BIRTH STORIES Sheila, James, Zach & Andy

Sheila & James with Zachary

"The idea of a drug-free birth really appealed to me and my husband, but I had always thought that you just went without, and suffered. I was planning to try going without drugs, but not be 'heroic' if I was in too much pain. I am also a serious 'pain-wuss' so I was not sure I would be able to give birth without medication.

"Then a friend told me about HYPNOBABIES. We took the class and found Carole to be our Doula. What a difference!

"Other than some discomfort, I really had no trouble. When my water broke I began listening to my hypnosis CD, and felt no pain for several hours. Then my cat jumped into my lap and landed, hard, in the middle of my belly, bringing me out of hypnosis. That's when I discovered how well the hypnosis had been working! I managed to get back into hypnosis, from that point on all I felt was discomfort. I used no other comfort measures or pain relief interventions.

"When we got to the hospital, I was at the pushing stage. But the hospital staff put us in a room and went away. I was so tranquil that they figured I was hours away from delivery. We got them back and they were amazed; the time was now!

"I think the lack of pain was a major factor in how wonderful my birth experience was. There really wasn't anything more than discomfort and that was worth it. A drug-free birth was a gift I gave to my son and I wouldn't have it any other way; he was so alert when he was born. It was amazing.”

-- Sheila