January 2010
Our Positive Cesarean Birth (January 2010)
I was admitted to WRH at 38 weeks with ‘unstable lie’ – not a pure breech position with bum down, but feet dangling down. She remained breech that weekend, head down but very high on the Monday, transverse on the Tuesday morning and yet again breech on the Tuesday evening (I knew she had been the most active baby I had carried but I didn’t really quite HOW active! I was at first very disappointed and scared at the thought of a section after two VBs, but I must say, we managed to make the whole experience very special and memorable. I had practiced the Gentle birth CDs all along and I must say they really really did help, from the time the news of possible section hit me, through the night before, visualising it as a positive experience and it really did turn out that way.
We shared the evening before talking about our future with the baby we knew we would meeting the next morning and planning everything we wanted after the actual birth. The next day, after a lovely relaxed stroll into theatre, smiling and calmly greeting all the ante-natal midwives, I became momentarily a little overwhelmed on entering the theatre because I had been zoned in a slow, calm place, which operating theatres are not.
It would have benefitted me to know a little more detail of everything about the procedure immediately on entering the theatre and so, for anyone else facing an unanticipated section for the first time here it is. I was asked many questions to check identity and whether I agreed and understood the need for a section etc, partner is not allowed to be present during preparation which I wish I had known beforehand so it wouldn’t have taken me by surprise. They took of all but nightie, added blood pressure cuff, stick on pads on your chest and back for heart monitoring, ask you to stand on a step to reach bed, added another step to bring knees higher and placed me in bent over position to receive anaesthestic. All of this happens in about 5 mins, with about 10 staff in the theatre. I felt a tiny tiny scratch for the one that numbs the site but nothing whatsoever for the administration of the actual spinal block needle, and within seconds I felt a lovely warm sensation down the back of the legs and into my feet, then they lifted my legs for me onto the bed and put up the screen to stop me seeing anything. (I know that if it wasn’t for Gentle Birth, this would have been the point at which I felt my control being lost and panicked).
However, I used deep breathing, visualised my desert island stroll on the sand and focussed on staying calm. At this point, my partner appeared next to me with more reassurance, and I listened to every word between the staff about the imminent birth of my baby. It seemed like literally seconds before the lovely anaesthetist told me she was being born. All I felt was a lightening of the tummy as the fluid released and then she was lifted out (leg and arm first as she was lying across me). Seconds later I saw her and then as they explained, dad followed her into the recovery area for her checks and drying. Partner then brought her back in to show me as they were closing my wound. It took about 40 mins to complete that, and hearing their conversation that all was well, added to the reassurance, so much so that I was chatting to the staff about all sorts, ecstatic about the birth, knowing that my precious bundle was next door enjoying skin to skin contact with dad snuggled into his chest as mine was not possible, just as I had requested, instead of a heat lamp.
A few more checks, then onto the post natal ward to reflect on the whole procedure which I can honestly say was the most calm, beautiful experience of my life. Yes, a different way of delivery, but certainly not the huge awful threat as some would portray it, and in my case, there was no question about opting for it rather than possibly endanger the life of my baby. For those mums who find themselves in a section dilemma, I promise you that GB preparation is a huge advantage, and the privilege of preparing for things to be the way you want them to a certain extent is also a bonus. It would never have occurred to me to request skin to skin with dad, but thanks to GB, that was a lovely aspect. The pain relief and relaxation techniques also helped greatly during the recovery. Our gorgeous daughter, is also such a calm, relaxed, excellent feeder and contented baby. Good luck to all those mums who are facing a section – draw your own special memories from doing it as much as you can the way you want to, and yes – enjoy it!
The consultant cautioned me that the recovery is much worse; everyone commiserated with me on hearing it was to be a section and warned of the recovery. Well, yes, the first two days are not the most pleasant, but neither were my previous 2 VBs and the midwives were always on hand to help baby onto breast, lift from cot to me, and anything else you need. Partners can be present for 12 hours a day to help with washing etc if you wish, and by day 3 I found I was quite mobile and independant, stitches out and home on day 4 in no more pain than with a vaginal birth, just in a different area!!
The midwives commented between themselves on the fact I didn’t have pain relief on my last night in hospital and they hoped I would be OK and left me to sleep instead, and neither did I insist on a pain relief prescription to go home with. I am convinced that the power of the positive thinking and calm confidence from my CDs and GentleBirth reading really made for a faster recovery. She is 6 days old today and we are just back from a gentle 20 minute stroll in gorgeous sunshine with our little miracle, and as I will be 42 myself next week, I am soooo grateful for GentleBirth and to be enjoying my second chance at being a mummy!
A big thank you to the staff at WRH for their wonderful care and support.
December 09
Hey tracy i had my baby girl, last Tuesday. Everything went fantastically well. I got to 10 centimetres with the cds and using the birthing pool. Every contraction i was breathing in a new colour. the midwife was amazed how well I was managing. When i asked to be examined I was 10 centimeters and ready to push. unfortunatly after an hour of pushing my baby's had turned her head and i had to be transferred to the maternity unit. I managed to avoid a section but i was very disappointed to leave the MLU. thanks to your gentle birth programe i had my daughter completely naturally and exactly the way I wanted
December 09
I was due 28th Dec but on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th I kept getting braxton hicks and felt very uncomfortable. We had a family get together planned for Sunday 20th at my parents over an hour from Cork and really didn't think I would be going. Then around 3am it all stopped and felt fine so we decided to go to family get together as older DS was really looking forward to it. Had a lovely day DS was really excited about the bit of snow he saw falling. At around 6.30 we realised that the weather was disimproving and that we would want to head home. Arrived home around 8.20 and brought things in from the car including my bags when I suddenly felt some water give told Dh that think waters have broke when more came. I rang CUMH and DH rang his sister to come for DS as they were designated child minders.
Midwife said to come in when ready. DS went off with his Aunt happy out. I then made myself some scrambled egg and toast as felt I might need the food in me for later. After I had it eaten we headed into CUMH arrived around 10.30 and was seen by midwife they agreed it was waters and would admit me. They put me on a trace and I felt surges were coming very mildly about every 10 minutes. I informed the midwife that on my DS #1 my waters had also broke and that nothing seemed to happen so I was induced after about 36 hrs but during induction I realised that I didn't have what people normally describe as contractions so believe that I was in labour before I was induced and as nobody had checked me it wasn't realised. She asked me if I would like her to examine me so that I knew where I was starting from. I was about 1.5 cm dilated. I was then admitted and she took me up to my room which was for 4 people but had only one lady in it at the time. I informed the midwife about my birth plan and found after that everyone read it and I didn't need to mention it.
My DH then went back to the car and got my birthing ball. My surges were still ever 10 minutes so I sent him home to get some sleep and went into bed myself and turned on my gentlebirth playlist which I had on my old phone. Using this I snoozed in between surges and used stop watch in phone to time them. Around 4am I was every 7 minutes but when I put on tens machine went back up to 9 minutes. Around 6 I found that after every surge I had to go to the bathroom. I also found at this stage that I needed to sit on my birthing ball for the surges so I put it at the end of the bed and put a cloth hair band over my eyes as couldn't find an eye mask and rested my head on the table tray between surges and snoozed. My DH got in around 8am (Monday 21) and I was now getting surges around every 4 minutes.
Then a lady came back to the bed next to me with her partner who was loud and complaining and giving out to everyone that came near them that the older child wouldn't be let into see new baby. My surges went back to every 7 to 8 minutes. A midwife came in and when we told her what happened she suggested we walk around as this can help speed things up. On my second lap of corridor I started to feel surges a lot closer together and on third lap the urge to push (about 15 minutes from when midwife left us). As midwife had said to call anytime if I wanted to be examined my Dh called them and said I wanted to be examined. It took what felt like around 10 minutes before someone came.
At this time the urge to push was really strong and when midwife checked me all hell broke loose and she said baby was about to be born and that they had to take me to labour ward in bed and to hang on there. Even with all this panic I felt calm and thought it was funny the way they were panicing.
They nearly ran the corridor with bed and me on it. DH grabbed baby bag and forgot my labour bag as I had 2 small bags one for me and one for babs. I got down to labour ward and things had slowed down a little again probably due to panic all around. I got Dh to put back on my ear phones and I relaxed again and after a few pushes Midwife informed me that she felt I needed an episotomy (had stated on birth plan that didn't want one but that if any deviation to my birth was to occur wanted it to be fully explained to both me and DH why) She then fully explained why she felt I needed it and made sure that I was ok with getting it. I then asked for the gas and air. After a few more pushes our DS Cian was born and as per my birth plan she waited for the cord to finish pulsing before clamping and my DH cutting it. (This was 40 minutes after arriving in labour ward.)
She then placed him on my chest until he was ready to feed which he did for 40 minutes and then after he spending more time on my chest she checked and dressed him. During this time I was sewn up and used the gas and air again for the injections to numb the area. We were never rushed at any stage and Cian was given all the time he needed on chest before he was ready to feed. My midwife was brillant and really took all my wishes into consideration. If you read this all thanks for taking the time and hope your experience was or will be as good as mine.
October 09
Baby Aodhan is now 10weeks weighs 12lb10oz and has been successfully breastfed to date. He is a very happy smiley and contented baby. He has slept through since 2 days old and I put this all down to the way he was born.
My pregnancy was far from smooth - constant sickness, acid reflux, high blood pressure, protein in my urine leading finally to pre eclampsia but I had the best most enjoyable birth and a very intimate and personal experience. I decided I wanted to have my baby alone just the midwife, myself and my baby and that’s what I achieved.
