My first birth did not go as I had hoped. I was panicking and got told to go to the labour ward due to reduced movements (which wasn’t really the case, I just wasn’t monitoring the movements) rather than the birth centre. I was 7cm dilated at admission and ended up getting an epidural so I could rest and relax. Over 12 hours later I hoped that I was going to give birth soon. Unfortunately, I was told by an angry doctor that I was back to 7cm (due to swelling) and had to have an emergency caesarean. This was the my worst case scenario and I was quite devastated.
When I was pregnant again I decided to book on to a hypnobirthing course. I wanted to actively dedicate time to preparing for birth, commit myself to a plan for a VBAC and have the best chance of success. I wanted to have a positive mindset. I also needed to get my husband to understand what was important, his role and how best to support me. I knew a lot of the facts about birth and some things about hypnobirthing already, but I felt like I came away from the course with a plan and a positive mindset. I felt confident. When I was in labour I was excited and in control rather than worried and panicky.
My consultant was really supportive of having a VBAC although he said I needed to be on labour ward for continuous monitoring. I accepted this until I realised from the course that I could choose whatever I wanted! The NHS did not make this clear to me at first. However, they were very supportive once I told them what I wanted to do. I made a detailed birth plan (using the course notes) and although my midwives didn’t go through the details I felt very confident in my plan. When in labour I was well supported and got really good care at the PRUH.
After the hypnobirthing course I listened to the mp3s probably every other day and practiced my breathing a little bit most days. I also did the colouring in from the pregnancy retreat. Less than a week before giving birth I got quite sick. I spent a day in bed feeling terrible and worried that I wouldn’t be able to cope if I went into labour then. Fortunately, I felt better after a few days.
At 37 weeks and 4 days I was in bed trying to sleep and listening to a hypnobirthing relaxation podcast when I realised I could feel it starting. I timed my contractions on the Freya app. We went to into the birth centre at about 3am as they were really regular (2-3 in 10 minutes from the beginning and getting stronger). I managed the pain by breathing and banging a stress ball in time to music.
Unfortunately, my contractions fizzled out and became irregular when morning came and the midwife team changed over! Luckily we learnt why this might happen on the course so I didn’t panic. I got some sleep, went on a walk and we went home. At home I rested and listened to the mp3s on repeat for hours. I think listening to the MP3s helped to get e into established labour. Contractions got stronger and more regular! So we headed back to the PRUH and I was able to get into the birth pool, where I stayed for about five hours. I was a bit concerned when I had only progressed 1 cm (5-6) in 4 hours, so opted to have my waters broken. I started pushing almost immediately after this and baby Orla was born into the water, weighing 3.58kg.
We changed a few things from my birth plan (eg breaking waters and a managed third stage) but each of these decisions were fully informed and I felt happy with the reasons.
My husband was very helpful in suggesting things to get labour progressing and feeding and watering me! He also played Disney songs while I was in the pool, although he did fall asleep. Many thanks for your course, which was hugely helpful. I didn’t even realise I could be in the birthing centre before and then I was able to set out my plan, decide what was important to me and believe I could do it.