Before having my daughter, I didn’t know much about labour or birth. All I knew was that I wanted to have as much control as possible over my labour and I thought that by having various pain relief I wouldn’t feel in control at all. Because of this, I decided to look into hypnobirthing. At first I thought it was all breathing techniques and positive energy, and really couldn’t see myself managing on those things alone. But the more I learned, the more I realised hypnobirthing is so much more than that. It gave me the tools to ask the right questions, to make informed choices, and prepared me with the knowledge that whatever the situation, I would be in control.
As it turned out, I did manage my birth on breathing techniques and positive energy after all! I had a beautiful labour lasting just under 4 hours in a birthing pool and felt calm and in control throughout, but regardless of this, I felt equipped with enough knowledge and positive reinforcements to handle whatever came our way.
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Josie x
I initially woke up in the early hours of the morning with mild surges. By 10am they had become stronger and I decided to be in my bedroom, in a dark and comfortable environment to focus on my breathing and positive affirmations. I played my mp3s and turned on my oil diffuser so sound and smell were both doing what they could to keep me as relaxed as possible.
By 12pm my waters broke alongside a surge. After this, the surges became much more regular so we phoned the hospital to expect us.
On arrival I informed the midwives of my birthing preferences and thankfully the birthing pools were available so I was able to get in the pool as soon as they filled it up.
I had been managing my surges with breathing techniques and listening to affirmations being played on my phone. The midwives kept the room dimly lit and kept their monitoring of me and the baby to a minimum (but keeping us safe as possible).
I can recall the midwives positively telling me and my partner how both mine and babies heart rates were very relaxed and happy.
Using my techniques gained from the course, the MP3s and a little gas and air I was able to let my body take over, and my baby was born very calmly in to the world 30 minutes after getting in the water.
I was calm and level headed throughout, and so was my partner. As a result we have a beautiful little baby boy! I have and will continue to recommend hypnobirthing to anyone.
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Nicola x