Birth Stories
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IT WAS A CALM AND NATURAL BIRTH - HYPNOBIRTHING GAVE ME THE DETERMINATION TO KEEP GOING
"My labour was 27 hours. The hypnobirthing tracks were really useful for me, although towards the end of labour I felt a bit out of it! Even though at times an epidural seemed attractive, I had a natural birth with just gas and air and pethidine. Thank you for everything, I was a lot calmer than I would have been had I not completed your course! "
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I COULDN'T HAVE ASKED FOR A BETTER EXPERIENCE
"I gave birth to our daughter this morning at 9:02am (on her due date!). We had a home birth (!) and I birthed her in the pool. It went according to the plan and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Thank you for all of the advice you gave us on the course, it really helped me a lot!"
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THE BEST PART WAS IN THE POOL WITH OUR HYPNOBIRTHING SCRIPTS
"My baby was back-to-back so it was a difficult delivery, but the best part was in the pool with our hypnobirthing scripts playing and gas and air. I did have to get out the pool to deliver him."
HYPNOBIRTHING HELPED ME SWITCH OFF FROM THE OUTSIDE WORLD
"My experience in hospital was pretty awful - but my sister and husband commented on how I managed to stay calm when things were going wrong - I definitely used the techniques we learned on your course - I managed to just switch off from the outside world to focus on keeping calm xx"
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MY WATERS BROKE BUT CONTRACTIONS DIDN'T START NATURALLY FOR 30 HRS
- Tuesday 12th February PM my waters broke. We went for a long walk and came back to have a nap and woke up with a wet bottom! Went to the bathroom and there was a large gush.
- No other symptoms at this point, I actually felt absolutely fine and even felt energetic. I really wanted contractions to start so had a hot bath, watched comedy and napped a lot.
- As things hadn't progressed by Wednesday lunch we were told to go into hospital.
- We went into the birthing centre. I didn't see eye-to-eye with the midwife who assessed me. She was very negative and was adamant that I'd need inducing and I should be in the labour ward already. This was based on the fact that the waters broke the previous day.
- From this point onwards, I became panicky and and started fretting. I knew my body wasn't relaxed. This in turn made me feel more negative, as I knew the chances of things progressing naturally was decreasing.
- I was in conversation with Christine (Magical Baby Moments) as well at this point. We were discussing the pros and cons of going beyond 24 hours since waters breaking.
- Due to my anxiety, and the fact that contractions hadn't started naturally, we decided to go with the pessaries on by the evening of Wednesday 13th February.
- I was then monitored Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
- In the early hours of Thursday I started to get some surges, these were varied in length and intensity but on average were 5 minutes apart. They progressively got more intense overnight.
- Thursday morning I was checked to see how much I had dilated and unfortunately I was at 2cm.
- By this point we were all concerned about the baby as we were close to 48 hours since waters had broken.
- Reluctantly, I agreed to syntocinon, the following few hours were the worst contractions ever.
- Thursday afternoon I was checked for dilation and I was still only 2 cm.
- The doctors were really concerned as by this point it was over 48 hours since my waters had broken and I had really intense contractions which should have ensured I dilated but I hadn't.
- They suggested epidural as the contractions were so intense but dilation wasn't progressing, they thought the epidural would relax my body and enable me to dilate.
- I was given epidural Thursday evening and by Friday midnight I had dilated to 5cm.
- In the early hours Friday morning I had dilated some more and I felt great, I felt energised, due to cat naps in between the less intense contractions (numbed by epidural), and I felt confident within myself.
- I started pushing around 5am Friday morning and due to the guidance from my midwife it took me slightly longer but baby was born 6.42am!
- The midwives I had over my stay were absolutely great, I went back to give them some chocolates and a card as they were genuinely amazing. I owe them a lot.
- In summary even though my birthing experience wasn't what I had hoped, it was absolutely perfect as it delivered my baby in a healthy state and both of us were fine.
- I struggled with the swelling from the epidural and I had a 1 inch tear. But within a week, I was feeling heaps better.
- I probably could have used hypnobirthing principles slightly better, to calm myself. However due to the prolonged labour I'm just glad it was a vaginal delivery.
- I did a lot of practicing with scripts and reading and listening to scripts ,so I do think I invested a lot of time in hypnobirthing but didn't realise the benefits fully. Either way I'm glad I spent the time on it.
