How I did it: I decided to trust my body to do what it is supposed to do. I educated myself on the birthing process and on interventions. Listened to self-hypnosis and birth affirmation CDs. I studied Hypnobirthing. I wasn't able to utilize the self-hypnosis during labor, but I kept in mind some of the things I learned from the book. I made a conscious effort to keep my body relaxed during contractions which minimized the pain I felt. And when my son was crowning and I started to feel the burning sensation, I just kept thinking in my head, "This feels so good! This feels so good! This feels so good!" which, honestly made it feel like a good sensation, not painful at all! (I probably sound like a crazy woman now!) I gave birth to my son 100% naturally. No induction, no IV, no drugs, just me, my body, and my baby.

Lessons & tips: Don't fear birth! Remember the fear-tension-pain cycle. When you become fearful, your body tenses and you feel pain. The more you trust in your body, the more relaxed you will be, and the less will be felt. *Smile* during contractions! It really helps!

Resources: HypnoBirthing, but I have heard that HypnoBabies is better.

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Oct 21, 08:32PM PDT | 0 comments | 3 cheers