know what to expect and even though I wasn’t particularly frightened of birth, they was some anxiety and worry there for me about not feeling safe or in control and I wanted to learn all about how to have a relaxed and calm birth and how to take my head and over worrying, over thinking brain out of the equation and just let nature do what It does best!

It all began for me when I saw a video of a lady giving birth so calmly and quietly and with all her dignity and a loving husband by her side that I thought-‘oh right there can be another way of doing this!’ I want that’s for me!!! So I thought let’s try hypnobirthing!

KK – Winchmore Hill N21

I just thought I would let you know that our baby girl arrived last week. She was born on her due date, a week ago today – Monday 17th – at 11.11am. She was 6 lbs 4 oz and I have to say she is an absolute delight. We have named her Keira.

Hypnobirthing really helped us – I managed to labour through it with just gas and air – which is awesome 🙂 however, baby girl was breech which we didn’t find out until the last minute, so I ended up having an emergency c-section. They had to put me under general so I didn’t get skin to skin but she was handed over to Giles straight away so she got daddy loving.

It wasn’t what we expected – a bit stressful – but I’m not complaining about the end result. We’re both just fine, although I’m still a bit sore. Giles was fab through the whole thing too and even he used the techniques we learnt while waiting, when we were in theatre.

Life is settling down and we are coping ok with the sleepless nights so far! It’s so worth it.

MB – Palmer Green N13

I found the course really helped me to really understand the mind body relationship and just how clever the body is and quite able to birth naturally without the need for medical supervision and intervention at every turn. I feel more empowered to ask the right questions and write a birth plan that is personal and meaningful to me, rather than just blindly going along with everything as before. I learnt how to communicate my fears and worries, as well as my ideas and positive thoughts with my husband and learnt how he was feeling too! We definitely feel like a solid team going into labour now! Most importantly I’ve learnt that going with the flow, keeping an open mind and not trying to control everything leaves you feeling relaxed and in turn very in control!! That you can trust yourself and your body and ultimately you must do what feels right for you and your baby!

We are excited for the birth of our first baby due next month and thanks a lot to Bridgette for giving us these wonderful skills and knowledge that have definitely helped us get to this calm state of mind.

I’d recommend hypnobirthing to anyone who is expecting!!!

Kerri, Enfield

I can’t believe this time last week it had started and I still didn’t think it was. Lila is sooo gorgeous I can’t believe she is here.

Last Friday I had started having little surges but I did not really think that is what they were at the time; I then had the show on Fri night but didn’t really have anything else happen. I didn’t really sleep much on the fri night and on Saturday the surges started from the morning but I didn’t believe that is what they were, we went for a walk to the shops etc. still feeling “an ache” Andy was timing them and said they are getting closer together but I still didn’t think it was happening.  They started getting a bit more painful and I managed with the surge breathing and massage.  It got to about 3mins apart and Andy called the hospital and we went in.  I was nearly 4cm by then but said they would not let me in the pool until I had been checked again 4 hours later (got to the hospital 9pm sat night), I managed a little longer doing the breathing but then I could not manage anymore and had the gas and air which helped keep me calm. Unfortunately the dimmer switch in the room was broke so it wasn’t a very relaxing room! ha.
I got checked again at 1am and the midwife said I was 9cm and ready to deliver, couldn’t believe it! Unfortunately I then had to be taken to the labour ward as they found meconium. This was really difficult as I was stuck on the bed and really did not want to be.    Eventually Lila was born at 3:15am; it seemed to happen so quickly.

I am so glad that I did hypnobirthing,  I have no doubt that I would not have been able to stay so calm without doing the course, really cannot thank you enough for giving me such a calm and positive approach to child birth.

We would love for you to meet her so would be lovely to arrange a time sometime soon.

I hope you are well.

Lots of love
Kerri, Andy and Lila xxxxx

Jo, Enfield

So Harrison Archie Sascha Jenkins was born 2 weeks over due on 24th August weighing 9lb 8oz. I was having surges for about a week beforehand but they never got any stronger and even with 2 sessions of reflexology, 2 sweeps and walking 5 miles, twice, as well as all the other natural suggestions they still didn’t get any stronger or closer together so at 12days when they suggested inducing me I was ready to have him (and by then, fed up with the false alarms).

I went in on the Thursday and as I was 1-2cm they told me to go for a walk to try and start it naturally (I had already walked an awful lot the day before) but by 9pm the surges were still no stronger/closer so they gave me the pessary. I had some overnight but mainly just an uncomfortable night sleep on a hot ward with 3 other women but as soon as I got up on the Friday morning they were noticeably stronger. I used the birthing ball and eventually tens machine during the day and I felt that was all I needed. I think a huge contributing factor to me not needing any other pain relief was my request not to be asked if I wanted any other pain relief.

