According to the booklet accompanying this four CD set, hypnosis can result in shorter labours and reduced use of pain medication. The Natal Hypnotherapy Programme combines guided visualisations with soothing music. The first CD is designed to be used throughout pregnancy as an introduction to self-hypnosis and breathing techniques. From 32 weeks onwards, the next disc prepares for the birth by teaching deep relaxation and pain management techniques. The third CD includes soothing melodies from the previous discs without the voiceover. The final instalment assists with postnatal issues – although any new mums able to find an uninterrupted hour to listen to it must be feeling reasonably chilled already! Whether these CDs are effective will obviously depend a lot on your partner’s attitude to hypnosis – the more receptive she is, the greater the chance they’ll prove useful in the delivery room. The booklet suggests that you can help by listening to the CDs too and there’s also useful advice on the role of the birth partner. The £50 price tag for four CDs may dissuade some potential purchasers but the set should get a lot of use leading up to the birth and beyond. Anyway, you won’t have any money for the next 18 years so splash out now!
Verdict: ★ ★★ ★
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