“Hi Janet,
I am delighted to say our little bundle of joy has arrived….the hypnobirthing really paid off! Birth story below.
I started getting surges on Sunday evening (4th March) very irregular but thought i would take a trip to the hospital to check everything was ok. There I was put on the monitor to listen to baby and surges, the midwife confirmed they were surges but I was coping well and to go home. They kept coming but once again very irregular and probably only 2 a day. I just had a feeling that it would be a while off, mainly because Ashley (husband) was still working and was set to do a few nights out.
I lost my mucus plug on Saturday 10th March, surges were still very intermittent so wasn’t sure how long it would be but I felt relaxed. I felt really prepared for what was ahead, very excited and very positive. We had been hypnobirthing from 30 wks pregnant, daily practice without fail, even though Ashley works away some nights he had recorded the lavender script on whatsapp and sent it over. We chose 2 scripts to focus on, lavender and stroking relaxation, plus I had the river dawn music and the colour and calmness CD which i listened to regularly.
I also had affirmations round the house and pictures of the rose and position of baby plus a checklist so I could tick off each day what I’d done. My reason for doing the course was that my previous birth was a C section, as much as all the staff were lovely during the birth of my first child, I really felt so out of control and that I was happy to go along with whatever was suggested….I didn’t want to be a pain and cause any problems plus I didn’t have much knowledge regarding having a baby as I’d never done it before.
After the birth of my first child I suffered major anxiety issues and that I wish I could of done more, I often questioned alot that had happened. Anyway I knew this time round I wanted to be fully prepared for whatever path this birth was to take and I wanted to feel more in control.
Monday morning rolled round (12th March). Ashley had planned to go to wildlife oasis with Franchesca (Our Daughter). I was tidying in the kitchen and all of a sudden I felt a small trickle, I thought it was my waters but was only slight so kept doing what I was doing. I told Ashley just as he was about to leave with Franchesca and he asked “should I go?” I said “of course, have a lovely time”. I got a shower and felt the surges coming, this time more regular but I felt very chilled. I read my affirmations, ‘I can do this, I have the strength and the power’. The surges started to increase so i decided to ring Ashley. While waiting I rang my mother in law, she came straight away to comfort me. Ashley appeared not long after. He rang the hospital to which they said come in.
In the car on the way there Ashley was saying “so soft, so serene, you can do this!” I felt great, I felt so In control and really excited for what was about to happen. We got to the hospital at 1pm and we’re shown to the birthing room with a pool. They were very respectful at the hospital that we were hypnobirthing. Vaginal examinations were mentioned to which Ashley said no…this was in my birth plan but I suppose it’s something that they like to do.
I had “river dawn” playing, (Hypnobirthing music), battery candles and the lights dimmed. Ashley stroked my arm, along with telling me I could do it, I kept my jaw relaxed, I remained in the zone. The pool was filled and i was allowed to get in….i struggled getting in to which I felt like I had a football between my legs. The minute I was in I needed to push, the intensity of the surges had decreased to which I was surprised at. I was asked if i could get out so they could monitor baby better. Once out of the pool they did a vaginal examination, all was fine and I heard “not long now” I was on my hands and knees, as each surge came I felt the urge to push, I felt down and could feel the baby’s head, Ashley said it was amazing.
With each surge I pushed using the “downward” breathing visualising a ski jump/skate ramp (bizarre I know) but it worked. I didn’t focus on time I just focused on myself, saying “I have the strength and the power” I just massively believed that i really did have the strength and the power! Baby Jake then arrived at 5pm, 38+4 days. I pulled him through between my legs, all slimey and warm….i held him to my chest, it felt so emotional, we had done it!
Ashley cut the cord once it had stopped pulsating. I received the injection to birth my placenta to which it was out with 10 minutes. Afterwards i had skin to skin with Jake, the midwives left us to enjoy this special time. I am so proud of myself. Jake, Ashley and I all worked together. Ashley is my absolute rock! I cant thank Janet enough for the knowledge, love and support she has given, I’ll never forget it x”