When we started planning to get pregnant I had been on medications for depression and anxiety so needed to wean off them. Then begun what was a very challenging pregnancy with severe hyperemesis gravidarum and other health complications. I was so grateful and excited to be pregnant however was feeling really exhausted, deflated and like I had no control of my body.
During my pregnancy a close work friend who was pregnant and had previously had a bub gave me the best advice... and that was to "be informed".. So I started building what ended up being a really great knowledge base through research, reading, listening to podcasts and watching videos. I became totally obsessed with all things pregnancy, birth and babies! (I still am).
I was really focused on having a natural and intervention free birth, as was my Partner. I also prepared myself physically by maintaining a healthy diet (despite not keeping much food down), walking everyday, yoga and pregnancy chiro. It was actually my Partner who saw how much I was struggling with a challenging pregnancy and suggested HypnoBirthing. The same work friend had also done the course with Corinne and recommended it highly. My beautiful and amazing Dr. who followed my pregnancy and was there for my birth had also encourged me to do HypnoBirthing, as did the midwives at the hospital. They all really supported natural and intervention free births. So begun our HypnoBirthing journey!
As I was birthing at our wonderful low risk hospital I had to be seen by an Obstetrician at a larger hospital as I was (to everyones shock) measuring a few weeks ahead. By week 37 they were wanting to induce me, talking ceasarans and not at all understanding our wishes. After much negotiation with the larger hospital and with my Dr’s support I was able to go up to 14 days over my estimated due date and birth my baby at my preferred hospital. During this time my Partner was a great advocate for my birth preferences.
My partner and I really enjoyed the HypnoBirthing course. Corinne was so supportive through out my pregnancy and we met the most incredible (and hilarious) group of mums and dads to be. At home my Partner and I listened to the HypnoBirthing tracks every night before bed. I would also have a bath everyday and listen to the tracks and affirmations. There was one particular affirmation that resinated with me "your baby is the perfect size for your body". I even started saying it in my sleep!
7 days after my estimated due date on the Monday I went to bed and was shortly woken with nausea and vomiting (this was normal for me) but I really felt that things were different. I had become so in tune with my body since doing the hypnobirthing and sure enough by about 4am, my surges had started. The next morning I told my Partner to go to work as I was managing fine and was just so excited that things were finally happening! My surges continued through out the day. I spent the day resting in bed, having a bath and going for a walk (probably more a waddle), all while listening to my hypnobirthing tracks and affirmations.
Unfortunately the nausea and vomiting did continue however this had been my pregnancy journey and was totally expected. By 11pm Tuesday night my partner suggested we go into hospital, he had also been timing my surges and knew we were ready. My surges were close together and regular but totally manageable. We thought that some IV fluids were probably necessary as the vomiting had not stopped. We arrived at the hospital and they confirmed I was definitely in labour. They gave me some IV fluids and offered us a bed or the option to go home. I really wanted to stay home as long as possible and wanted to make sure my Partner got some sleep.
When we got home my surges continued. So I put on my tens machine and HypnoBirthing tracks, turned off the light in the ensuite and basically swayed for the next 3 hours. I then woke my Partner up and said it was hospital time.
My Dr. arrived shortly after and I asked to be checked. We had agreed to leave it up to me to decide whether I wanted to be checked or not. Turns out I was fully dilated! I was shocked and super proud I was able to stay at home so long. My Dr. dimmed the lights and I closed my eyes and was able to remain calm and relaxed throughout. The room was just lovely! I used multiple positions throughout my labour all in which my Partner, Dr. and midwives assisted me with .. None involved lying on the bed! My Dr. and midwives were truly incredible they were so supportive of my birth preferences and all used HypnoBirthing methods!
I often wondered if my Partner had paid enough attention during our HypnoBirthing classes.. Turns out he absolutely had! He used many of the techniques we had been taught including the breathing exercises and soft touch massage. He knew what technique to use and when. He was so in tune with me and was truly amazing. I didn't think it was possible but I fell in love with him even more during this time! As bub was big and got a little stuck (I didn't know this at the time and everyone was super calm), however my Dr. and midwives had made my partner aware of this. It was quite a long process because of this but at no point did I mention pain. However I was exhausted as I had not slept in 48 hours by this stage. I believe because I was able to remain calm and relaxed l, that I was able to conserve my energy better.
We had moments of laughter and rest in between surges. Some funny moments included me not saying thank you for a drink I was given at one point and feeling so rude. They all said they had never known a labouring mother to have such good manners! During transition I said "this is hard" before anyone could say anything I then stood up and said "I just need to harden up" which made everyone giggle and I was able to quickly go back into my calm state.
At 6.40am on Wednesday the 22nd of January 2020 I birthed my beautiful baby! Drug, instrument and intervention free! Who turned out to be a 4.32kg baby boy! He was just so alert and relaxed when he was born! And nothing has changed.. I remember saying "I did it". My Partner announced the gender and I will never forget when he spoke and our baby boy turned and looked straight at him. We had delayed cord clamping, had several hours of skin to skin contact and experienced his first feed.
During our stay over the next few days I had the same midwives, other midwives and Drs all come in and tell me how amazing I had done. Even now when we visit the hospital I have caregivers come up to me and tell me how well I did.
Our baby is now 10 weeks old and there truly has not been a day since where I have not thought and spoken about his birth. I have never felt so proud and empowered in my life. I absolutely love sharing my birth story with anyone who will listen and constantly say I wish I could do it all over again it was truly the most wonderful and empowering experience. I have continued to use many of these techniques post birth and believe they are life long skills. I can not recommend HypnoBirthing enough for all mums and dads to be!
x Louise