By 4pm I asked them to check me as they wanted to wait until 9pm but I felt the surges were getting much stronger and I was 4cm so I was allowed to go to the birthing centre. Unfortunately up until that point we had been in a room with others so we couldn’t do a lot of the scripts we practised but I did listen to the affirmations/rainbow relaxation and the breathing techniques were brilliant (although nick had to remind me with every single surge!).

I kept mobile the whole time and was mostly upright and went into the pool for a while although found I relaxed so much the surges didn’t feel as effective. At 8cm I got the urge to push but he was still in some waters and this went on for a while so eventually they popped them and I got to 10cm pretty fast.

However, I still only used tens (even though they recommended an epidural because they had to give me a drip to make the surges stronger at the end as I was so tired), I honestly felt in control feeling them, I didn’t actually want to not feel them although I wouldn’t say they were pain free! I did have a puff of gas and air at the end but can’t say it did much! But gave me something to bite onto when I was pushing!)

Annoying because of the assisted delivery I was lying down to deliver which wasn’t ideal for me but I think being mobile for the rest of the labour helped manage the pain. Also I definitely felt I could cope with the surges at all times.

Anyway sorry for the long story, but it was a long labour from start to finish! Although we didn’t get to use the scripts in the early stages as we weren’t at home I’m very grateful for the breathing techniques and the whole different way of looking at birth-I’ve told lots of people about it! I certainly felt it was all manageable and not as scary as I thought. Also it was great having Nick know what to expect and he was amazing at reminding me to stay calm and breathe.

Thank you for all your help. I will speak to Kerri and perhaps we can arrange to bring our babies to visit you.

All the best

Jo x

Monica, London

This course worked wonders for me.  As a first time mum-to-be, I was pretty nervous about giving birth and just believed that I would have to endure a lot of pain.  It’s a shame how the media and medicine seem to conspire to perpetuate this view of childbirth.  But learning about the physical process was great as it all made sense to me – I now know child birth doesn’t have to be painful.

Last minute complications kept me from having the natural birth I really wanted but my hypnobirthing training was even more invaluable in this case.   I had to be induced.  After five days of getting nowhere, I was on a full dose of snytocinon (synthetic oxytocin) but zero pain killers. As I was hooked up to a monitor the midwife and doctor could tell me that I was having massive contractions.  Yet thanks to the techniques I learned and help from my husband as birthing partner, all I felt was the tightening sensation I’d been expecting.   I was able to move around thanks to a wireless monitor (most NHS delivery wards have these – they even work in the water).

Despite being in a less-than-lauded NHS hospital I was paired with very supportive midwives (I had made a point to let them know about the training I had taken). One was even trained in hypnobirthing.   It was the doctor that was somewhat skeptical but even she starting believing in the power of hypnobirthing when she saw me remain smiling and calm through the worst of the contractions.   This was after she checked the monitor first to make sure it was working properly of course!

In the end I had to have a c-section as my baby’s heart rate was dropping during contractions.  This was the only time I lost composure.  I was just devastated after trying for so long and really wanting a natural birth.  I didn’t know it at the time but the anaesthesiologist pulled my husband aside to say that unless I calmed down they couldn’t operate.  My heart rate was apparently sky high – too high to operate.  He knew what to do and quickly helped me to refocus and calm right down.  Within minutes I was being wheeled into surgery as my heart rate had dropped to a steady 70 bpm!  Once again the anaesthesiologist pulled my husband – and midwife too this time – to demand to know if someone slipped me some Valium as she couldn’t believe I’d calmed down so quickly.  Of course we hadn’t but it’s clear that the techniques did the job.

My baby was born with a big (but temporary) lump on her head as the inducing medicine had forced contractions before the cervix was wide enough.  The doctors commented that it must have been an extremely painful labour – but far from being painful I just remember it being full of anticipation and joy.  So even though I didn’t deliver naturally I’m totally confident that hypnobirthing techniques worked.

My baby was delivered calm and happy by the way.  My first memory of my daughter is her firmly grasping my husband’s finger and calmly staring at him and then me.   I was able to cradle her on my chest during the last part of the operation and afterwards she breast fed with no problem.  I  believe that my ability to stay clam and positive throughout helped her stay calm and happy too. So there was yet another plus for the hypnobirthing.

Marie Cooksey, Northamptonshire

I gave birth to Fintan Joseph on Mon 10th May at 20.04. My surges started irregularly about 1pm, I then started timing them about 2pm. Called Steve home from work at 3pm, because I wanted to relax more. Had a long deep bath, and they seemed to kick in fully then.

Midwife arrived at 7pm (when I was 7cm) and Fintan was born at 8.04pm. Pretty swift really. Oh and I had him at home as planned – which was lovely. Midwives were well impressed at how calm and serene I looked.

I found that sleep breathing was excellent. It really did make the discomfort go away and is empowering as you know what your body is doing so you work with, instead of against it.

