“I achieved my home water vbac hypnobirth! Staying at home enabled me to feel safe, keeping calm and utilising my hypnobirthing “toolkit” to manage my 4 hour labour. I have never felt more empowered and complete. I would describe it as a life-changing experience which has affected every part of my life positively since.
In my first pregnancy I was induced at 5 days beyond my “due” date following a diagnosis of pre eclampsia. This resulted in the usual cascade of intervention, leading to syntocinon, prolonged rupture of membranes, emergency C-Section for suspected sepsis, followed by post partum haemorrhage and magnesium sulphate in theatre!
In my second pregnancy, I was keen to have as little intervention as possible and planned for a home water birth VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) hypnobirth. This was my plan as long as myself and the baby were healthy.
Understandably my Consultant recommended a hospital VBAC attempt. I fekt that remaining at home would benefit me in many ways( flow of hormones, undisturbed birth, hypnobirth practice etc) and give me the best chance to have the vbac birth I desired. I was well aware and fully informed of the risks I was undertaking and met with a Supervisor of Midwives to discuss my plans, which was useful. My preference for a low threshold for transfer was noted, if any concerns arose during my labour and birth.
My main message to staff, is not to fear birth. In our medicalised culture, birth can often be viewed as only normal in retrospect. I believe it takes away women’s power and also their ability to trust in their bodies. After my first birth I gelt like a failure. Since my homebirth I feel I can achieve anything!”