On the Friday 9th of October I set off for the Rotunda for my weekly visit, I was 37weeks pregnant and I was feeling great and had great plans to hit the shops after my visit. However my plans were short lived as the doctor decided to admit me for a 24 hour urine analysis after my urine test showed protein of 4.5. I was shocked and very nervous, on rounds the doctor told me that they were considering a c-section if my levels and blood pressure did not come down. I was disgusted this was not at all what I wanted and I felt that unless my baby was at risk this was unnecessary.
Thank god my doctor was easily persuaded to go along with me. Then Monday morning arrived and he asked could he have a look I agreed and to my surprised I was 3 and a half cm dilated I had no pain at all. Doctor said he would see me in the labour ward by dinner time. I was so excited I rang my parents and told them that things looked to be moving – I was so excited.
But noting happened the next morning rounds came around and to the doctor’s shock I was still there. He did another check and I was 5 and a half cm with absolutely no pain. Definitely today the doctor said ……………….. But the following morning I was still there……. Another check showed I was 7 and a half cm dilated still no pain. I walked every inch of the Rotunda trying to get things moving but nothing happened. That night my blood pressure soared and the protein was up at 5, the midwife informed the doctor on call who was insisting on a section unless things changed quickly. I was hooked up to a trace and baby was perfect. I convinced them to allow me to wait to see how things went over night. Friday morning came and the doctor said he really wanted to get things going and wanted to break my waters I asked could we wait one more day and they said they would review me later on that day. Later they said they would leave me until Sunday unless any problems arose.
Sunday came and no one came near me all day until 7.50 pm. I was taken to the annex and they set up everything I popped outside to make a call to my Dad and as I hung up my waters went in the hallway outside the labour ward. Eventually I found a midwife who brought me in and arranged a cleaner. I am convinced it was pure fear which made my waters go themselves. The midwife checked me and I was 10cm with no pain. I said up in bed reading hello magazine listening to my ipod. At 10pm the midwife came in and brought me into my delivery room , I walked in wheeling my bag , got myself settled and into my nightie .I was then introduced to my midwife. I hadn’t written a birth plan because I didn’t want to be disappointed if I didn’t achieve my aims, instead I had notes of what I did and didn’t want if at all possible . I explained that I was using gentlebirth and the midwife said we will just wait and see! I was disgusted and from that point my whole attitude changed - before I was open but now I was even more determined that this was my birth, my baby and my body. I sat on my birth ball listening to my cds however the midwife became a distraction as she insisted on a constant trace of the baby. At 11pm I told her I wanted the trace off and I wanted to be mobile she was reluctant but I stood up to her and she finally agreed. By this time it was 11pm and I had period like cramp I phoned my mother who told me it would all be over soon. I went back into the room and started to feel like I really needed to go to the loo. The midwife insisted it was just pressure but I wanted to try so I went to the loo and as I wiped myself I felt the baby’s head and his ear .I pressed the call button and the midwife came in and said I was being ridiculous that you labour for at least 12 hours with your first baby and that you must be in pain to be in labour!
Well how wrong she was when she checked me my sons head was as I said between my legs. I got a terrible cramp in my leg and that point which I needed to resolve before I began to push. They midwife began to cheerlead me from the end of the bed push ….push………. I didn’t listen to her and politely asked her to shut up!! I was listening to my body and no one else. she then began to prepare the room for the baby, she wheeled over a trolley with every instrument possible on it and then asked me to get up on all fours I refused as I told her I did not want to be cut and I was watching what she was doing and I wanted to be informed of everything that was happening. At 11.57 Baby Aodhans head and torso emerged followed by the rest of his body at 00.00 on the 19th of October weighing a healthy 8lb11oz he took straight to the breast.
However after Aodhan was born I was very disappointed with the treatment I received I had requested that I did not want any drugs at all. I achieved this in my birth but I was told it was hospital policy to administrate drugs to speed up the delivery of the after birth. I argued that I wanted a naturally delivery but the midwife refused insisting it was hospital policy. Secondly I was made get up out of bed within ten minutes of delivery and brought to the shower where I was left alone. While in the shower I began to lose a lot of large blood clots, my stomach was very tender. I dried myself off dressed and as I began to walk back to the suite blood began dripping down my leg. When I went into the room the bed had been changed all my belongings but on a trolley, my baby ready to go. The midwife checked me and said my tummy was not contracting quickly enough so she needed to contract it my kneading my stomach…. This was very painful but was the only pain I had through out my delivery. She then inserted a drip into my arm to help with to contract my tummy. I then had the famous tea and toast and it’s true it is the best you will ever have!!
The birth of Aodhan was exactly what I had wanted and what I feel every woman deserves and should experience. My pregnancy was not smooth and I was under enormous stress. My partner and I split up , we were fighting over a house , I moved, I was working full time , emotionally I was all over the place until I began using the gentle birth cds. When I began using them I fell asleep and slept really well all night I began using them at 14 weeks and I listened to them every night while I was in bed. They really did work for me. I believe that you need to be open to new ideas and you need to be positive
My tips to any Mums to be attending the Rotunda is to stand your ground and ask questions, I surprised a lot of staff who were all of the mind I would end up with a section.
October 09
So I thought that nearly 17 weeks later it's time to get my birth story down, before I forget any of it. Our son Daniel was born on the 5th June at 12.25am, it was a totally natural birth which I really, really wanted (even though everyone told me to be flexible I was determined not to take drugs or have an epidural). I was aided by my fantastic gentlebirthing CD and my also fantastic TENS machine. I had a really positive experience and I can honestly say that I didn't really feel any pain once I put the cd and TENS machine on, only pressure and the will to push like the bejasus.
So the day before Daniel arrived I'd been swimming in the sea and washing the windows in about 27 degree heat! It was SO hot that week and I just wanted him out. My friend called round to check on me and gave out that I hadn't packed my bag for the hospital, choosing to wash windows instead...There was a part of me that knew things were happening when I was standing on the chair with the cloth in my hand! 'Eh this is a bit mad' I thought. On our way him from the swim James and I stopped for chips and I wolfed them down but I was feeling a bit restless and couldn't get comfortable in the car.
The next day I had a check up with the doctor who assured me that though Daniel was in position he probably wasn't ready to arrive yet, sure he was due in a weeks and as I was a first timer I was more than likely to go over. After that I went and met my friend and off we went to the spa where I visited the steam room, hammam room, cold showers, hot showers, warm recliners and the indoor and outdoor pool. Looking back on it, what chance did the poor child have! No wonder he came early! Then off we took ourselves to the pub for lunch. After I'd polished off a pretty gross cheesecake (didn't stop me eating it all) we were getting ready to go and I stood up to go to the toilet. Halfway across the room I felt that my trousers were all wet, 'Ah sure that'll be all the water I was in this morning' I thought to myself foolishly. I went to the toilet and the water was still coming, quite alot of water too! At this point I kind of wanted to go home but my friend wouldn't let me drive, so we had to pick her daughter up, bring her partners mum into town and then bring me up to my husbands work. I was really nervous and excited so I put on my cd but wasn't really able to concentrate so I took it off and tried to relax and enjoy the view from the car, sitting on her raincoat so as not to ruin the upholstry! Eventually we got to my husbands work and then we had to drive back into town to pick our car up! Waaahhh! Never had I been so happy that we'd moved to Cork from Dublin before, it's so much smaller and easier to get around.
At this point fluid was still coming out but not very quickly and it did have a slight red tinge but I wasn't worried about that. I rang tracy and she hold us to go into the hospital, get checked out and then I could come home to labour. Ho Ho Ho. We came home and pottered around for a bit (packing my bag!) and then I felt it was time to go. I started feeling surges in the car on the way but I wanted to stop on the way to pick up a pyjamas...we went around New Look and then Penneys, I found a cool pair of white pj's with big pink stars on but then I had to find a matching top. All the while my surges were about 3 minutes apart. While we were in the queue to pay I started to really feel that I needed to get to the hospital and I think I pay have sort of shouted at the cashier who was really slowly putting my stuff into the bag that 'I had to go to hospital NOW!'
Off we headed across the road to the hospital where I had to wait for AGES before they admitted me. I walked up and down while I was waiting, my husband finished off his last essay for college in the waiting room! There were three kids in the waiting room running round and screaming and it was doing my head in so we moved to the main reception. At this point I hadn't put on my TENS or my cd and I started to feel a bit out of control, the sensations were starting to get stronger and I was kind of bent over. I felt like I couldn't do it and I started crying. My husband at this point was great, he made me put on my cd and the TENS and within 5 minutes I was walking around chatting again.
Then a midwife came out to examine me and I kept saying I wanted to go home, I wanted to go home to labour. She did an internal which after she told me would make the surges stronger (thanks for telling me beforehand!) and then about 10 mins after that things really started to kick in. A doctor came out to give me the all clear to go home, she took one look at me and said 'you're not going anywhere, you're in labour and you'd only have to come back in once you got home'. First I was saying that I wanted to go home but then really quickly I figured she was right and I was in the best place.
After this they wanted to put a trace on me and there was NO WAY I was letting that happen. I just couldn't have laid down no matter what. It's such a shame that most women think thatthey have to have the trace put on cos I reckon it really makes things harder. I said that I wanted the doppler used and that if they really wanted to know when my contractions were happening then I'd tell them. So they eventually agreed but I had to sign a waiver form (imagine!). I was very happy and confident to do this. Then after awhile we went up to the ward where I tried to walk around a bit but just couldn't the pressure was too much, the poor girl I was sharing a room with, I was being pretty vocal about the whole thing, but not out of control. I just felt I needed to make some noise so I did.
I kept listening to the colour part of the cd, which brought me to the field that I walked round alot with the dog when I was pregnant. It was amazing how relaxed it made me feel, I thought about the dog alot too, weirdly!