Thank you for your guidance and support along the way, it was all really appreciated
Apologies for the long email but wanted to share the details with you!
- No other symptoms at this point, I actually felt absolutely fine and even felt energetic. I really wanted contractions to start so had a hot bath, watched comedy and napped a lot.
- As things hadn't progressed by Wednesday lunch we were told to go into hospital.
- We went into the birthing centre. I didn't see eye-to-eye with the midwife who assessed me. She was very negative and was adamant that I'd need inducing and I should be in the labour ward already. This was based on the fact that the waters broke the previous day.
- From this point onwards, I became panicky and and started fretting. I knew my body wasn't relaxed. This in turn made me feel more negative, as I knew the chances of things progressing naturally was decreasing.
- I was in conversation with Christine (Magical Baby Moments) as well at this point. We were discussing the pros and cons of going beyond 24 hours since waters breaking.
- Due to my anxiety, and the fact that contractions hadn't started naturally, we decided to go with the pessaries on by the evening of Wednesday 13th February.
- I was then monitored Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.
- In the early hours of Thursday I started to get some surges, these were varied in length and intensity but on average were 5 minutes apart. They progressively got more intense overnight.
- Thursday morning I was checked to see how much I had dilated and unfortunately I was at 2cm.
- By this point we were all concerned about the baby as we were close to 48 hours since waters had broken.
- Reluctantly, I agreed to syntocinon, the following few hours were the worst contractions ever.
- Thursday afternoon I was checked for dilation and I was still only 2 cm.
- The doctors were really concerned as by this point it was over 48 hours since my waters had broken and I had really intense contractions which should have ensured I dilated but I hadn't.
- They suggested epidural as the contractions were so intense but dilation wasn't progressing, they thought the epidural would relax my body and enable me to dilate.
- I was given epidural Thursday evening and by Friday midnight I had dilated to 5cm.
- In the early hours Friday morning I had dilated some more and I felt great, I felt energised, due to cat naps in between the less intense contractions (numbed by epidural), and I felt confident within myself.
- I started pushing around 5am Friday morning and due to the guidance from my midwife it took me slightly longer but baby was born 6.42am!
- The midwives I had over my stay were absolutely great, I went back to give them some chocolates and a card as they were genuinely amazing. I owe them a lot.
- In summary even though my birthing experience wasn't what I had hoped, it was absolutely perfect as it delivered my baby in a healthy state and both of us were fine.
- I struggled with the swelling from the epidural and I had a 1 inch tear. But within a week, I was feeling heaps better.
- I probably could have used hypnobirthing principles slightly better, to calm myself. However due to the prolonged labour I'm just glad it was a vaginal delivery.
- I did a lot of practicing with scripts and reading and listening to scripts ,so I do think I invested a lot of time in hypnobirthing but didn't realise the benefits fully. Either way I'm glad I spent the time on it.
Thank you for your guidance and support along the way, it was all really appreciated
Apologies for the long email but wanted to share the details with you!
OLIVIA'S BIRTH STORY - WHEN YOUR PLANS NEED TO ADAPT
"My waters broke at 37 weeks plus one. I was excited and a bit nervous too. David was there and my sister as well (both my birth partners). I thought to myself "in less than 24hrs, we will get to know our baby.” Mentally I was calm. Olivia's bag was ready. We were ready.
We went to the Birth Centre and when they checked my tummy they made comments about the position of the baby's head: not fully engaged and perhaps oblique. They recommended we go to the local hospital for a scan. They confirmed head was down, but not fully engaged. They disagreed with the idea of the baby’s head being oblique, although it is possible that it moved.
After hearing their assessment, they sent us home to wait for labour to start by itself. Once at home, I was positive that we could do it naturally. I was hoping for labour to start so I did my best to keep active and calm. We went for a walk, we watched a movie; I used the birthing ball and lit a candle too.
I only felt some sporadic contractions throughout the night and didn’t have much sleep because my mind was thinking a lot, anticipating the big day and being curious about how things were going to take place. The plan was ready, and I was ‘prepared’.
