Hello Janet, I’m delighted to say that our gorgeous little boy has arrived!
It all got off to a very quick start, with my waters breaking before any other signs. My surges came on thick and fast from the get go, so I was right in the thick of labour from the very beginning!
I used “Up” breathing (Katharine Graves Hypnobirthing breathing) throughout most of the labour because I really needed to slow things down as it was all moving a little too quickly initially. So I can’t imagine how different it could have been without hypnobirthing!
Affirmations were constantly coming in to my mind, as were lovely images of sunrises on the beach and bubbles rising.
I can’t say I was the peaceful silent type from the videos.. I growled, I roared and I grunted him in to the world. I had to go with what felt right, and felt empowered in doing so – I think that I would have felt a bit silly if I hadn’t been on the course, so might have tried to repress the animalistic noises, but as it was I went with it and it felt glorious!
I was in the water most of the time, until they recommended that I came out on to the bed to try to get him to change positions, (his head was in a tricky position). So they were a bit concerned and the room was suddenly quite full of staff preparing for an episiotomy, but I managed not to be distracted by them!
Instead, I was determined and didn’t feel the need to give in to the pressure of the medics being there.. I think that gave me the final bit of strength I needed, because I did some final very strong pushes lying on the bed, and out he finally came. I didn’t even need any stitches!
So, what could have been quite a complex and difficult birth, was actually a strong and intense experience where we kept in control and calm throughout. And to top it all off, (birth partner) was the best!! He stuck by me the whole way.. reminded me to relax by putting his hands on my shoulders, gave me gentle encouragement when I needed it, stayed silent when it was right to be, and was my absolute advocate. We also had an incredible midwife – who was trained in hypnobirthing, so together we were an amazing team!
Baby is now doing really well – he’s so chilled!
Thank you Janet so much for what you taught us. It gave us everything we needed to deal with the circumstances that came our way.
Sorry this has turned out to be a very long message, I was just going to tell you briefly, but it has turned into quite a cathartic thing to write out my birth story! Happy for you to share xx