“The Hypnobirthing was fundamental Janet. I’m so proud of myself.
Started late ish on the 16th having some mild surges. By 2 am they were flowing nicely but I could doze fairly happily in between but was waking every 10 mins or so.
At about 5 am they were much more powerful and I needed mobilise so woke (my partner) to put the rad on downstairs so it was nice and warm. Continued to flow nicely and felt ready to go to hospital at about 9am.
Agreed to a preliminary exam where we were told we were 9cm.
We were thrilled at the thought of how far we’d come and that the pool was filling and we’d done it, we were going to get the birth we wanted!! Oxytocin was flowing!!
The pool was wonderful and (my partner) frequently stopped my head going under as I napped between surges! I was so relaxed.
After about 6 hrs and having had my waters broken his head was still really high and we hadn’t gone any further. There was meconium in the waters…….and they were concerned due to this being second baby that things had stalled and he was stressed.
They then presented the choice of a drip and the risk of stressing him further or getting him out via section.
After the dr discussed with his supervisor they advised section due to how high he still was.
So that’s what we did and I’m glad. He was so big! 12lb 3oz !!!!
SO, in conclusion I’m really bloody proud of myself and thankful to you that I went in to labour on my own, and very calmly got so very nearly there!
Stress free drug free, in the pool. For a while it was wonderful then we had to make some choices that we didn’t want to but there you go. We both feel really positive about it.
I’m exhausted obviously but very content and happy in the knowledge I did everything I could and that bit was wonderful. 💜 xx”
Janet’s words: I always remember Michel Odent saying many years ago that the skill is in knowing which babies genuinely need some support to be born, and how he said not to put a drip up of synthetic oxytocin if mother’s contractions(surges) are powerful but not productive (after a reasonable amount of time) if the baby is not descending. He would advise to go for a more leisurely caesarean. Otherwise you are more likely to stress mother and baby and end up with an ‘emergency’ caesarean anyway.
I have to agree, this couple made the very best decision for their baby at the time and because of being informed and empowered, and being in control of their decisions along the way, they are on a high, despite it not being their preferred first option.
Although baby needed some attention later after his birth, he is doing amazing and his mother says that he is “feeding fabulously”🤱and adds “ I feel happy in my soul, really content“ Huge congratulations 🎉💜💜💜🎊