HypnoBirthing® UK

[bethhardy]

Just thought I'd share my wonderful experience of Hypnobirthing and the amazingly positive impact it has had on my life that of my partner, and of course our beautiful baby's.

We chose to do Hypnobirthing after my partner suggested it during our second trimester, as I was becoming particularly stressed and anxious about the birthing process. I generally have a rather pessimistic view of things so this was quite a likely happening.

We researched Hypnobirthing thoroughly, and felt that whilst some of the birth stories seemed so amazing it was difficult to believe I could have such an experience, but thought that it was likely that the process would impact positively and be helpful. This certainly came true, and more far reaching than I could have dreamed of.

The classes themselves were great, intimate, friendly and not in the least intimidating. We looked forward to them week by week and the relaxing time we had there. We practised the relaxation techniques learned in the classes, and made fiends during classes. The whole process was very positive. By the end of the classes we felt genuinely positive about the forthcoming birthing experience and fully empowered and prepared to have the birth we planned.

We had planned a water birth at home, and luckily enough the liner for our pool arrived the morning I went into labour. After setting up the pool my partner came home and filled it. I got in soon after to ease the surges I had felt quite strong for the afternoon. I had set up the other things I had prepared for the birth earlier that day which included essential oils of Jasmine and Lavender in an oil burner, the Hypnobirthing CDs I had put on my MP3 player and were set up to repeat, once attached to the stereo. I had all the scripts ready from our Hypnobirthing classes, as well as details of possible birthing and labouring positions. I felt ready and prepared for what was going to happen. We tried some nipple stimulation to increase the strength and frequency of surges which seemed to work, a little too well as they were soon coming every few minutes - a little surprised we contacted the midwife who came soon after. She observed us and how we dealt with the surges, after being introduced to our birth plan by my partner. She recognised quickly that we were comfortable dealing with the surges ourselves, and simply checked my blood pressure and the Heart rate of our baby, both of which were fine. After a number of hours the surges were fairly uneven, and didn't fit any pattern. The midwife informed us she felt that we had gone into a latent stage, and things were unlikely to happen that night, and she advised us that we should go to bed to conserve energy and things would probably happen the following day. We felt that this was probably a sensible idea, so the midwife left and we went to bed.

The following morning, things began to hot up again, and after surges were coming regularly and often so we contacted the midwife. In the meantime we were using fairly intense nipple stimulation, which really got things going. We stopped this when the midwife came, which in hindsight was probably a bit silly - our inhibitions got in the way I'm afraid. Anyway, we were using a "relax anchor", developed at the Hypnobirthing classes, successfully, along with holding onto the end of the banister to breath through the surges. In addition my partner spoke many positive affirmations which helped keep me feeling positive about the experience. Things began to slow down again, and a new midwife was sent for as ours was finishing her shift. My partner and I discussed what was happening and decided that we should continue with the nipple stimulation to move things along, and stop our inhibitions. We did so and within half an hour of the new midwife arriving, my waters came, with a very bizarre sensation. Surges then came thick and fast, as well as far stronger than before. I got into the pool to ease the sensation. After an hour or so I felt the need to breathe my baby down. I began doing this with the surges. After a while of this, holding onto my partner to help the process my baby began to crown. I was asked if I wanted to see, but I wanted to concentrate on what I was doing. I did get a bit frustrated when this stage didn't seem to move on, I'd get so far with each surge, and then my baby seemed to go back in a bit. It was a bit like 2 steps forward 1 step back, and sometimes 2 steps back. This continued for some time, all the time receiving positive messages from my partner and the midwives, another one came once I'd gone into the second stage of labour. They said I was so close, but I didn't feel it, and felt like giving up, though knowing I couldn't. After 2 hours at this point the midwives were concerned for the health of the baby and suggested that I have an episiotomy as we couldn't continue safely as we were. I reluctantly agreed and moved to get out of the pool, as I did my baby began to move, and as I knelt down ready for the procedure my baby came. Wow! All he needed was gravity to give a helping hand! I was overwhelmed, and stung a bit, but then they passed him through between my legs and I brought him to my breast. I couldn't believe it when he latched on immediately, and he remained there for an hour! Meanwhile after about 20 minutes I birthed the placenta, so I sat down with my partner looking amazed at our creation as he fed happily.

Throughout the whole birthing experience Evan maintained a steady Heartbeat. His calmness, even when caught in the crowning stage was astounding. I feel that this was largely due to my relaxed attitude developed with the Hypnobirthing. I strongly believe that whatever kind of birth you want, and whatever you feel about birth itself, that Hypnobirthing could be a positive thing for you.

Beth, Pat & Baby Evan

[gordon_mullan]

Hi Beth

Wow! What a brilliant and vividly told story!

Would you mind if I cut and pasted it into the main body of the site? Be great if I could add a picture of you, Pat and Evan as well!

Warmest regards
Gordon

[bethhardy]

that would be fine, i'm happy for that - how do i attach photos - should i email to you?

alternatively youcan take a photo from Evan's website - check out baby sites website and type in evan roche into the search

cheers
beth

[gordon_mullan]

That's great Beth - thanks.

You can add a link to a picture by clicking on the IMG button when you create a post, and putting in the URL of the picture.

However, probably easiest to email to me on webmaster@hypnobirthing.co.uk.

Best regards
Gordon

[Sandra Bailey]

Hi Beth

Thank you so much for sharing your birth story here.
It was a real pleasure for me to work with you and Pat, and baby Evan such a beautiful baby.

[amylou]

Thankyou for sharing your beautiful birth story bethhardy
Hope this message finds you all well and rested xX

[Wendy Nichols]

Hi Beth,

Congratualtions! I am really happy that you had such a beautiful birth. Sandra had kept me up to date but it's lovely to read your story too.

I am on the June course too as a be-back so see you there!

Wendy