"A few weeks prior to my estimated due date, I visualized the birth taking place on the Friday morning two weeks after my estimated due date.  Friday was the perfect day for the baby to come into the world; my husband and I would have the whole weekend to relax and our five year old was going to be in school all day (she had already told me that she was not interested in attending the birth).  In my mind’s eye, I saw the birthing happen quickly, easily and calmly.  Sure enough, on Friday morning when I awoke at 7am, the surges started quickly and frequently.  I knew it was time.  I called my husband to take our daughter to school at 8:15am and then come back to get me so we could meet our midwife by 9:15am at the birth center. My husband lit candles in the room and played my relaxing music while the Doula gave me a light touch massage and rubbed a yummy smelling oil on my belly.  We had chosen a water birth. As soon as the tub was filled, I was ready to get in and relax while my husband read me the relaxation script.  It all happened so quickly.  Shortly thereafter my membranes released and I could feel her moving down the birth path.  For a few moments, it felt like I couldn’t breathe and I really got that my body and the baby knew what they were doing without me.  I used a few birth breaths to breathe her down and she was born.  It was 11:25am (20 minutes after the membranes released) and we were thrilled to have our newborn up on my belly without even a single “push”, tear or stitch. I was relaxed and had lots of energy after her birth. She latched on with ease and nursed before the midwife gave her a little rinse bath and exam. Our midwife set up our car seat, gave us a few pointers and by 2:45pm we left to go pick up our older daughter from school.  By 3:30pm, we were home and had the first visitors come to meet our beautiful 8 pound 3 ounce little girl.  All in a day’s work!  What a wonderful day and a beautiful baby.  I would do it all over again in a heartbeat." Heather N., Thousand Oaks 

"I just wanted to drop you a little note to say thank you for all that you taught Jim and I about HypnoBirthing.   Both Jim and I believe that the reason my son Spencer is such a happy contented boy is because he had such a peaceful entrance into the world! Spencer is 3 months now and is the happiest baby I have ever seen.  He only cries or fusses when he is hungry.  He smiles, laughs or plays contently 99.9% of the time.  I recommend Hypnosis 2000 & HypnoBirthing to anyone who will listen." Star, Jim & Spencer L., Westlake Village

"I took Teresa's HypnoBirthing® classes back in 2000 for our first birth.  I credit her class (taken one month before my due date) with helping me achieve a completely painFREE 18 hour hospital labor.  I never asked for or needed an epidural.  I practiced with the tapes every single day.  Prior to giving birth I was a nervous wreck about everything that could go wrong.  What if my OB didn't show up?  What if, what if, what if...?  By the time I went into labor, thanks to the wonderful relaxation self-hypnosis tapes, and Teresa's instruction, I felt so self-confident and was actually (surprisingly) looking forward to giving birth.  One of the things that helped me the most was listening to her own personal and numerous HypnoBirthing client success stories.  I told myself that if they could do it, so could I.  My son's labor (our first baby) was a wonderful, transformative, spiritual experience and I cannot wait to go through labor and give birth again.  Teresa is sensitive, intelligent and compassionate and I am so lucky to have taken her class. She   teaches the HypnoBirthing accreditation course in Southern California and in the Western U.S.  If you take the class from her, consider yourself lucky because you are getting one of the very best HypnoBirthing teachers available today." Tanya Arce Fox, Westlake Village

"David and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the most wonderful experience we had in our HypnoBirthing® class as well as the birth itself. Not only did we gain a greater knowledge of the female body, but we felt much more at ease with the birthing process and all of the wondrous pieces that come together through birth. Although David and I felt the knowledge we gained in class would enable us to be successful in a natural birth, we were thrilled to have you as a part of our team. After 32 hours of back labor and no interventions, your presence and unquestionable support helped with the decisions we were faced with. Teresa, if it wasn’t for your professional help with my fear of needles, I’m not sure we would be blessed with little Tatiana. You are an integral part of our family and will always have a special place in our hearts. Thank you for all that you do to help dispel myths about the birthing process and for being a wonderful friend and support system. The whole process was made possible by your love, guidance, and support." Andrea, David and Tatiana Duran