Next morning, we went back to hospital at 8am. They checked again and suggested to start with an induction. We discussed the possibility of waiting more, but I was reminded of the risk. At midday they introduced a gel. Six hours later they suggested another gel for another six hours because dilation was at 1cm. The contractions were happening, but they were sporadic. At the end of the second gel the dilation showed little progress. While this induction was happening, I kept positive and calm. I managed to walk around the hospital, take a shower, use the birthing ball, and practise different positions for dealing with contractions.
At midnight, they started with the hormone drip, controlling the amount by keeping an eye on the effects of it. As they increased it, the contractions became stronger. I dealt with contractions by breathing in and out. I was able to remember all those images and techniques I was taught during my yoga and hypnobirthing lessons. At the next assessment I was 3cm. To be honest I felt a bit disappointed with my body and the outcome. I wanted to hear that I was 6 or 7cms. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and events were taking a different course.
They increased hormone dosage. Olivia was not 'happy'. The contractions were getting stronger. One of the midwives reminded me about pain relief options. Although I was reluctant to use any of them, at this point it felt alright to go for it. As things were happening, I was calm in my mind, but at this stage I was more aware that plans were gone and new ways had to be considered.
They increased hormone drip up to 40ml. Olivia's heartbeat kept dropping. There was pressure on time due to the waters breaking more than 48 hours earlier. My birth plan, my ideal image of giving birth naturally, my wish to feel my baby coming out, was slowly fading away.
They did another vaginal examination and found I was 3cm but the baby’s head was upwards (posterior position). It was recommended that we opt for an epidural. Those positive affirmations that help to focus on the arrival of the baby are very helpful when facing difficulties.
The epidural was sorted not long after we made the decision at around 9:30am. At 10:30am, the heartbeat of the baby dropped again, and the emergency buzzer was activated, calling more staff in the room. They introduced a device (clip) to connect to the head of the baby and facilitate a more accurate monitoring. At 2:10pm the baby wasn't happy again. A doctor reviewed the situation; I was 4cm. Due to not progressing enough and baby’s health being compromised, a c-section was suggested. It was clearly not what I planned and personally I would have never chosen this option myself. However, it felt there was no way out. I was exhausted physically and energetically. We agreed. At 4:25pm our baby Olivia was born. She was assessed, and everything was fine. This chapter had ended but a new one was clearly starting…parenthood."
We went to the Birth Centre and when they checked my tummy they made comments about the position of the baby's head: not fully engaged and perhaps oblique. They recommended we go to the local hospital for a scan. They confirmed head was down, but not fully engaged. They disagreed with the idea of the baby’s head being oblique, although it is possible that it moved.
After hearing their assessment, they sent us home to wait for labour to start by itself. Once at home, I was positive that we could do it naturally. I was hoping for labour to start so I did my best to keep active and calm. We went for a walk, we watched a movie; I used the birthing ball and lit a candle too.
I only felt some sporadic contractions throughout the night and didn’t have much sleep because my mind was thinking a lot, anticipating the big day and being curious about how things were going to take place. The plan was ready, and I was ‘prepared’.
Next morning, we went back to hospital at 8am. They checked again and suggested to start with an induction. We discussed the possibility of waiting more, but I was reminded of the risk. At midday they introduced a gel. Six hours later they suggested another gel for another six hours because dilation was at 1cm. The contractions were happening, but they were sporadic. At the end of the second gel the dilation showed little progress. While this induction was happening, I kept positive and calm. I managed to walk around the hospital, take a shower, use the birthing ball, and practise different positions for dealing with contractions.
At midnight, they started with the hormone drip, controlling the amount by keeping an eye on the effects of it. As they increased it, the contractions became stronger. I dealt with contractions by breathing in and out. I was able to remember all those images and techniques I was taught during my yoga and hypnobirthing lessons. At the next assessment I was 3cm. To be honest I felt a bit disappointed with my body and the outcome. I wanted to hear that I was 6 or 7cms. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case and events were taking a different course.
They increased hormone dosage. Olivia was not 'happy'. The contractions were getting stronger. One of the midwives reminded me about pain relief options. Although I was reluctant to use any of them, at this point it felt alright to go for it. As things were happening, I was calm in my mind, but at this stage I was more aware that plans were gone and new ways had to be considered.
They increased hormone drip up to 40ml. Olivia's heartbeat kept dropping. There was pressure on time due to the waters breaking more than 48 hours earlier. My birth plan, my ideal image of giving birth naturally, my wish to feel my baby coming out, was slowly fading away.