We then got ready to go down to the labour ward, the nurse tried to get me to sit on the wheelchair, of which there was no chance. Then she said I'd have to walk so, I tried a step or two and that wasn't going to work either. In the end I kneeled up on the chair facing backwards, she wasn't happy about that at all and I had to promise I wouldn't fall off. I then started feeling like pushing, it was such an unusual feeling, it just came on me, I didn't have to know that I was 10cms dilated, I could've told them I was. So I started to push. And push and push and push! After about 10 mins of being in the labour ward the nurse said 'get a baby gro and nappy, the baby will be here very soon'. That kind of put the fear of God in me and I felt a bit shakey for a bit but then refocused on the cd and kept on with the TENS. James gave the midwife our birth plan and we'd had the lights dimmed. They were very receptive to our wishes and I felt very relaxed. At one point the midwife said did I want to feel his head so she took my hand and I touched it as it crowned! So off I was pushing and pushing and pushing. And pushing. And pushing. About an hour later the midwife said that she knew we didn't want assisted pushing but she really felt that the baby needed to come out as his heartbeat was slowing down a little bit, we had a go at that but nothing happened. Eventually the doctor came in and said she was concerned and wanted baby out pretty much now, she gave me the chance to push through 2 more contractions and then we all agreed an episiotomy was for the best.
Two pushes later and the little fella was out, all 8.10lbs of him. A grand big lusty fella. I was so expecting a girl that after I was actually able to look down my first words were 'Oh my god, look at the size of his balls!' I think they were a bit taken aback by that reaction! Then he was put up on my tummy and we waited for the cord to stop pulstating. I wanted to wait and deliver the placenta but by then I was cold and tired and just wanted to get it over with so they gave me the injection. The midwife also offered me gas and air for the stitches! Jaysus I just gave birth to a baby without it, I think I can handle a few stitches! I got a local anaesthetic for that but it was a bit sore anyway. I breastfed him just after he was born and declined the vitiman K injection (so we have to give it to him orally every month now till I stop breastfeeding.
It was an amazing, challanging and sometimes unnerving experience but like I said I felt totally in control and didn't feel much pain, just pressure. It's taken awhile to get used to our new life but I'm reallly starting to enjoy him now, we still manage to go out for dinner most weeks and have a few glasses of wine now and then so that's good enough for me! I have to say I think the hypnobirthing not only helped me in the labour but has also helped me become a more confident, positive person all round, I still practice affirmations and listen to the parenting cd. Daniel is also a very happy, smiley, relaxed baby and I'd put some of that down to all the work I did with the hpnobirthing when I was pregnant.
Good Luck to all you expectant Mams!
August 2009
I am finally getting around to sharing Charlotte's birth story, 10 weeks on! Charlotte Maeve was born on the 29th of August in CUMH. My partner Jeff and I attended Tracy's GentleBirth antenatal course in July at about 33 weeks. She is my first child, although Jeff has two from a previous marriage and therefore brought some experience to the birth. Despite being a first-timer, I was very relaxed and looking forward to giving birth even before taking Tracy's course; however, the course and the cd's just reinforced my ideas that fear around birth can often only make it more challenging.
I have to be honest and say that I was a pretty poor student! I found the hypnosis track hard to listen to at first. I loved the birth affirmation track and listened to that often, especially while out walking with the dog. As my due date approached, I began to listen to
the hypnosis track more but still, I'd have to give myself a C!
While Jeff was a bit concerned that I wasn't listening to them enough, I was still extremely confident in giving birth and was really looking forward to it. (I was also constantly listening to a cd of classical music that my father put together for me to help me stay calm and relaxed, and of course for Charlotte's listening pleasure!) We had a very simple but clear birth plan that both of us felt very confident about. I wanted a natural birth and felt very strongly about not having an epidural.
Three days after my due date, I was given a membrane sweep. I had done a bit of research and decided that I would go ahead with it, although, to be honest, on the day of my appointment I felt I didn't really have a choice (I am a bit of a pushover though). The following day around 5 pm I felt my first surge. They were initially about 15 min apart. Since the house was packed with people, Jeff and I walked down to the beach for some fresh air at about 6pm. By the time we got back at 7pm the surges were about 3 minutes apart so we decided to go to the hospital (we live about 40 minutes away). As soon as I got into the car, I put the headphones on. (Let me tell you, it helped with the bumpy ride to the hospital.) I still felt pretty calm and in control.
Either due to my inexperience or lack of research, I was a bit thrown when we checked in. It was 8 pm on Friday night so the security guard was on. He told us to go to the waiting room to be called. This actually broke my groove and I started to get a little wound up. I was
imagining being checked into a labour ward room or something similar!
Still needing to walk around, I basically just started to pace the hallway. Then I threw up in the bin (and apologized profusely to the cleaning staff!). I was doing okay even at this point until another woman came in screaming pretty loudly, also pacing the hallways. I went into the disabled bathroom and tried to stay in there although the smell was getting to me. Although the cd was helping I was desperate to find the right space. Finally, a very kind midwife walked by and saw us and brought us in to be evaluated. Charlotte's heartbeat was monitored--but FYI the mp3 player interfered halfway through so I had to stay there twice as long. At this point, I was 3 cm, still throwing up, still listening to the hypnosis track, still
hearing other women scream and still needed to find the right space.
All in all, I was still, believe it or not, pretty much in control.
Just a little disturbed that there were no beds available. So back to the hallways!
Then a small miracle happened. The midwife showed us to a small emergency triage room just outside reception (very handy to know about if there are no beds/rooms available). We went in there, shut off the lights, shut the door and Jeff just made sure that the headphones stayed in my ears. The next two hours went by pretty fast. And the hypnosis track was my lifesaver, I am sure. Even though I still felt the surges, between each one I was able to relax back down to "zero,"
so to speak. Some were stronger than others but Jeff told me later it was unbelievable. I was completely still between surges. And all I remember hearing is " you are calm, confident and in control" over and over and over.
About 2 hours later around 11pm I felt an incredible need to push.
Jeff went to get the midwife and I was 7 cm. At this point I was wheeled down to the labor room. Our midwife hooked me up straight away to the heart monitor and basically told me I had to keep it on the whole time. We had requested to have intermittent monitoring so I could walk around but I was more comfortable on the bed anyway so it was fine. Interestingly enough, Jeff was highly skeptical of this because of his experience with his first child (they were constantly looking at the monitor rather than the mother and baby). It actually helped me to relax, oddly enough. When her heart rate would dip, I would see it and it would make me relax enough to get her's stable again. I felt so connected to Charlotte, and definitely felt like we were in this thing together --something I absolutely gained from both the course and the cd tracks.
Again feeling an incredible sense to push, my waters popped about 15 min later--with quite a gush! And not more than 20 minutes later, I was 10 cm. At this stage I had to take the cd off. The surges to push came in waves of three and I only pushed when my body told me to.
50 minutes later, at 1:37am, she was placed on my chest. What an amazing moment! We asked her to wait until the cord stopped pulsating, which she did willingly. She stayed on my chest and breastfed for 50 minutes. It turns out the midwife never read our birth plan but nevertheless listened to what we wanted (communicated by Jeff not me!). She came out flying so I had a 2nd degree tear, which was sore for about 3 weeks but not unbearable. In fact it was a great reason to do nothing but just sit with Charlotte!
All in all it was perfect. We are co-sleeping, which is working out brilliantly for us (I can't remember the last time I needed a nap during the day), both of us are breastfeeding without any problems, and Charlotte is cooing and smiling all of the time! As one new mom just told me, "how come no one told me about this before!" I am just loving it. For those women who don't get as much time to listen to the cds, don't despair! Next time around I would try to at least be a B student but it still worked a charm. No drugs, just some gas and air while the doctor was stitching me up. I would highly recommend the course to all expecting parents!
Congratulations to you all and I wish you all the best for a positive birth!
August 2009
Hi all,
I wanted to share my birth story with you all. My baby Adam was born on the 10th Aug in Holles St hospital in what I would describe "a home birth in hospital" and it was a truly beautiful experience.
On Sat I had a slight show which got myself and Mark a bit excited. I was due on the 20th so it seemed quite early. That night at 3.30 I woke up and found that my waters broke, I was completely taken by surprise by it. I woke Mark up, who was really sleepy and suggested that we sleep on (!!!). We got the bags ready and made our way to the hospital. Over there they put me on the monitor to check baby's heart beat and kept it on for about 1h. All was fine so the doctor discharged me in the morning. If labour wouldn't start earlier they said they wanted me back in the hospital the next morning to induce labour, so I was truly hoping that things would start sooner than that.
Mark had tickets for the Kilkenny match that day but it was obvious he wouldn't be going anywhere so we met up with his dad and gave him the tickets. We went home, had a big fry for breakfast, then had a bit of sleep. Very slight surges started at about 11 o'clock but they were really mild and occured every half an hour. During the day they were about 20-25 min apart. We went for a walk, had a bit of dinner and then went to the video store to get a DVD for the evening. During the day I was also writing in my pregancy diary that I've been keeping during the last 9 months.
The surges were about 15 min apart and getting more and more intense, however not really painful. In the evening we put the DVD on and I sat on the fit ball. Mark was timing my surges, they were now less than 10 min apart and more intense, now they were more uncomfortable so Mark was massaging my back. I can't say I rememeber much of the movie, it wasn't a good one anyway. At about 9-10 o'clock the surges were 5 min apart and really intense so I started thinking about going to the hospital,but Mark convinced me to stay at home until they are 4 min apart, not to go too early. So we stayed until 11pm and made our way then. The surges were really strong and closer now.