"Teresa's HypnoBirthing® classes were AWESOME. They provided me with the skills necessary for a relaxing, drug-free birth. In addition, the classes took the worries out of my first pregnancy. My husband and I practiced all of the exercises together, and I look back on that pregnancy as one of the most romantic, relaxing times of our lives ever." Gab

"We could not have made it through pregnancy and the birthing experience without Teresa and HypnoBirthing®. The weekly sessions put my mind at ease, and the exercises that my husband and I did together at home brought us closer together. Thanks to HypnoBirthing, the birthing experience was absolutely touching, peaceful and meaningful; we were very confident that our baby and my body knew exactly what to do. After our son was born and I had a nights rest, I felt like a million-bucks. The nurses were telling me to stay in bed and that they would help me. However, I was up, walking around and feeling like I could run a marathon. I highly, highly recommend HypnoBirthing to all of my friends, not just for the birth, but also for the relationship with their partner as well!" The Birkmans

"I want to thank you for teaching the HypnoBirthing® method; Anthony’s birth was such a wonderful experience. And so quick... Around 3:45pm I reached over to hug my dog and my water broke. Doug and I were so excited that the baby was finally coming! We started timing the surges, which were about 5-6 minutes apart lasting about 45-50 seconds. I knew I wanted to labor at home as long as possible, so when I called my midwife Denise, she agreed I could stay at home and take a bath. By the time I got out of the tub, I knew I was very far along, as the surges were so strong. It was time to go to the hospital since Doug didn’t want to deliever the baby at home... En route he guided me through the breathing techniques, which helped to relax me, and made the ride bearable. We arrived at the hospital around 6:39PM, and I was 7 centimeters dilated. This baby was coming soon. Once I settled in, and turned on my Steven Halpern music, we began the light touch massage. Then they had me visualizing I was river rafting through the rapids... When the surges were over the top, they would tell me to bear down on my raft and relax my muscles. They always made it a point to mention the calm waters just ahead. I really saw myself going down the river, rather than being in the hospital in pain. Yet I was completely in the moment of giving birth. Everyone in the room especially the nurse was in awe of how calmly I was going through the surges, no loud screaming. In less than an hour and a half, I knew it was time to push. I began to breathe my baby out without any straining. At 8:17PM beautiful Anthony Edwin came gently into the world with his eyes wide open and a full head of hair. We immediately placed him on my chest, and didn’t cut the cord until it stopped pulsing. It was an incredible experience! And it only lasted an hour and a half from the time I arrived. No drugs, no espisiotomy, no tearing. Afterwards, Doug and I ordered pizza and celebrated. They next day the nurses kept offering pain medication, and were so surprised that I didn’t need it. I was up and moving and felt terrific. Thank you for the wonderful gift you taught us and so many others. I wouldn’t have a baby any other way." Antonia Gravink

"I’ve had two children. The first experience was anything but natural, and the single worst experience of my life, with so much screaming and frusteration, it is something I’d rather forget. However, with hypnobirthing, the birth of my second child was a wonderful and relaxing experience, one of the best and rewarding experiences of my life. Any woman that ever has a baby in the future, I recommend HypnoBirthing® over any other child birthing method..(Especially La Maz). I heard about HypnoBirthing® on Dateline right before I got pregnant the second time. I couldn’t believe that women could really have pain free childbirth because my first experience was completely terrible and excruciatingly painful. But the story really sparked my interest because so many people’s testimonies reflected a pain free experience, so I decided to look it up on the internet and find out more about it. I enrolled in the class lead by Teresa Van-Zeller, and soon learned it was very easy for anyone to do this. After using the techniques of HypnoBirthing®, let me tell you, it really works!!!!

