The birth ended up being quite unexpected as we eventually took the decision to be induced (on the third offer of induction from the doctors!) as I was having constant monitoring and my bp was being erratic plus I’d been having surges for a few days but not progressing. A few hours in the baby was getting distressed and we weren’t progressing very quickly so we ended up having an emergency c section. That part all happened very quickly and was quite intense, but I have to say it was still such an amazing and positive experience and I think that is mostly because of hypnobirthing. As soon as Theo was out he was doing really well and we were just so happy when we heard him cry and when we saw him for the first time!
Because of your advice and guidance, We both felt really empowered to make good decisions around the birth- especially the induction. As you know, I really didn’t feel comfortable with being induced any earlier but when we did make the decision to to go ahead with the induction we felt it was the right time for us especially as I was already in early labour and getting tired. I couldn’t have had the knowledge and confidence to make those positive choices without your course and guidance.
During the labour- even though it was very medicalised and the surges became quite intense- I practised my hypnobirthing, breathing, used my anchors, affirmations, meditation tracks etc and I felt so great and natural and in control (mostly!)
Having the birth preferences template you gave us to hand really helped Will, my midwife, and the doctors to guide us in a way we wanted to be coached. Without us even asking her to, the doctor who was performing the c section even came and spoke to us to explain what bits of the hypnobirthing plan we could still do in the situation and which bits we couldn’t and why. I didn’t even know that she knew we were practising hypnobirthing so I think Will and our midwife must have been doing a great job in letting everyone know our preferences and fielding the questions for me 😀
Although the c section all happened very quickly and there were a couple of complications with the anesthetic and the baby getting distressed, it still felt really special and positive. We had our birth playlist playing (all the docs and nurses commented on it being the best birth playlist they’d heard!), we were able to have the curtain dropped to see the baby, had skin to skin straight away with the monitoring stickers on my back etc. As well, throughout, I felt mostly calm and was able to control my mood and mindset with repeating my affirmations, up breathing and using the visualisations we had learned. (In the operating theatre I even closed my eyes and imagined I was sniffing my lavender balm that was my anchor and it was almost as good as having the real thing there 😂) It was tough for sure but it was also the most amazing and spiritual experience and I can’t describe how proud I felt of myself, of Will and of baby Theo throughout.
All in all, hypnobirthing was the thing that made all the difference for us and was the reason we were able to advocate for our wishes, to adapt to changes, and to bring baby Theo into the world in a really happy and positive way. We couldn’t have done all that without you and without the course so thank you so so much!!!
Xxx