They did another vaginal examination and found I was 3cm but the baby’s head was upwards (posterior position). It was recommended that we opt for an epidural. Those positive affirmations that help to focus on the arrival of the baby are very helpful when facing difficulties.
The epidural was sorted not long after we made the decision at around 9:30am. At 10:30am, the heartbeat of the baby dropped again, and the emergency buzzer was activated, calling more staff in the room. They introduced a device (clip) to connect to the head of the baby and facilitate a more accurate monitoring. At 2:10pm the baby wasn't happy again. A doctor reviewed the situation; I was 4cm. Due to not progressing enough and baby’s health being compromised, a c-section was suggested. It was clearly not what I planned and personally I would have never chosen this option myself. However, it felt there was no way out. I was exhausted physically and energetically. We agreed. At 4:25pm our baby Olivia was born. She was assessed, and everything was fine. This chapter had ended but a new one was clearly starting…parenthood."
BIRTHING HER WAS INTENSE BUT THIS TIME I WAS MENTALLY PREPARED FOR IT
"I wanted to drop a quick line to let you know that baby Renee was born weighing in at 8lbs 3 ounces.
It was a natural delivery - I was induced (38 weeks) as I was found to have gestational diabetes.
I was induced twice over 12 hrs to begin with. I was having mild contractions, but nothing was happening. The baby's heart rate was being monitored and she was fine.
After 12 hours they then broke my waters. This brought on the contractions and dilating very, very quickly! I went 0-6cms in 5 hours. This was where we used the hypnobirthing techniques (along with the gas and air). I had my favourite guided meditation (the one about blowing out bubbles) and I think Jeff was reciting it over and over until the pain got too much (I then had an epidural).
Things seemed to slow down after that. I dilated only a further 2cms (to 8) in the following 8 hours after that which made the consultants advise that they were going to give me a Caesarean. I was heartbroken (and frankly a bit pissed off!) when I heard this as I have always been dead set AGAINST having a Caesarean. The process from 1st induction had taken about 27 hours up until this point and it felt like such a waste to have gone through all of that to get cut open anyway. I also was conscious of the fact that help at home is limited for me, so I also wanted to avoid the recovery time needed for a Caesarean (in conjunction with looking after the baby).
The consultant told us they were preparing the theatre for my Caesarean and left the room. When she left - my midwife (who could see that I was devastated) gave me some jelly babies. She got Jeff and my sister-in-law to prop me up on my feet. In the 30 mins that ensued she used every trick in the book to try and get the baby to drop the final 2cms required for a natural delivery.
The consultant came back and got me 30 mins later and low and behold!! She had a look and said 'whaddya know? You've dilated the extra 2cms so you can have a natural delivery after all!!'
I tell you. I could have kissed my midwife (who gave me a nod and a wink from the other side of the theatre).
Birthing her was a bit intense but this time round I was mentally prepared for it. I had a forceps delivery and 5 stitches (they cut me as opposed to a tear) but two weeks later it's all healed up nicely and she is perfect. It was a much better outcome than being confined to a chair if I had had the Caesarean.
The midwives made reference to how calm I was throughout the process and I did make them aware that we wanted to follow the hypnobirthing method (lots of walking around).
I wanted to say (on behalf of both Jeff and I), thank you for your time - I'm currently signing up to as many mother and baby classes as possible in the hope I'll make some new friends! Hopefully we'll bump into you soon!"
It was a natural delivery - I was induced (38 weeks) as I was found to have gestational diabetes.
I was induced twice over 12 hrs to begin with. I was having mild contractions, but nothing was happening. The baby's heart rate was being monitored and she was fine.
After 12 hours they then broke my waters. This brought on the contractions and dilating very, very quickly! I went 0-6cms in 5 hours. This was where we used the hypnobirthing techniques (along with the gas and air). I had my favourite guided meditation (the one about blowing out bubbles) and I think Jeff was reciting it over and over until the pain got too much (I then had an epidural).