Steve was a fantastic birthing partner, calming me and talking me through my breathing – I wouldn’t have been able to do it without him. I played the CD constantly as well, and kept saying the affirmations in my head to make me focus on the job-in-hand.

As for the J breath, I loved it – it made the actual delivery easy-peasy. I can’t rave about it enough. Plus one push and the placenta was out – who needs drugs? Believe in the power that is HypnoBirthing? and you too will be talked about at midwife meetings.

Our community midwives actually said it was one of the easiest first time-mother births that they had seen in 20 years – now that is some recommendation!!

(This was the HypnoBirthing® couple featured on “Richard and Judy”)

Kerry Woodcock, London

“I can’t imagine how anyone gives birth without it! HypnoBirthing? kept me feeling calm and in control throughout labour. The contractions were no problem at all. I knew what to do and what to think. It gave me a better understanding of the physical and psychological aspects of childbirth. It also gave me greater confidence in myself and in my partner to work as a team, as I knew that we had the tools to ensure a safe and calm birth.

This meant that I avoided the use of pain-killing chemicals. I believe in myself (mind and body) a lot more now, and feel that perhaps there’s even more I can achieve if I only put my mind to it. I would advise every mother-to-be and her partner to try HypnoBirthing? even if they intend to use drugs.”

Mary, London

“I’ve never felt so well prepared for anything in my life! I went into labour, totally fearless. HypnoBirthing? was a huge, huge, huge help. It was amazing and the birth would not have been half as fulfilling without it. I now have a new understanding of what my mind and body is capable of and know that childbirth can be a very, very positive experience.

It was phenomenal. Even the midwife said: “I’ve never seen anyone deliver like that!” I’m so pleased that I was able to have the birth I wanted, and do it my way. People have commented that they’ve never seen me looking so well.

I have let go of a lot of anxieties and the baby is so relaxed too because my response is much calmer. I’m so pleased I found you. Thank you!

Abigail, London

“This birth was much easier than the last four – I was quite detached from any pain and I felt much more alert by the time she was born.

The slow breathing and the balloon were the things that helped me most. Luis was great – he kept talking and stroking my back throughout. I feel that I have recovered much more quickly this time – I was not wiped out by the birth like I was with the others, and our baby is feeding well and is very alert.

We did not have much time to practice for our Hypnobirth and it still made a big difference…”

Mandi, London

I hope our story will inspire people to know that labour is such a natural process that it is possible to have a wonderful experience. It was brilliant and without the HypnoBirthing? course I would never have considered a home birth. My baby is so calm and contented and I feel this was because the birth was so relaxed and easy. Also the recovery time after this birth was considerably reduced, within a few days it hardly felt like I’d just been through labour at all.

I had no tears or wounds that needed stitching, as my body naturally took over at the pushing stage and stopped several pushes to make it a gentle passage for my baby to enter the world. It has been the catalyst for a relaxed and loving start to my baby’s life, which I can’t thank you enough for, as without you and your course we would never have had such a wonderful experience.

Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement that has given us the best experience of our lives.”

Mandi had her second baby at home using HypnoBirthing? after a difficult first birth in hospital

Sam

Sam and I were lucky enough to do a hypnobirthing course with Bridgette in preparation for the birth of our third baby. In our busy lives, it was very pleasant to spend a few evenings focusing together on the impending arrival of our baby, and taking time to be together thinking about his arrival and talking about how we both hoped the birth would be. Bridgette was extremely skilled at transforming our mental state from busy harassed parents coping with the strains of bedtime, to calm, serene hypnobirthers.

The main feeling that the course gave us was a sense of confidence in what we wanted…and the courage to stand up for whatever it may be. Luckily on the day, we did not need to exercise this too much as the midwives at the Whittington hospital were extremely supportive of natural birthing. However we felt very relaxed (but excited) as we approached the hospital, and the labour proved to be a very straightforward one, as well as very speedy! In my previous labours I had used a tens machine in the early stages, but this time I, with the help of my husband, was able to use the hypnobirthing techniques to go into a deep state of hypnosis, that really did feel like a trance with every contraction. I remember having to speak up to tell the midwives that my contractions were really very intense as I was aware I wasnt showing any signs of pain! In fact my labour progressed very quickly (all done in just 2 hours) and again I had to ask them to hurry up and prepare the birthing pool as I knew the baby was coming and not going to hang around!

The final moments of labour took place in the birthing pool and again I was able to use the visualisation and relaxation techniques to stay focused, and a very happy, peaceful little boy was born into the water.

The whole experience was really a wonderful, joyful one, and the following night spent trying to name our baby while he lay at the foot of our bed is one that we’ll cherish forever.

If anyone is thinking of doing hypnobirthing, I can highly recommend signing up for one of Bridgette’s course. As well as being very enjoyable, It gives you courage, strength, and when it comes to the labour itself, the ability to relax and focus.