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07 Feb 2020
Our EMPOWERING birth!
I had heard about Hypnobirthing and after enquiring I was recommended to connect with Anna via my midwife. I was then gifted the sessions as a surprise for Jan 2020 by my family as a birthday present.
My partner Ashley wasn’t sure at first with Hypnobirthing but at the end of the course he was very pleased to have been present and prepared as our son decided to arrive at 36weeks plus 1day.
Funnily enough we had finished our last session was on the Monday and on the Friday that same week our son was born.
My birth plan was simple, I was open to change but I preferred to have a home birth with a birthing pool and limited assistance.
Anna was lovely throughout the sessions; once we made our birth plan known she helped prepare us using the BRAIN technique, supplying lots of different books, videos, affirmations and terminology, to ensure we were aware of all birthing scenarios if our ideal plan was to suddenly change.
On 6th Feb 2020 I had noticed when leaving work that there was a sticky substance forming in my underwear. We were reassured in previous sessions that your mucus plug could detach and reform 4weeks before birth so I was not concerned, instead I was pleased I was informed of this occurring.
During my pregnancy I had not been able to feel my son kick or move due to a low lying placenta, however on this particular evening I felt him kick very hard and very low but still I was calm after discussions within our sessions.
My waters broke on 7th Feb 2020 at 12:30am, they were not a gush as indicated in movies, instead we were aware they can be slow releasing for a short or long time. Mine in fact continued even after I had birthed my son.
Using the breathing techniques, I was in and out of sleep comfortably from 12:30am with my surges whilst at home, my partner by my side throughout. The midwife arrived at 9am to do general observations, by which point I was already classed as 8.5hrs in labour due to my waters breaking.
I decided against a VE due to my broken waters, using the BRAIN technique with my partner prior to the midwifes arrival, he was able to communicate this to the midwife whilst I concentrated on each surge using my breathing.
Due to the premature arrival of our son I was no longer able to have a home birth. Instead I was informed by my midwives I would need to go into hospital. I was already prepared for my birth plan to change so was not fazed by this.
We ensured to take home comforts with us as well as the affirmations Anna had supplied, to encourage happy hormones and continue my state of relaxation.
During the sessions we were made aware to eat and drink throughout labour, expecting it to last a while due to this being my first child and following the premature arrival I had not had the chance to pack the ‘picnic’ I had envisaged, so I ensured my partner stopped on route to stock up on goodies and fluids.
Surging in Tesco’s car park whilst my partner is running to get the picnic will be a happy memory of my labour I won’t forget!
My partner was fantastic and supportive throughout, counting my surges and breathing with me. Anna had told us about massage and he was able to help when needed. For me I felt in control of my surges whilst using my breathing.
We arrived at the hospital for 11:30am and were shown to a private room with a birthing pool.
We, mostly I, delayed arriving because we had to pack the hospital bag as I hadn’t got round to it prior and I was enjoying the uninterrupted alone time at home.
Having the pool in our own room made me feel calm and hopeful part of my original birth plan was able to still happen.
By this point it had been 11hrs of calm whilst waiting to meet you.
My partner started to set up the hospital room ahead of me, taking our fairy lights from home, battery powered candles, snacks, removing the hospital clock (I can’t stand them ticking) and adding smelling scents to my top, whilst I was able to concentrate on breathing through the surges.
Ashley already knew my birth plan regardless of home / hospital and was able to communicate this to the doctors and midwives regarding my wishes so that I was not interrupted from my own state of relaxation.
I was in the pool for approx 3hrs, falling asleep twice. We were informed of the fight or flight feeling that can occur before your baby was to be born and just before I started breathing down my flight mode kicked in but Ashley was able to bring me back to my breathing technique quickly, helping me to control my surges again.
At this point we were almost 14.5hrs into labour due to my waters breaking at 12:30am. I had managed 10cm without any assistance, simply my breathing, the support of my partner and the warmth of the pool. My sons heartbeat was monitored every 15mins whilst I was in the water.
I asked for something to take the edge off as I felt my son drop down and by this point the midwives had no idea I was breathing my son down. I was given gas and air but shortly after this the midwives monitoring my sons heartbeat found it was dropping when I was pushing. I was asked to leave the pool and go to the bed. I had monitors placed on my stomach and using the BRAIN technique I informed the midwives I wanted to birth on my side.
It didn’t feel too long and suddenly our son was born, in the ‘superman pose’ with one hand beside his head. He was placed onto my chest and instantly he pushed himself up and looked around to everyone’s amazement. A sight we will never forget!
Looking down at his beautiful self with matching dimples and one eye shut as if winking hello was pure heaven.
Throughout I was unable to eat the picnic which I had requested Ashley to get on route; every time I tried to eat I was sick during my labour. Thankfully we were able to devour it once our son was born, our first picnic as a family.
I am thankful to Anna for the course she supplied us with, opening my eyes to the rights we have as women with our bodies and to use the BRAIN / breathing techniques not just during birth but in day to day life.
Due to complications after my son’s birth which sadly tainted the experience, traumatising me and then limited support following the start of a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, I didn’t feel ready to relive or share my story until now. I have decided not to add in the reasons for the complications and instead to focus on the positives that surrounded our birth story.
The past year has not been one that anyone imagined, especially being a first time parent; you expect lots of days out, play dates, baby classes and family gatherings. Sadly this hasn’t happened very often, if any for us. My son hasn’t met anyone from our extended family / friends except via Face Time, he hasn’t been held by anyone other than my support bubble, however I am thankful that we’ve made it through this year of challenges as a family and for the guidance, love and compassion we’ve received during these difficult times.
I am thankful Ashley was able to be present during our son’s birth, being my rock. My heart goes out to all those that had a different experience in 2020.
Thank you Anna for being at the end of a phone whenever I’ve messaged. Thank you for sharing my story and for inspiring women daily.
Happy 1st Birthday Toby! Mummy, Daddy & Pixie (your food collecting BFF) love you so much. You’ve brought so much light to a darkened year and we are forever thankful you chose us to be your parent’s xxx