We got to Holles St at 11.30 and were introduced to our midwife, Sandra (who was wonderful, btw). My surges must have been 3 min apart at this stage. She suggested connecting me to the monitor but I asked to use the Doppler instead and she agreed. She checked my dilation and I was 3 cm. I was disappointed by it and thought: at 3 cm most women ask for epidural, I still have 7 cm to go! But then I remembered that for a lot of women things progress very quickly towards the end, so I thought I would see how I get on. I kneeled by the bed with my head on the pillow on the bed, moved my hips and Mark was massaging me during surges. They were almost on top of each other now, very intense, I was forgetting to breathe through them. I had a weak moment when I thought of epidural, but didn't really want it so instead I asked for gas & air. Little did I know that Mark asked the midwife not to give it to me yet, wait until I ask for it again as he thought it would distract me and I was in my zone. By the way, it was the right decision and I soon forgot that I asked for it...Mark put the CDs on for me and I kept it on until pretty much the end.
I took each surge as it came, not thinking about the last one or the next one. I remember Sandra checking on the baby every so often, looking in my face with a very nice, genuine smile saying I'm doing very well. Soon after that I felt like I needed to poo and push, which I said to Sandra and she said that's allright and that she's not going to tell me when to push.
At times i felt like giving it a push and at times it was just bearing down, like Tracy said, your body really is doing it for you, you have to switch of the brain and switch on to your body, follow its lead as it is doing it whether you want it or not, so I gave in to my body. My voice changed and I started groaning, Mark said the noise sounded almost sexual. I went on the floor on all fours, moved around and could really feel the head pushing against my perineum and I was thinking: it's good the head is pushing and withdrawing as it will nicely stretch the area. I was also imagining myself opening nicely, like was suggested in Ina May Gaskin's book. Every time I felt the head closer and closer, I knew my progress well. Then the head crowned and I felt stinging but it was OK, only for a moment. And then I felt the head popping out and soon after the rest of the body. After that a great calm came and I felt absolutley no pain and lovely relief. My little baby boy was lying underneath me. I lied down fully on the floor and cuddled him. Sandra gave us time before cutting the cord and then I delivered the placenta, naturally as well. He was born at 1.30, 2h after arriving in the hospital.
I thanked her for letting me do it on my own, naturally, with no interventions and she said not to thank her, that she really enjoyed the birth and that's the way it should be and what she studied for and she hasn't experienced such birth in 3 years. I know she really meant it. I was elevated, so happy with my experience and with my little baby in my arms. Mark was completely speechless, astounded. Later on he told me he watched the baby crowning and being born and I think he appreciated the expierinece even though beforehand he would have said he doesn't want to see it. Sandra checked me and said I had no tear and needed no stitches - great!
To cut the long story short, I was on cloud nine for the next few days and thinking about my birth warmed my heart and made me feel exteremely happy and proud of myself. I had such a wonderful birth, exactly like I dreamt it - 100% natural, quick, calm, no pain relief and no cut!. It felt primal and animalish, I felt every bit of it and felt empowered by it. What really helped me was the positive state of mind and conviction that my body can do it as well as understanding throughout what my body is doing at each stage. I think it is importnant to follow your body's lead and ignore your brain telling you that something is uncomfortable for you. Also, throughout the labour I had my Gentle birth CD on and never took it off - it helped me to stay calm and relaxed and stay in my zone, cut out everythning else.
Post natal care in the hospital was great as well, they showed me the ropes and helped with breastfeeding, which is going well for us (though not easy). Baby Adam is a joy, but also hard work, and tiredness kicks in. My memories of my labour I will cherish and enjoy, though it was hard work, not a walk in the park.
I will get Mark to post his version of the birth. I wish everyone such positive experience - believe in yourselves and your bodies, girls, and keep up your practice, it will all help you on the day. You can do it!
Best of luck to all.
Gosia
August 09
Here is our beautiful baby girl Mia Rose's birth story. She weighed 7lbs 4 oz and was born at 10.20 pm on Friday 07/08/09.
I had a number of shows up to two weeks before she was born and lost the mucus plug the Sunday before. Had a consultant's appointment on the Tuesday where I had an internal which showed that I was a good 1 cm and was told I was having mild contractions - I had been putting these down to period like cramps and they were same as I'd had on/off for weeks. My bp was also slightly raised so was booked in for a bp series in the hospital on Friday am. On Thursday am I woke up and went to bathroom and was suspicious that I was leaking fluid or just had increased vaginal discharge. Said nothing to DH, sent him off to work and decided to see how things went over the day. I pottered around, listened to my gentlebirth CDs, went to my acupuncture session (she nearly died when I said that I thought things may happen soon!). She put little acupressure magnets in my ears on master pain control points (you can press during labour) and stimulated various labour points.
I rang DH at work that evening and said to him that maybe he should stay a bit late to prepare for possibly not being there for the next 3 weeks - he was really excited so I had to tell him to calm down! When he came home we went for a walk with dogs, organised final bags etc. but still had nothing more than lower back ache/cramping. Went to bed a bit disappointed as we really wanted to have as natural a labour as possible and knew I needed to go into labour myself.
By Friday morning I was still having only on/off cramps. I was going to send my dH into work whilst I went into the hospital for BP series/consultant's appointment. I was hoping if BP was fine and baby was happy even though hind waters were gone that I may be able to convince her to give me another few hours at home. But then after breakfast I got this overwhelming urge that I didn't want to be alone so asked my DH to go to appointment with me.
So we headed to hospital with labour & hospital bag and birthing ball!
BP series showed up borderline raised pressure and I had 1+ protein in urine. We went into consultant and said she was thinking of taking me in although she knew my birth plan was not that. I mentioned that my hind waters had gone and she was like "Ok I'm definitely taking you in! Straight up to delivery suite!". She also said raised bp and protein was probably due to being in early labour and was I not in real pain? (I was 2 cm on exam). It was still only cramps though.
So we arrived on Delivery Suite, straight onto syntocinon drip. This is the only bit where I felt a bit out of control as it was all happening very fast, I didn't feel that I was in "the zone" for labour and on way up to delivery suite kept bumping into people I knew (I work in med profession) which was really distracting!
Once monitors, drip etc was hooked up I put on my hypnobirthing CD and tried to relax, closed blinds down and tried to block out noises around me.
I was on max syntocinon drip within an hour and was getting 6 contractions every 10 minutes lasting 50-60 seconds. It was very intense so I put on my TENs machine - which was brilliant and really got me through those first few difficult centimetres. I was standing leaning on bed and using birthing ball for rests. Unfortunately after 4 hours of this I was still 2 -3 cm and I remember thinking oh no they're going to do a section. My consultant and midwife were great though and said we'd give it another couple of hours out of respect for my birth wishes if I was ok with that and could handle things – baby was handling contractions well so I set in my mind a 2 hour target.
For the next 2 hours I focused on every contraction, using the hypnobirthing affirmations to calm me and some of the yoga moves I’d been doing in class (rocking pelvis etc.) I made a real conscious effort to relax my pelvic floor. Two hours later I was at 3 cm and asked for gas & air as things were very intense after 6 hours of that rate of contracting! G&A was brilliant – took the edge off and allowed me to sit on my birth ball which rested my legs from standing as had been finding it too sore to sit on ball for the previous couple of hours.
I said to my husband that if at my next exam I was still only 3 cm maybe I should get an epidural as this was obviously going to be long and torturous! He was great and encouraging and said we’ll focus on next exam (an hour later). At the next exam I was 5-6 cm and I was delighted. However 2 hours later I was still only 5-6 cm which was so disappointing. I could see looks being exchanged in the delivery suite and thought to my self “no way am I giving in now!” DH was popping remedies from my homeopathic labour kit into my mouth the whole time and said at this stage” I’ve the perfect one!”. So I was sucking away on it and he said it was for late labour (as in to get you into labour when you’re overdue). I looked at him like he was mad and said “I’m in bloody labour!!” Anyway we both cracked up laughing over how ridiculous that was and I was bouncing on birthbball when suddenly my body did the most amazingly strong push downwards all of it’s own accord – I grabbed DH hand and said I’m pushing call the midwife – he was like “What?” But you were just laughing at…” - I interrupted him “Now!!”.
Our midwife came on and said “Oh are you having some rectal pressure? That’s normal as baby’s head moves down”. I was trying to say this isn’t pressure, when I had another contraction with that same incredible involuntary pushing – the midwife sprang into action, contacted my consultant (who’d gone for a lie down it turns out as she’d been on 24 hours).
She examined me quickly and sure enough I’d gone from 5-6 cm to fully dilated in less than 30 minutes.
Things calmed down a bit then, I got on all fours on the bed and leaned on the back for each contraction and push. I got rid of G&A as these contractions were totally different and I din’t need it. I worked away at pushing for about 35 mins in that position but my legs were getting tired and a bit numb. My consultant and midwife suggested I turn around to supported sitting at the end of the bed with my DH and it felt right to do that. After lots of hardwork and great guidance from my midwife baby Mia Rose was born after 1 hour 10 mins pushing. I had a small 1st degree tear needing 2 stitches and a superficial graze that my consultant put 1 stitch in.
Mia Rose was a little shocked when born – she had decels during the moulding/crowning of her head but heart rate was bouncing back after each push. That meant we didn’t get to do a delayed cord clamp or prolonged skin to skin straight away. She went to a little warming incubator for half an hour and then up to SCBU for blood tests. She had a little canula in her hand for 48 hours in case she needed antibiotics but thankfully she was perfect since. She met me back in my room within an hour and a half of birth, latched on beautifully and basically stayed that way for must of our hospital stay!
We got home on Monday and all going great – we are totally besotted with her!!
Feel so great that even though things started off differently to how I hoped we still managed to get through everything using gentlebirth, TENS and G&A – our consultant and midwife were so supportive of our birth choices- I felt like wonder woman after it all!