Things seemed to slow down after that. I dilated only a further 2cms (to 8) in the following 8 hours after that which made the consultants advise that they were going to give me a Caesarean. I was heartbroken (and frankly a bit pissed off!) when I heard this as I have always been dead set AGAINST having a Caesarean. The process from 1st induction had taken about 27 hours up until this point and it felt like such a waste to have gone through all of that to get cut open anyway. I also was conscious of the fact that help at home is limited for me, so I also wanted to avoid the recovery time needed for a Caesarean (in conjunction with looking after the baby).
The consultant told us they were preparing the theatre for my Caesarean and left the room. When she left - my midwife (who could see that I was devastated) gave me some jelly babies. She got Jeff and my sister-in-law to prop me up on my feet. In the 30 mins that ensued she used every trick in the book to try and get the baby to drop the final 2cms required for a natural delivery.
The consultant came back and got me 30 mins later and low and behold!! She had a look and said 'whaddya know? You've dilated the extra 2cms so you can have a natural delivery after all!!'
I tell you. I could have kissed my midwife (who gave me a nod and a wink from the other side of the theatre).
Birthing her was a bit intense but this time round I was mentally prepared for it. I had a forceps delivery and 5 stitches (they cut me as opposed to a tear) but two weeks later it's all healed up nicely and she is perfect. It was a much better outcome than being confined to a chair if I had had the Caesarean.
The midwives made reference to how calm I was throughout the process and I did make them aware that we wanted to follow the hypnobirthing method (lots of walking around).
I wanted to say (on behalf of both Jeff and I), thank you for your time - I'm currently signing up to as many mother and baby classes as possible in the hope I'll make some new friends! Hopefully we'll bump into you soon!"
HOW HYPNOBIRTHING HELPED DURING AN INDUCED LABOUR AND C-SECTION
"After trying absolutely everything to induce labour naturally, we agreed to go in for medical induction at 41 weeks and started off with the gel, which kicked off contractions nicely. It was a slow process, but the contractions were fairly strong, so I focused on up breathing and visualisations to get through it. They told me that once I had dilated enough, they would break my waters to help push things along further.
The vaginal examinations were uncomfortable enough, so I wasn’t looking forward to that procedure, so my husband read a relaxing script which really helped, along with a bit of ‘gas and air’. Labour continued to progress slowly, so they also gave me the drip. As the contractions got stronger, the hypnobirthing techniques really helped me to deal with them.
Every midwife and doctor I saw couldn't get over how I was surviving all this time just with the tens machine and ‘gas and air’, as they see most women begging for epidural in inductions – instead I was calm and smiling between contractions!
In the end, after 52 hours, my labour stalled, and they found baby’s head had moved slightly to the left and was swelling, so we had to have C-section before it got any worse. For me, that was my worst outcome for birth and one that I really wanted to avoid. I used the scripts and breathing to stay as calm as possible throughout it.
All worth it of course, as we now have a beautiful, calm, happy baby.
Thanks Magical Baby Moments for all your help through pregnancy and your hypnobirthing course, it was so useful and I could not have coped so well without it!"
The vaginal examinations were uncomfortable enough, so I wasn’t looking forward to that procedure, so my husband read a relaxing script which really helped, along with a bit of ‘gas and air’. Labour continued to progress slowly, so they also gave me the drip. As the contractions got stronger, the hypnobirthing techniques really helped me to deal with them.
Every midwife and doctor I saw couldn't get over how I was surviving all this time just with the tens machine and ‘gas and air’, as they see most women begging for epidural in inductions – instead I was calm and smiling between contractions!
In the end, after 52 hours, my labour stalled, and they found baby’s head had moved slightly to the left and was swelling, so we had to have C-section before it got any worse. For me, that was my worst outcome for birth and one that I really wanted to avoid. I used the scripts and breathing to stay as calm as possible throughout it.
All worth it of course, as we now have a beautiful, calm, happy baby.
Thanks Magical Baby Moments for all your help through pregnancy and your hypnobirthing course, it was so useful and I could not have coped so well without it!"
HOME BIRTH USING HYPNOBIRTHING
“As a first-time mum, I had studied all the possible options of where to deliver my son and decided that a home birth with a pool was what we really wanted.
Labour started around midnight and we called the hospital. Knowing that we were just at the very beginning of this journey, we knew the midwife wouldn’t come for a little while. My husband and I set up ‘camp’ in the living room and tried to get some sleep - easier said than done with the excitement that our boy was on his way… The midwife came and checked us, we were both doing well and after observing us for a while decided to leave us in peace and to call her if we needed her (though her shift was finishing at 8am, so it was likely that the next visit would be with a new community midwife).
