“Second baby (during lockdown)
We completed Janet’s hypnobirthing course with our first baby 2 years ago. In which we had a lovely hospital birth. This time round I knew from the day I found out I was pregnant I wanted my baby at home. We started hypnobirthing practice straight away and re read KG hypnobirthing book. We attended a Hypnobirthing “Refresher” with Janet during our 2nd pregnancy.
All was great, until they announced home births and the birth centre births were being suspended due to COVID. I had a real wobble about the whole thing. A few days past and I accepted my fate and cracked on practicing and adapting with the current situation. Janet was just a text away from reassurance at every wobble, and the support throughout pregnancy was great.
When it came to labour day which was also my birthday (must of been those happy hormones, as I was only just gone 38 weeks) my waters went and contractions shortly followed. I used my hypnobirthing techniques downstairs with my music on, I was really calm and happy pottering around in between contractions. When it came to going to hospital and instantly felt on edge and my contractions lost there flow. The midwife that cared for me at first was a bit clinical for me, and also made me feel on edge. I was told my heart rate was high, I couldn’t have a water birth and I “was only” 2cm dilated! I felt instantly deflated!!
However again I knew I needed to accept the situation and birth this baby out whatever. So off I went in my little hypnobirthing world with my breathing techniques, music and affirmations. My husband fell asleep (typical haha) which actually helped me get well in the zone. Luckily, 8am came and it was midwife change over time. We got a new midwife who instantly came in like super woman. She allowed me to get in the birthing pool and just was totally more on my page.
My body totally shifted in this time and out came my little girl quickly and calmly after. It may not of been the home birth birth I had planned, and had I not had the tools to stay calm and adapt, I think I would of been freaked out.
So, thank you for teaching me those tools and being there over the phone when I needed. Maybe my dream for a home birth is worth just one more? 😂 x”