July 2009
Hi Tracy,
I attended your Gentlebirth Workshop in Cork earlier this year and it was the best thing I ever did!!
I first heard about the Gentlebirth Workshop from the yoga class which I was attending, but dismissed it (and if truth be told I was quite cynical of it) as being something which people who wanted a “drug free” birth attend. However after reading the testimonials online I realised it is for everybody who wants to have a calm and confident birth experience. As a first time mother I both wanted and needed this. The sight of blood was enough to make me feel faint and I was TERRIFIED of having a section if it was neccessary!
I listened to the Gentlebirth cd’s as much as possible. If there was ever a time that I began to feel anxious or nervous about labor or becoming a parent, I would switch on my iPod and within seconds of starting listening to the Gentlebirth tracks I was calm. I can remember twice in the last month I woke up in a panicked state, but my subconscious immediately kicked in with the Gentlebirth affirmations and I went back to sleep easily. I found this to be amazing!!
The course taught me how to deal with other people’s (not intentional) fear mongering about labor. If I was ever in a situation where people started to talk negatively about labor, I distanced myself from them. “Water off a duck’s back!” as I had learned in the workshop!
When my due date came and went I was eventually brought in to be induced. This was disappointing but I went with it. Throughout my pregnancy the Gentlebirth cd’s had taught me to picture the drive to the hospital, a sunny day with no traffic but it rained and we were late for the hospital as there was so much traffic!!
Myself and my husband laughed at this and were really relaxed and calm. “We were excited about meeting our baby”.
We brought in comedy dvd’s with us to the hospital and watched these to keep things lighthearted. In the evening, the midwife said that my husband would need to go home to get some rest for the next day. I smiled and nodded at her, but in my head there was no way he was leaving my side!! Thanks for that bit of advice Tracy, because things started moving along for me quickly after midnight!! I’m not saying I wouldn’t have managed without my husband, but having him at my side helped to keep me focused and calm.
I listened to the gentlebirth cd’s constantly for the next few hours. Its difficult to explain, but when the surges started I didn’t realise that I was in labour. I had no concept of how strong they were or how frequently they were occurring. When my husband told the nurse that the surges were 3 minutes apart I really thought he was after getting it all wrong and was confused. But he was right and I was 5cm dilated.
I was moved to the labor ward, my waters broke when I arrived there and at this stage I asked and got an epidural. I continued to listen to my cd’s. Unfortunately for me, things began to slow down. My consultant explained to me that even though I was 8/9cm dilated I was not going any further. The baby’s head wasn’t turning and was stuck, so at this stage I was to have a section. Briefly I was scared, but I kept repeating to myself “that I was calm, confident and in control” and later met my healthy 9lb 4oz baby girl!!!
It was not the birth which I had imagined I would have had or wanted, but I have positive memories of the whole experience. I would do the whole thing again tomorrow and if everything was the exact same second time around I would still be happy. I really do not believe that I would have had such a calm birth experience and positive memories if I had not attended the Gentlebirth workshop.
Before myself and my husband went to the course on the first day, I said to him that if this was a load of hippie crap, we’ll make our excuses and leave. Ha, ha!! I’m so glad we stayed. I can not recommend this course highly enough to impending parents!!
Thanks for everything Tracy!
Marie
June 2009
Hi Tracy,
This is our birth story.
My husband and I were expecting our first baby later on this summer. I was 36 weeks. When I went to the toilet I saw what I thought it might be a bit of show... a jelly like mucous with a blood thread running through it.... but it was so small that I did not pass any remark.
Later on that evening I went to work (I’m a fitness instructor) and taught my usual step and aerobics classes.... I’m a strong believer in exercising in pregnancy and i believe the outcome of my experience has a lot to do with how fit I was. On Tuesday morning, I had the same sort of show, followed by very gentle period-like cramps.
My husband insisted I went to my gp to get it checked, so just to keep him happy I went. GP checked me, and decided to send me to the MLU in Drogheda (where I was suppose to have my baby) for more check ups.... as i was only 36 weeks +1 the MLU could not see me (you have to be 37 weeks, in other words, full term), so I was referred to the main clinic in the Lourdes.
I got strapped to the monitor, which more or less said my contractions or tightenings had started but I could not feel any of that, so I told myself the monitor wasn’t working properly!! A doctor did an internal and confirmed that my cervix was ready, so i could go into labour any minute, but it could as well be a false alarm. I was advised not to exercise that evening... and for the first time in my life i missed my classes (I’m a bit of a workaholic! 
)
I spent that evening at home, not doing much, apart from planning my classes for the following day!
On Tuesday night at 11:30 i decided to load the washing machine... i went downstairs, squatted down put all the clothes in... and went I stood up.... SURPRISE... my waters broke! I called my husband down who very calmly said: ok, the little one is coming... he doesn’t do waiting around, just like his daddy!!... and how right was he!!.. we rang the hospital and they told us to come in straight away... even though my waters were clear, the fact that i was pre term by only 5 days it meant going in and staying in.
We left the house with nothing, not as much as a change of clothes, or my mp3 with the cd's ...nothing. On arrival they examined me and I was 2 cm dilated. My husband then went home and packed my hospital bag to the best of his knowledge and brought my mp3.
Contractions got more and more intense, so i used the TENS machine which i found great. I listened to my affirmations cd and I was able to sleep in between surges. At 8 am wed morning i had another internal and at that stage I was 8 cm, so it was almost time to start pushing.
I was brought to the delivery room, and met the new midwives (shift change). They were excellent, young, caring, and a good laugh. It also helped that they had trained in the MLU, so they expected me not being happy about the transfer, but to be honest I didn’t mind, as long as I had a say in making decisions. I told them about letting the cord pulsating, and having the placenta delivered naturally... and they agreed they would do their best to respect my choices. And so they did.
I started pushing at 9 am... and at 10:14 baby Colm was born, healthy, with a head full of hair and weighting 6.10lb , which is a very healthy weight considering he was 4 weeks early!! cord was left to pulsate, placenta was delivered naturally, and baby and me were in good health.
We were allowed home 2 days later. Colm is now 5 days old and I already cannot remember how my life was before him... He is the happiest, most calm baby ever... doesn’t cry, only eats, smiles and sings!!.
If I was to wish for anything to have gone differently I would be lying... it was the perfect birth.
I hope everyone in this group can have such a positive experience.
regards,
Lorraine
Feb - 2009
Hi Tracy
Hope all is well with you.
Just wanted to let you know that we had a 2nd baby in February - a little boy called Iwan (like Ewan, but the Welsh spelling). All is going well.
I listened to my CD as much as I could beforehand (not so easy with a toddler around the place), and we tried to prepare ourselves by reminders from the book - but definitely didn't do as much preparation as 1st time around. However, as my first experience had been really positive and Tara had literally popped out within minutes of arriving at the hospital, I was quite relaxed anyway, and looking forward to another quick and not-too-painful birth.
And things went well again this time thankfully. We were already in the hospital as my waters had broken, so when the contractions started to get tougher, I asked them to check my dilation. I was only 2cm - and very disheartened to hear it - but within an hour I had reached 10cm just breathing through the contractions, and then baby literally propelled himself out. I don't actually remember doing any pushing at all, he just pushed himself out if that makes sense, it was as if I couldn't control it even if I had wanted to.
So everything went well and we are getting on fine with Iwan, and he is settling in well. So, again, it was another good birth for us. And we are busy now with the two of them, but enjoying it all the same.
Take care.
Grainne & Rob
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February 2009
Tracy,
I'm emailing here with one hand.I just wanted to thank you again for the enormous role you played in the natual birth of my son. Im going to put my story up on rollercoaster and on yahoo groups. I can whole heartily say that if it wasnt for Gentlebirth I would definetly have had ended with a section. i was lucky to have had a supportive mid wife who stuck her neck on the line for me because after one and a half hours pushing her superior kept checking her watch and insisting the doctor be called to intervene. The labour lasted 30 hours during which time i had to turn the baby from a posterior position. i was continuelly told not to be a martyr. I was very lucky that Marguerite turned up when she did because after 14 hours remaining at 3 centimetres it was difficult to hold my resolve.
Eoghan is very alert and has gained more than his birth weight in under a week. I met another hypno birth mother who is due in two weeks and i assured her of how it really does work. By the end of my stay in hospital so many midwives had come to congratulate me on the natural birth with the majority of them saying ' you're that girl.....'
Love
Sharon
January 2009
Hi Tracy,
I have been so happy about sharing my birth story with anyone I meet. No longer do I have to talk about my first labour of 51 hours as now I can talk about how preparing yourself for a calm and positive birth and visualising your labour and delivery really can make all the difference. I wouldn't say my labour was painfree, but completely manageable and much quicker. The painful part only last a few hours and I was able to relax and allow the birth to happen and every step was so positive and my recovery has been so quick. It was all just so natural; no timing surges or unnecessary internals, we just relaxed and let nature run its course.
I am still nursing both of my little girls and so far my eldest gives loads of kisses and cuddles and doesn't take too much notice of the new addition to our family. I really credit your course and the homebirth scheme in Ireland for helping me achieve a birth I am so extremely proud of. I have been on cloud 9 since.
Thanks again Tracy for all your wonderful advice and for the great course we attended. Jestin and I have so much to be thankful for.
God Bless,
Erin
From a Kerry Mum - November 2008.