I was having Braxton Hicks contractions all day on the 20th of June... about an hour apart. By the time I went to bed they were about 15 minutes apart. Around midnight, I’d say is when they came about 10 minutes apart, although I’m not really sure, as I slept between every contraction and did my HypnoBirthing® relaxation breathing during the contractions. At around 3am, they became much stronger, about 6 minutes apart, but I still wasn’t feeling any pain...only pressure... it was wonderful. Hubby slept through everything... I told him I was in labor and he said “yeah, yeah” and rolled over. At 4am, I got out of bed and told hubby I was going to shower, the contractions are 4 minutes apart and we needed to get ready to go to the hospital, (which is a 5 minute ride down the road from our house). I finished showering about 1/2 hour later. During the shower, the contactions were getting stronger and as each one came, I’d lean against the shower wall, arch my back and practice the HypnoBirthing® techniques. I did this in complete silence, as my hubby remained snoring away in bed. Upon coming out of the shower, I woke him up and told him to tell me the time at the beginning of each contraction. They were now 3 minutes apart. Hubby groggily rolled over and wanted to go to sleep. I asked him what he was doing, saying come on, we’ve got to go. All this while, I hadn’t made one peep, and I had felt no pain whatsoever. During the last labor experience I was screaming, swearing and shouting obscenities about and at him. He finally managed to pull himself out of bed... and he took a shower!!! I asked him what he was doing in shock.. he said we had plenty of time, and we had to wait for his mom to come anyway. (Still in disbelief that I was really in labor). I promptly called his mom and said this is it, and to come over. (She had a 1/2 hour drive). This was about 4:45. By the time he got out of the shower I was 2 minutes apart...still practicing my HypnoBirthing® (and mind, I did this completely alone, with no help from hubby or anyone else...100% drug free!).

Prior to labor, I was very worried that things might not work out because my husband did not even practice any of the exercises with me. Although I really wish I had his help at this next point, it is possible to do the HypnoBirthing® alone. When I proceeded downstairs I had a contraction midways down the stairs...and I lost my concentration on relaxing...so I begged hubby for some help to get me back into the relaxed mode. (Because he did not practice the techniques with me, he didn’t know what to do.) He put the tape on for me, but I did feel the surges during this brief time where I had come out of relaxation. His mom and brother came and they were bickering about how to watch our son and what to do (even though this had already been pre- arranged), which didn’t help my concentration any. It was now about 5:25am. Anyhow, I ended up feeling about 20 minutes of uncontrolled contractions. In the car ride to the hospital I managed to revamp some of my concentration, and finally, with the help of my sister-in-law running her fingers up my arm, just before stepping out of the car at the hospital, I returned to a completely relaxed mode. However, I almost had her in the car! We pulled into the driveway of the hospital and hubby ran to get a wheelchair. The second I stook up, my water broke, and I was ready to push. By the time I was in the hospital room, the baby was crowned...ready to come out, and I hadn’t even pushed! We checked into the hospital at 5:35 and they made me wait until the doctor arrived for me to push. I didn’t feel any pain, but I really wanted to push. The doctor finally walked in at 5:50...the sterile towels were draped over my legs and the doctor prepared for the birth, and I said to him, “I’m pushing!” One push, I felt myself tear, but no pain. Out came a little baby girl immediately after that push at 5:55am. We named her Kierra Cianna Reoch and she was born on the first day of summer (June 21, 2000). Very healthy at 8lbs, 7.2 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. It was the most wonderful experience. They wanted to put an IV in me and give me pitocin immediately upon entry to the hospital. (WHY would they want to give me pitocin when I’m already in labor ?!?!?!?!) I refused...and they realized it was too late to do, anyhow.So there ya go...childbirth can be enjoyable all natural... and it was truly a magnificent experience!

