“Our Hypnobirthing journey.
When we found out we were pregnant with our third child we decided to do hypnobirthing again. It helped a lot with our second baby so we decided to do it again. We hadn’t used Janet before but we were so pleased we decided to use her this time.
We opted for the 1:1 sessions via Zoom as we had two other children and really appreciated Janet’s ability to be flexible with times and dates. I would have preferred to see Janet face to face but I can honestly say using Zoom was the next best thing given the circumstances. Janet was able to answer any questions I had during sessions and via e-mail before the next session, if I needed.
My husband, Tom and I enjoyed practising the scripts together and using the River Dawn tracks to accompany them. We chose one script to do each night then slowly worked out which ones worked best for us. I also decided to get a HTMA hair sample done through Janet as I was told baby was on the small side and that I had low iron. I was so impressed and found it incredibly interesting. I can’t wait to do another one post-partum to see how I am now, even from Canada (where we moved just before our baby turned two months old!) Janet has assured me this is possible!
Janet worked with me to find suitable solutions to my low B12 and ferritin levels throughout the last few weeks of pregnancy to ensure the best possible outcome during labour. Her knowledge was invaluable and gave me options that weren’t readily available through my GP.
Throughout the last few weeks of my pregnancy I was monitored for the size of our baby. This was based on previous predictions of our other two being small (baby 1 was 6lbs 13oz at 38 weeks and baby 2 was 7lbs 4oz at 40+2 weeks). I was monitored weekly, which can be quite daunting especially during a pandemic and having to be at all appointments on my own however, having Janet to call/text/email for advice or information was invaluable. I also had the amazing support from the midwife from The Safe Active Birth Team – Jane Tomlinson-Wightman
So when I met with a consultant I felt empowered as I had done my research and felt fully informed and confident in the questions I would ask.
My waters broke on the 20/1/21. I chose to stay at home and practise my relaxations, my husband read me the come-out baby script and I listened to River Dawn. When we arrived at the hospital, late afternoon my tightenings had become less frequent and much less intense. I was greeted by a wonderful midwife, called Chantelle. She made sure I was comfortable and happy. Tom, my husband made sure she was aware that he was the one to direct all questions to.
Chantelle was so understanding and listened to everything we wished for. She was happy for me not to be under continuous monitoring until I felt I was in established labour and I made it clear I did not want it to inhibit my option of getting in the birthing pool. Later, I was told that I would be moved to the ward as nothing was progressing.
I wanted to go home rather than stay on the ward as I have had previous bad experiences on there. Later we were spoken to by doctor who quite honestly tried to terrify me into staying with talk of my section scar rupturing. I knew the risks as this was my second VBAC. We discussed the pros and cons with two consultants and told them we understood and made the informed decision to leave and come back when we felt it was time. Before we left the midwife from the Safe Active Birth Team (Jane Tomlinson-Wightman) came to see me and we agreed to a sweep, some spinning babies techniques, reflexology and acupressure.
The next morning around 4 am, I woke up with quite intense tightenings. I was so excited but didn’t want to wake my husband yet! I kept my River Dawn music on with Pura Rasa relaxation meditations, I had my crystals with me and I concentrated on breathing. Around 6am I needed to take some paracetamol and eat something, so I woke Tom. The tightenings got so intense I decided to get in the bath and Tom rang the delivery suite. We made our way there and arrived about 8am. Tom immediately put on the diffusers, my River Dawn music and dimmed the lighting.
The midwife was Chantelle who was on the day before. I was so happy to see a familiar face who we did not have to go over everything again with. She understood where I stood on vaginal examinations and having the constant monitoring of the baby’s heartbeat. She asked if I would mind an internal examination just to check how I was progressing and I agreed. Turns out I was already 8cm! So we decided to get in the pool as I was becoming a little uncomfortable now.
During labour I found myself with my eyes closed most of the time and concentrating on relaxing and my breathing. When any medical staff came in and wanted to know anything Tom took the lead. This was great as I could focus on my tightenings. I remember just saying to myself and Connor it’s not far to come, you’ll be here soon.
By 10:51am Connor came into the world in the birthing pool, weighing an amazing 8 pounds exactly! We decided we wanted optimal cord clamping, to have the ‘golden hour’ to ourselves, quiet and calm and no vitamin K injection. All these wishes were respected without question.
Janet, you made me feel so relaxed and confident in my own body’s ability and my ability to question the professionals to make an informed decision. Your support during and after my pregnancy has been invaluable and I could not have asked for a better teacher. I cannot thank you enough Janet!” From: Michelle Groome
❤️😍❤️