The workshop was the best thing that I did during my entire pregnancy. I feel so
good every time I do the c.d. and in such a short time have developed such a
positive attitude toward the labour. I have even dreamed about a calm birth
where I am smiling. Thanks again,
Maire
3 - 10cm in one hour ! (Posted on Rollercoaster.ie)
Hi girls, here’s my birth story (bit long).... Thank you all for the well wishes and congrats to everyone who has had their little bundles and loads of ‘baby birthing dust’ to anyone still waiting:)
So I was feeling great Thursday Jan 1st, I felt so energetic and good that day,
the best I’d felt for months. We got home after a day of sightseeing with my
Mum who had arrived 2 days previously, had a lovely meal (even some wine) and
then later on that evening I lost the plug – no mistaking what it was. Then
early hours of Friday morning Jan 2nd I woke up to feel my waters trickling,
got out of bed and ‘gush’…. So I woke Stef (Dh), I took a quick shower, we finished
packing my hospital bag, and headed off at about 9am. I felt so excited on the
way to hospital coz I knew this was it – that I would soon be meeting my Luca –
it was snowing quite heavily,
Arrived at hospital and was installed in one of the labour & delivery rooms
– they wanted things to get moving quickly as I had lost my waters and was
Strep B positive. I was having contractions which the midwife felt needed to be
boosted with a gel suppository as I’d been having contractions for weeks and
she was worried that my body just wasn’t going to automatically kick start into
full blast labour, so I agreed to the gel.
About an hour after inserting the gel she examines me – I’m 3cm dilated, so
things are moving slowly. It’s nearly 2pm and Stef says to her that he thinks
baby will be here before 4pm, she looked at him and said that it’s lovely that
he’s being optimistic and all, but I’ll be lucky to give birth before the end
of her shift at 10pm
Anyway she leaves us to it : me listening to hypnobirthing and Stef nice and
chilled with his feet up reading a book. She leaves the room saying to shout if
we need her.
So everything speeds up here – my contractions go from being 10 minutes apart
to being literally on top of each other. I’m like this for about 45minutes or
so… The pain is tough, but I’m breathing through it and just about managing –
I’m using all the hypnobirthing techniques and it really kept me focused. The
key was really to go with the pain, as soon as I tensed up it was more painful,
whereas if I let my body relax and breathed deeply through the intense
contractions I felt a lot better.
Stef can see that it’s intense and reminds me that if the pain is like this
right now when I’m only 3cm dilated how will I cope for another few hours while
I’m getting to 10cm. He wants to call the midwife to get some sort of pain
relief.
Anyway, before we decide on anything my midwife comes back in, she takes one
look at me and says ‘ooops you’ve lost that lovely smile’. This was a code
between us, she’d already said that when I became really serious she would know
that my labour was really painful.
She does a quick internal, yep 10cm !!! It is now 3pm, so in 1 hour I’ve
dilated to 10cm.
She calls the nurse to get things set up for baby’s delivery. I’m in Shock !!
Can’t believe it’s happened this quick !!
Myself and Dh just look at each other – this is it, we are finally going to
meet our Luca !!
Before delivery she wants to turn baby’s head to correct position as it’s face
up – she was absolutely FANTASTIC, she guides me through every contraction – we
worked through it together. It was painful, but I was focused and very positive
and every push brought me closer to Luca.
So after 25minutes of pushing Dh says ‘he is crowning, I see his dark hair,
just a bit more and we’ll have him in our arms, come on my love, one more
push’.
I could feel Luca’s head, I gave another push and he came out like a mini
rocket. He was immediately placed on my chest and I just couldn’t believe it –
absolute magic – every part of it : the birth, the baby, the happiness… Luca
was born in under 3 hours.
Myself and Stef agreed that the birth was perfect – I never expected a pain
free birth, I think that would be asking a bit too much. But what I wanted was
a stress free and positive birth – I got the birth I wanted after having a
tough one with Dd !!
I actually feel free – like a big hang up or fear has been put to rest!
Luca is lying next to me in his moses basket as I type this up – I can’t stop
looking at him, he’s just gorgeous, can’t believe that big bundle of love was
in me only a few days ago – my God no wonder I had heartburn, pressure,
backache etc…but he was worth every ache and pain, the love is unreal and I
know that this little man has changed my life forever.
Thanks again for the months of support and all the helpful tips & info
we’ve shared.
Emma X
January 2009 Workshop Attendee
Just for anyone interested.
I did a Gentlebirthing workshop at the weekend and I have to say it was
fantastic. This is my second baby and I was quite nervous of how I would cope
with the labour and delivery. While I wouldn't say my first was a bad
experience I felt there has to be a better way and I want more options.
Already I feel so calm and know that I'm well able to have a natural birth.
When I look back at my first labour and delivery it's amazing how I told myself
what was going to happen. I told myself, all be it subconciously that it was
going to be long, that I would be able for the first stage but would need pain
relief for the second, that my waters would go at home, that I wouldn't be
confortable walking around and that's exactly what happened.
The weekend has put my mind in the right place and I'm really looking forward
to the labour and delivery now. My DH also feels more in control.
I would reccomend it for anyone who is nervous about how they will cope and for
anyone who likes the idea of a natural birth but afraid of what it involves.
Turning Breech Babies
Just to let you know that I listened to your Breech CD from
Saturday to Tuesday and when I went for a scan yesterday consultant confirmed
that baby had turned!! yippee !!, was thrilled to bits with that news, had a
fair idea myself that baby had turned , felt quite a lot of movement at the
wend as you said I would, and then obviously could feel kicks much higher up,
which feels so much more natural
Sleeping Like a Baby
Hi Tracy,
I'm was finding it so difficult to sleep at night and the CDs are working wonders as I'm so relaxed. To be honest from just listening to the CD twice but my attitude has changed already and Im no longer afraid of the labour, I actually cant belive how quickly my mind has changed its way of thinking.. thanks again and i hope to get further in the CD's in the coming nights and weeks.
Christmas Baby !
Hey girls,
Guess what - actually have time to post my birth story now!
Wee Rory is a dote, he is feeding 4oz every 4 hours and only generally wakes
once in the night - lets hope it stays that way!
It all started on xmas eve around 1pm when the pains I had been getting for
weeks became really regular, and I always went for a nap when DS went down in
the early afternoon, but I just couldn't settle. Alarm bells rang, but I didn't
say anything to anyone, I was just excited. My mam knew though, just by looking
at me, and asked me to start timing the pains. They quickly became every 5
mins, although I wasn't too bothered by them. Hypnobirthing really is the
business, I was sooo relaxed. I started insisting that we go shopping and
finish decorating the sitting room (I knida knew this was my last chance), so I
went shopping around 5pm (my mam was thinking I was mad, but I felt ok). She
went with me, thinking I was going to go any minute! We got home around 5.30pm
and I decided to call DH who was half an hour away at work. Then I started
hoovering the sitting room! Seems bizarre now, but maybe I was doing some late
nesting???
Anyhow, we got to the hospital and I was put on a trace where the contractions
were showing up every 8, 7 then 6 mins. They were still manageable though. I
was examined and they were talking about sending me home when they realised I
was 3 - 4cms! Yay! We were left alone then so I turned down the lights and lay
down to listen to my hypnobirthing music.
They were trying to get me to walk, but I wanted to conserve my energy.
The pains started getting more intense, so I went for a bath, which helped a
lot. The pains were lasting for a min and a half at this stage, with only about
a min between, some with no break, so I thought I should get out.
I went to the labour ward at this stage where I was examined again and was told
I was 6 -7cms, hurrah! But the head was still way up high, the labour wasn't
progressing. Even though I was coping fine with the pains (did I say how good
hypnobirthing was?) I decided at this stage to go for the epi, as I had a
feeling the waters were not going to break themselves, and it was going to be a
long night.
I am so glad I did. The midwives were sure at 10pm xmas eve that I was going to
have a very quick labour and baby would be born on xmas eve. Er, no! In the
end, to get the head down, they tried breaking my waters (didn't work), then
tried the drip (didn't work for the whole night, and baby didn't like it that
much so they couldn't turn it up from the minimum).
In the end, we snoozed all night until, eventually, baby decided it was time to
come at 8am Christmas morning. It was time to start pushing!
I only pushed for 8 minutes, and baby Rory reluctantly came into the world
weighing a lovely 6lbs 13oz!
He is totally gorgeous, and I am so in love with him 
I had such a positive birth, and despite the delay, it was perfect, the best
christmas pressie we could ever have!
To make it even better, I was allowed home the same day so was home with Rory
at 4pm, in time for christmas dinner!
Recovery has been great, had one superficial stitch which gave me no bother,
and Rory latched on straightaway (although I won't be BF for long as won't have
time when DH goes back to work!)
Better go to bed now - hope I haven't bored ye too much!
Good luck to all the mammies in waiting!!
Hi Tracy,
Sorry for the delay in getting in touch but we've been busy getting to know our new baby. Emma Kate was born on 18th Jan 2008 at 13:31 weighing in at a healthy 10lbs 4oz.
Here is our story;
Braxton Hicks started about a week before the guess date. On the guess date I experienced surges throughout the day. I felt that something was starting but surges were still far apart and irregular. I decided not to say too much and we went for dinner that evening in Chan's of Bettystown (Highly reccomended). Got to bed that night at about midnight and was awoken at about two by some strong surges and a show. I woke Graham at half two and we started timing the surges. We were not sure if we were timing right as they were very close together but after quite a few we were sure they were about three minutes apart. I found the birthng ball very helpful and the surges manageable at this stage. Decided to get in the bath as the frequency of the surges made me a little uneasy and was hoping it would relax me. I listened to the practice cd throughout as we tried some deepenings but the surges were coming so fast we couldn't get focused before the next one started.
At about 5:30 we decided to leave for the hospital before traffic started to get bad as we live quite a distance from the hospital. Left at 6:30, dopping off our daughter along the way and checked in at Holles St. about 8:30.
