“Hi Janet, Here is our birth story
I started to write it when he was 3 weeks old and then Christmas got in the way….so just finished it now. It still makes me warm and fuzzy thinking about it! We are all doing really well. Hugh is just a delight and I am treasuring every precious moment with him.
The Birth of Hugh Edward
After visiting you (Janet) for a reflexology treatment the evening before, (and hearing some calming and wise words too), John and I went to a consultant appointment as I was 41w+4d.
We were both fully prepared with knowledge, questions (I’d swatted up on both AIMS booklets Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) and Induction) and confidence to make our own informed decisions. Following this appointment, we decided to accept a sweep. John then returned to work and I went for a walk; it was a beautiful cold day and I enjoyed the fresh air and exercise.
At about 11pm I began to feel twinges. Unsure if things had started, I went to bed to try and get some rest. At about midnight, I still couldn’t sleep and felt more regular, gentle surges. As our childcare help lived in the North East (and they had snow!), I phoned my parents to drive across (just in case) and they happily ‘holed up’ in our lounge without a sound. As soon as they were here, my surges became more frequent.
Knowing that Clara was safe, probably helped this. We got up to eat (!) and become more mobile at 5am. We played “River Dawn” (KG Hypnobirthing music) constantly; the Colour and Calmness meditation (KG relaxations) helped through this early stage too. Once we had an empty house (at about 8.30am), John ran me a bath and I focused on my breathing.
John phoned RLI at about 11am (apparently) and explained I was in labour, hypnobirthing, aiming for VBAC water birth. We headed down to Lancaster (me plugged in to “Colour and Calmness”) and arrived quietly and calmly.
We went straight into the pool room and the lovely midwife respected every wish of ours. She even found my affirmations sheet that I had made and stuck it up so I could focus straight in on that. John advocated that I would be happy to have an initial vaginal examination (VE) once I was settled. Following this, the mw (and John) were happy for me to get into the pool; the water was soothing and I kept my focus on my “up-breathing” (KG Hypnobirthing breathing)
Being continually monitored wasn’t done intrusively and gave me the reassurance that all was well. Baby’s heartbeat did start to drop later so after a discussion with the doctor (via John) we chose to check on baby. After this quick procedure, all was well so I got straight back in the pool – bliss!
Our beautiful boy was born in the water at shortly after 8pm. After some skin-to-skin with me in the pool, John then enjoyed some skin-to-skin time too when I then needed to get out of the water.
It was an incredibly emotional and positive birth for both of us; I would happily do it again tomorrow and John felt much more ‘helpful’ and confident in questioning the medics! Our contented little boy is thriving and surrounded by love, particularly from his big sister Clara.
Thank you so, so much Janet for empowering us to enjoy the birth we wished for. You are amazing!
Love Naomi xxx”