My first child was the most awful experience in the world. I was induced, so had the displeasure of being injected with pitocin. I had drugs and then an epidural. Unfortuantely, for that first pregnancy, I had toxemia for 8 1/2 weeks, so after I gave birth they were pumping in the magnesium via the IV. Everything began to puff up like a balloon, and my husband (and the nurses) told me it looked like I had Fred Flinstone feet! I looked and felt ridiculous and was assured this was normal. I weighed more after giving birth than before, and I felt absolutely terrible after spending over 48 hours in the hospital. The epidural and drugs made me groggy and sluggish for quite some time. For this second one, howerver, I can tell you I felt absolutely marvelous! I was not tired one bit, because I literally slept between each contraction and didn’t tense up, hence I was not worn out after labor. The only thing that bothered me were the stitches, because my baby was large and I tore naturally, so they were not very neat, and rubbed me in funny ways. Otherwise, not having any drugs during labor is so much better, not only for the labor itself, but afterwards as well. I felt revived after this experience!" Tammy K. Becker Reoch

"Simmon Willam Fronmueller was born at high noon on Januray 3, 2003. He weighed 6lbs 15oz and is, as his pediatrician puts it, “perfect”. I went into labor early that morning. I am not sure of the time; I know I woke up having a little cramping just as it was just starting to get light. I used my relaxation techniques and dozed in and around what I know now were early surges. I woke up around 7:30, took a shower and had a light breakfast. I told Mike that I thought I might be in labor and that he shouldn’t rush off to work. I continued to relax and started timing the surges. By 8:30 they were 4-6 minutes apart so I called the Dr. and we headed for West Hills Hospital. On the way to the hospital I listened to my relaxation tape, timed surges and chatted with Mike. When we arrived, we parked and walked across the parking lot to the entrance. The volunteers behind the desk wanted to know if I was going to be induced that morning. I said, “actually, I am already in labor, the contractions are about 4 minutes apart. Where is the bathroom?” The looks on their faces were truly priceless. I went to the bathroom, we filled out a little paperwork and then they took me upstairs.On the way up the nurse asked how dilated and effaced I had been at my last appointment. I had been 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. She said that she would put me right in a room without checking to see if I was really in labor. By the time I got changed and settled in bed it was about 9:30. My Dr. had agreed to me not having an IV, so I only had the external fetal monitor. I listened to my music and relaxed while Mike rubbed my back as I was having some back labor as I previously had with my first child. Between surges we talked and laughed with the nurse and I ate some ice chips. I didn’t get a chance to eat the snacks I had brought along.. Around 10:30 or so, I am not clear on the time, the nurse decided to check my progress. “Holy Moly Girl” she said, “you’re an eight.” Chaos ensued with her running around trying to get everything set up and calling the doctor. By the time the doctor arrived, I was 9cm dilated and everything went very quickly from then on.

The breathing the baby out thing went out the window very quickly as I had INCREDIBLE urges to push. However, my HypnoBirthing® techniques really helped me to relax and regroup between pushes. After just a few pushes Simon made his entrance. He was placed on my stomach and we waited awile to cut the cord. He pinked up nicely and had 9/9 Apgar scores. The placenta came out in one easy push. I had a small tear (I must admit I didn’t do my massage as faithfully as I should have), which was soon fixed and healed nicely. He nursed for the first time in the delivery room and has been eating like a little piggy ever since. He gained 3.5 lbs in his first 5 weeks. By 1pm I was in my room having lunch. After the 21- hours labor I had with my first baby, this was just wonderful. I can truly say that the only time I experienced any real pain was the surge immediately after my water broke. It was very intense and took me by surprise and I tensed up. I immediately asked Mike to help me relax and when he did things went right back on track. I had some after pain that radiated down my leg when I was nursing Simon and the relaxation techniques helped with that too.

Thank you so much for the things you taught us. This birth was a great experience. It was quick, easy and nearly pain free. My recovery this time has also been much easier because I didn’t get so worn out by all those hours of labor and pushing that I had the first time. Our family is complete, but I will be recommending HypnoBirthing® to any pregnant woman who will listen from now on. Thanks again Teresa!" Julie Fronmueller