We were brought straight to the delivery ward and got examined. Slightly disapointed to find out I was two cm. We had discussed going to a hotel room if this was the case but again the frequency of surges was a little unnerving.
We gave copies of our Birth Plan to the midwives and were surprised and delighted at how well received it was.
Surges at this stage were only one minute apart and felt mostly in my lower back. I constantly changed positions over the next few hours and continued to listen to the cd as I still could not get through the deepenings. The cd helped me focus on each surge. Graham constantly massaged my lower back and some midwives were quite amused to see the rolling pin coming out but it was very effective! I didn't find the shower much help as I had to remove the headphones and lost focus. A hot water bottle was some use but staff were reluctant to refill it, probably due to insurance reasons.
At 11:30 I asked to be examined and was relieved to hear I was eight cm. I was experiencing a lot of pressure at this stage and had the urge to push. The midwife said this was because the waters had not released so being so far gone we decided to go ahead with having them released in the hope of easing the pressure. Another reason to go ahead with it was they wanted to monitor baby's heart rate for twenty mins and I couldn't stay still for that long. It was done at initial check in and I found it very irritating. They said that if the waters were clear they wouldn't need to do this. Waters were very clear and healthy. It did help but I felt that exhaustion was kicking in due to not getting any rest between surges. After an hour I was offered the gas to take the edge off the surges and I admit it did help relax me. They continued for nearly an hour more before I felt Baby was ready to come out. The head midwife examined me and confirmed I was ready to birth. The midwives helped me into a sitting up position and I was happy to do this as I had been kneeling for some time and my legs were very tired.
The actual birth lasted six minutes and at 13:31 Emma Kate was brought into the world. She was placed on my chest and because there was no excessive bleeding the chord was allowed to finish pulsating. Graham cut the chord. Emma Kate latched on to feed which helped deliver the placenta.
She was very calm and alert and was responding to our voices straight away. Fortunately I didn't need any stitches or have any tears. I feel this was due to listening to my body and knowing when it was right for me to push.
Afterwards I felt very proud of what I achieved without opting for pain relief and felt quite well with good energy. Comparing this with my first labour , this was by far the better experience(In brief, on my first labour waters were released at 1cm, meconium in the waters, epidural, oxitocin, continuous monitoring, directed pushing, stitches and feeling dreadful afterwards).
Looking back now:
The staff of Holles St. were extremely attentive and caring and I was very happy with them apart from one or two issues which are:
I was appointed a trainee midwife who was very caring but her lack of experience came to light on some occasions.
The head midwife was excellent as she was very reassuring and encouraged me to follow my body's lead.
I would advise anyone opting to breastfeed to be well informed in advance. Unfortunately there is no set standard among the midwives and conflicting opinions can be misleading and confusing.
Graham was very supportive with the hypnobirthing both during the pregnancy and the labour. He was well informed as we had put alot of time and dedication into the preparation. It was such a relief to know that he could talk for me so I could just focus on my surges. His encouragement and support guided me through some tricky moments. He truly was the perfect birthing partner.
I will definitely be going the hypnobirthing route next time!
Wendy and Graham
This is my account of the birth of our second baby using GentleBirth
Our lovely little boy came into the world at 9.30pm News Years night, weighing 7lbs and 10 ozs.
I woke up at 6.30 that morning with mild period cramps. I'd had one or two in the days shortly after Christmas but this usually happened after I'd been walking for a while. We got up, DH, DS and I, and started our day as normal. The cramps were still happening and in the midst of them I managed to do a bit of housework. My first interesting sensations!!
I was very calm and relaxed, and took DS for a little ramble around our estate that afternoon to give DH a chance to catch up on some work at home.
The cramps had stopped mid morning and did not start up again until about 4pm. There was a noticeable difference this time, they were stronger and sharper still perfectly manageable but I needed to use my breathing this time. There were a lot of visits to the bathroom and at times it felt like I was leaking rather than peeing and at about 5pm there was a lot of water released - this made me suspect that my waters had gone. DH was anxious at this stage for me to ring the hospital and let them know what was happening as it was likely that I would be going in that evening. So we did. And from then on things began to really speed up. I had to stop and breathe really deeply each time.
I contacted my sister who was on red alert to babysit for us. I told her at about 6 o'clock that there was still time but she had better hurry up just in case!! By 7 I was under a lot of pressure. The contractions were coming hard and fast and I was finding them quite painful but I wasn't going anywhere until DS was in bed!!!!!
We were in the car at 7.25 and the drive down was hard and I found it hard to breathe through the contractions - walking and keeping upright is the way to go!!!! However, I did find that blowing very loud and long, high pitched raspberries helped a lot!!!
We arrived at the hospital at 8 and I had to wait for a strong contraction to pass before I was able to get out of the car. We went straight up to the labour ward and they were surprised at how close together the contractions were coming.
I changed into my nightie and they examined me and after all that I was told I was only 2cm dilated! To say I was disappointed is an understatement!! I was on the bed being monitored and I found this very, very difficult. What I really wanted was to get up off that bed when the contractions were happening. I just could not lie down, I needed to be standing up. At the next examination I was 5cm and I climbed off the bed and put my arms around DH and kind of lowed into his neck. It helped a lot as the baby moved down this way.
And within the next ten mins or so, I felt this incredible urge to push. The contractions had stopped and there was a big build up of pressure and a funny sense of relief with the next contraction. It really is amazing the way your body takes over and just does its job – this baby was coming whether or not I wanted it to!
Within an hour and a half of arriving at the hospital, our little boy was born! He was handed to me straight away and we had a really good cuddle and he had a nice cry for himself.
It was a fantastic experience!!!!
Throughout the latter part of my pregnancy I upped my listening to relaxation cds, read and reread Tracy's book, plus the excellent Ina May Gaskins Guide to Childbirth. I logged on to this site several times a day and read all the positive birth stories I could get my hands on. I took reflexology sessions for the last month and just let my body do its job. It was a drug free birth although I have to be totally honest, I did want the epidural on hearing that I was only 2cm!! In the end, things progressed so quickly I didn't have time and I was glad afterwards. Our little boy was still awake an hour and a half after being born.
I put him to my breast but he wasn't really interested and he only really took it when we got back to the ward after midnight.
He is now almost four weeks old and a little treasure. I am really enjoying breastfeeding again and it is true what they say, the second is easier! His older brother is fantastic anyway, and all my fears concerning jealousy and not being able to spend one on one quality time with him anymore are unfounded! I am already thinking about our third baby!!!
At 12:30am on 3/12/07, I was in the bath when I felt a pop and got my first contraction. When I stood up to get out of the bath a few minutes later I had a show and my waters went. At this stage the contractions were 15 minutes apart, and we decided to make sure everything was ready in the hospital bag, and then go to bed and see if we could get a bit of sleep before things really got going. I started using the tens machine and rang the hospital to see which midwife was on duty. The contractions got closer together very quickly and we hadn't even got as far as bed yet, and they were 5 mins apart. I decided instead of going to bed, that I would have a shower and then we would head to the hospital. By the time I was getting out of the shower they were 4 mins apart so we left.
2:30am Arrived at hospital, was put on the monitor and then examined. Midwife advised I was 1/2cm to 1cm dilated. The options were to get into a bed in the hospital and send Tom home, or for us both to go home
3:30am Left hospital and went back home. Once I got home I got back into the shower as it was really helping with the lower back ache. After that I ran a bath and stayed in there for a while. I had tea and toast in the bath! I was still determined to get some sleep, so I got out of the bath, connected the tens machine again and tried to get into bed. At this point I didn't feel the tens was doing anything, and I was feeling the urge to push with the contractions.
6:15am We arrived at the hospital for the 2nd time. I was examined again and I was fully dilated.
6:30am We were taken into a room in the labour ward. We put the mattress from the bed on the floor under my knees and I leaned in over a birthing ball, rotating my hips. At this stage I used Gas and air for a little while. I'm not sure exactly what time I started to push.
7:25am I moved from the floor to the birthing stool
7:43am Baby Eliza was born at 9lb 2oz. No stitches needed. I didn't have the injection to bring on the placenta delivery, I just waited for it to happen naturally.
Overall I was extremely happy with everything and believe that the main reason it went so well was down to the fact that I was completely relaxed for the majority of my labour. Hypnobirthing helped me to focus on what I was doing and reinforced my belief that I could manage birthing without an epidural or any other kind of intervention. I found it extremely empowering to have a completely natural labour. The only stage where I had any doubts was when I arrived at the hospital feeling very tired and wondering if I had the energy to deal with giving birth. Once the midwife told me I was fully dilated this raised my spirits and I believe that it was just the fear that the contractions were going to get worse that was scaring me.
For anyone who wants to have a natural birth, I believe the secret to this is believing in yourself and that this is what your body is designed to do. Research how your body works in labour and as hard as it sounds given most of the stuff you have probably heard or seen about giving birth, relax. Its not like it is on tv shows!
Dec 2007
Just to let you know we had our baby boy on Tuesday at home as planned except he arrived a bit earlier then we were expecting, his dates were different to ours and also he was making sure that he didn't miss out on his Christmas present this year.
We had a wonderful homebirth using GentleBirth and we couldn't have planned it any better. Began established labour at 1am and he was born at 8.31am. It wasn't a difficult labour at all and the delivery was my favourite part by far, everything was so bearable and like nothing I could have imagined.
If you ever want any more details or if anyone is interested in homebirths don't hesitate to contact me as we are more than willing to talk about it. We are having the best Christmas every and loving every second of it.
Thanks,
Galway Mum
The information and tips that Tracy provided were excellent and her ability to speak of her own and others personal experiences really helped to cement the beliefs I already held regarding the ability of everyone to have a calm, drug free birthing experience. Although I know I benefited greatly from attending the workshop I amazed by how much more confident my husband is about being able to cope with at the delivery of our baby (something that I know was playing on his mind a lot). He feels that he is now so much better equipped after the workshop.