At 7am, my son, sister and boyfriend (who had stayed the night before) awoke and were elated that labour had started (my sister slightly miffed that I hadn't woken her in the night!). At around 9am, I shooed them out of the house, needing to create a quiet zone and get into my space. The hours that followed were gentle and relaxed, with time spent on the bouncing ball, in the pool (for relaxation) and pacing around the living room with a tens machine. When it came to give birth I got back into the pool and gave birth to my son in there. I can honestly say, I didn’t feel any real pain in labour – the tens machine helped enormously with the surges the stronger they got. It really was a magical experience to be in the comfort of my home and familiar surroundings. I would recommend this environment to everyone. From the very first sign of labour until he was born was 15 hours.”
Labour started around midnight and we called the hospital. Knowing that we were just at the very beginning of this journey, we knew the midwife wouldn’t come for a little while. My husband and I set up ‘camp’ in the living room and tried to get some sleep - easier said than done with the excitement that our boy was on his way… The midwife came and checked us, we were both doing well and after observing us for a while decided to leave us in peace and to call her if we needed her (though her shift was finishing at 8am, so it was likely that the next visit would be with a new community midwife).
At 7am, my son, sister and boyfriend (who had stayed the night before) awoke and were elated that labour had started (my sister slightly miffed that I hadn't woken her in the night!). At around 9am, I shooed them out of the house, needing to create a quiet zone and get into my space. The hours that followed were gentle and relaxed, with time spent on the bouncing ball, in the pool (for relaxation) and pacing around the living room with a tens machine. When it came to give birth I got back into the pool and gave birth to my son in there. I can honestly say, I didn’t feel any real pain in labour – the tens machine helped enormously with the surges the stronger they got. It really was a magical experience to be in the comfort of my home and familiar surroundings. I would recommend this environment to everyone. From the very first sign of labour until he was born was 15 hours.”
HYPNOBIRTHING AFTER A TRAUMATIC PREVIOUS LABOUR
“After a complicated first birth and an anxious pregnancy, I took the time to really practice hypnobirthing techniques. I admit that very early in hospital I did have a wobbly and wondered whether I had the strength to do this labour naturally, but that doubt quickly got quashed and the hypnobirthing practice took over and helped me through the labour.
With a labour progressing through the night, we walked the corridors of what seemed like an eerily quiet hospital – it almost felt exclusively for us. The hours seemed to pass quickly and soon we were moved to the labour ward. After a quick chat with our midwife, she sent us off for another lap around the hospital. On our return, she left us on our own in our room, reassuring us that she was just outside. My husband and I were joking one minute, then we suddenly realised that we hadn't taken any photos, so we took a shot and then within a couple more surges, I felt that something had ‘changed’. The midwife whizzed back into the room and told us we were good to go. Wanting to remain upright, I knelt and leaned my arms over the back of the bed. With a few soft down breaths my daughter was in my arms. We did it!!
Our hypnobirthing journey lasted 13 hours from start to finish. It was amazing! I’d rather give birth than have a filling…in fact my hypnobirthing techniques have helped me through dental treatment since...that’s painful. I recommend hypnobirthing to all expectant mums.”
With a labour progressing through the night, we walked the corridors of what seemed like an eerily quiet hospital – it almost felt exclusively for us. The hours seemed to pass quickly and soon we were moved to the labour ward. After a quick chat with our midwife, she sent us off for another lap around the hospital. On our return, she left us on our own in our room, reassuring us that she was just outside. My husband and I were joking one minute, then we suddenly realised that we hadn't taken any photos, so we took a shot and then within a couple more surges, I felt that something had ‘changed’. The midwife whizzed back into the room and told us we were good to go. Wanting to remain upright, I knelt and leaned my arms over the back of the bed. With a few soft down breaths my daughter was in my arms. We did it!!
Our hypnobirthing journey lasted 13 hours from start to finish. It was amazing! I’d rather give birth than have a filling…in fact my hypnobirthing techniques have helped me through dental treatment since...that’s painful. I recommend hypnobirthing to all expectant mums.”