The class was fantastic and has made an enormous difference to my expectation of a positive natural birth experience. I would highly recommend it. I feel it was definitely worth doing, even though I had already bought the home pack and had been practicing myself. It makes all the difference to do a workshop. It has given me a lot of personal confidence and confidence in the role of my birth partner during the birth process.
GentleBirth is an excellent way of increasing my confidence for a natural birth.
I have just finished your book and for someone who had put off pregnancy because I had a huge fear of labour, I am totally cured and am now excited about the big day. I owe you so much already.
Yesterday I went to a bookshop and I bought your book. I nearly read it in one go!!!!! It's very positive and my way of thinking is very much in line with yours. I am petrified, but determined to enjoy this pregnancy without fear.I want to enjoy my pregnancy and I want to send very good vibes to the baby (i don't want the baby to feel I am worried about the progress of the pregnancy and the outcome of this miracle!!)
I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for your Better Birth book. I bought it a couple of weeks ago and haven't looked back. As far as I'm concerned, it should be a mandatory part of antenatal care to be given a copy to read. As a first time mum to be I found it brilliant from start to finish in terms of how well-written it is, how informative and relevant to Ireland (something lacking in other pregnancy books). I'm now as calm as anything about the birth !
July 2007
My first birth was in the Rotunda 4 years ago. The birth was awful, I had a failed epidural and ended up in stirrups and with an episiotomy (which later became infected). My baby boy was pulled out using forceps and a vacuum. It was scary, humiliating (when I said I wanted to push they told me I wasn't ready - but I actually was!) and I felt awful (emotionally and physically) afterwards. Breastfeeding was very difficult and the baby took a long while to settle into a sleeping routine.
My daughter was born 2 years ago in Lourdes in Drogheda. There was only my husband, a midwife and me. She encouraged me to do "whatever felt right" during my labour so I went into whatever position felt natural and I had a good birth. No intervention, no drugs or stitches and baby was very content. I felt good afterwards and breastfeeding came easily but I did not like being in a noisy, busy (and unfortunately dirty) hospital.
This time I wanted a home birth. I wanted to go drug free and be relaxed and calm throughout so I practised Gentlebirthing during my pregnancy and read Dick Grantley Read, "Childbirth without fear" where he writes how childbirth is not meant to be painful. I also read Tracy Donegan's "Better Birth Book" several times. I felt very prepared and was really excited about the whole experience.
I had my first surge at 2.30am. It was very bearable. They came 20 mins apart for the first hour or so. I went downstairs and sat on the birthing ball. Everyone else was asleep and I just concentrated on staying calm and timing the surges to see if this was the real thing. At 4.50am the surges were 10 mins apart so I called my midwife (Susan Cooney, who is absolutely brilliant, I would definitely recommend her 046-9433414). My husband was with me at this stage, holding my hand and telling me funny stories during surges. Whenever I had a surge I would close my eyes and focus on staying calm and breathing through it, while he tried his best to distract me with his crazy stories.
At 6am my midwife arrived. My mam and mam-in-law arrived too, to look after our children when they woke up. We had tea and toast and everyone was in good form. I was actually a bit worried that this was not real labour because I was coping so well!!
At 6.45 my midwife examined me and said I was 2cm dialated but that my cervix was very stretchy so things were progressing nicely. I decided to get into the bath. The water was lovely so I stayed in there for about 1.5 hours, topping up the water every so often. My surges were coming fast by this stage and they were getting quite strong. I still remained quiet and focused through each one - they seemed less painful than when I went through my first and second labours. At 8.30am I knew then it was time to get out as baby was on way.
I went into the bedroom we had set up for the birth and sat on the birthing ball again. I only stayed on for a minute as I felt baby was coming, so I climbed up on the bed and started to push. After a few pushes I felt I wasn't getting anywhere and I got a little bit stressed but Susan and my hubby urged me to relax and once I did, baby slipped out just fine. It had been hard to push her out because her hand was beside her head but once I relaxed, it was ok.
She was born at 8.53am. She let a little squeak and then I popped her up to my breast and she started smelling and tasting it straight away. We let the cord pulsate for a few mins and then Susan clamped it, my hubby cut it and I delivered the placenta naturally with one gentle push.
It was an amazing, empowering experience. I was completely silent during my surges, using the techniques I had learned with gentlebirth. Because I had prepared myself, I managed the labour so much better than my first 2 births and it was definitely less painful - probably because I felt in control. My mam and mam-in-law could not believe a baby had been born so peacefully. They were in shock about the whole experience.
My children had slept through everything and when they woke at around 9am, they had a new little sister. It was so incredible seeing their faces when they came into the bedroom and saw April there.
Then Susan helped me take a bath and she put clean covers on the bed and even threw a load into the washing machine! She weighed April, 6lbs 14.5ozs and left us to have a rest.
The two nannies took the kids out and my hubby and I went to bed with our new gorgeous baby beside us.
April is 8 days old now and she's feeding great and sleeping great. She is very placid and I reckon the birth is one of the main reasons for that. Her brother and sister took really well to her, it was great that she was just here when they woke up last Tuesday morning. There was minimum disruption for them because she was born at home and I did not have to "go away" for a few days.
I would wholeheartedly recommend home birth. If I could go back in time I would have had all my children at home. It was truly wonderful.
Siobhan.
I took GentleBirthing classes earlier this year. I definitely recommend the program! Our little son was born in May and it was a wonderful experience. I won't say it was easy, but with the techniques I learned in the classes, it was definitely manageable, I was very relaxed (the midwives didn't even believe I was in labour) and got to have the natural birth I'd wished for. Worth every penny! Good luck (Rollercoaster)
The GentleBirth course has succeeded in changing my vision of childbirth in just a weekend - Jan 2007
We were impressed with the whole course and we very much liked the fact that Tracy had worked with different hospitals and was able to give information on their response to GentleBirthing. The videos were very good as a replacement of the visual images that are usually associated with birthing. Keep doing what you do!
Brilliant work - Jan 2007
The course was over two days and being 34 weeks pregnant, I was quite tired etc. yet I remained completely focused and never felt the time passing because the course was so interesting and Tracy is a great instructor and the course was very relevant and interactive. Keep running the course as is, its bound to become even more popular - Jan 2007
GentleBirthing in Waterford
On the morning of the 4th of December I attended the labour ward for a check up appointment with the Domino midwives at 10am. I was 1 week overdue. I was offered a sweep but refused. I felt fine, was in no hurry and was not willing to do anything that could constitute helping matters alongť. I was asked if there were any signs to which I replied “a few very dull aches that were barely noticeable on and off during the last couple of days certainly nothing more than I had experienced during the last 3 to 4 weeks and so did not take much notice.
I collected my son from school, went home and carried on. While I was eating my dinner at about six thirty I noticed my tummy was tightening and rising, I remember having to sit back further away from the table. This happened every so often throughout the evening. I started to slow breath with each surge. Even though I was not in the least uncomfortable or dare I say those words, painť, I knew that it would help to speed up my babys journey. I went to bed at about nine, my husband joined me and we watched TV until about 11. It was a comedy show and I laughed all the way through whilst doing my breathing. ( I had planned on watching Gone With The Wind which was lying in wait in the DVD player as my last experience had been of comparative epic duration (2 DAYS)) but never got round to it.
I rested for about an hour and a half and then asked my husband to run a bath for me. I had practiced my relaxation and breathing techniques very often while in the bath so it felt so easy to actually do it for real. At this stages my surges were about 4 minutes apart, they had gone from 15 mins apart to 4mins apart in about 15 minutes. We called my midwife ( who was on call). I was so comfortable and relaxed that I worried that it was all just a false alarm and felt guilty about dragging her out of bed to meet me at the hospital. Needless to say I didn't enjoy my bath for much longer when she heard how far apart my surges were. We arrived at the hospital at 2:15am. I remember a security guard and a nurse outside the side entrance said something like “Oh God love her” or such the like when I was going in and in the back of my head I was giggling. I felt like saying you think I'm in agony but I'm not! I'm actually enjoying this! But they wouldn't have believed me.
I had one internal check when I arrived. I was 4 centimeters. I then vomited but was otherwise fine. I was then put on the monitor for the mandatory 20 minutes. I was so comfortable there that I asked to stay. My husband was massaging the back of my neck quite deeply which really added to my relaxation. I could see the report printing from the machine with strength and length of surges. There were some that I didn't even feel. After a while I went down to the labour room. I was just about to sit back on the ball when my waters broke. With this the surges came faster yet with less intensity, I could feel that my baby was coming so I sat on the birthing stool with my husband behind me and instantly started to breath my baby down. My midwife looked up from her paperwork and could see the head crowning from across the room. I remember greeting another midwife as she entered the room. I controlled my breathing and eased my babys head out past the perineum without tearing it. There was no stinging sensation, I did not push and I was completely aware of everything that was going on. Susannah was born at 4am on the dot. (Scarlet O Hara would have only been on her way back to Tara after the fall of Atlanta at this stage)
I'm probably one of the most skeptical people you'd meet but after my first experience in giving birth (every horror story you've ever read) I resolved to try anything that didn't include taking drugs and having heard of hypnobirthing through a very good friend of mine I decided to try it. I read the book over and over again. I practically knew what was on every page. I avoided reading or watching anything that was negative about birth. I practiced breathing and relaxation almost everyday for 25 weeks and having started at a relaxation level way to high for words, eventually with a lot of work and determination I managed to come down to what I would call zero. By the end I could get to that ultimate relaxation place within 10 to 15 seconds. I practiced my breathing in the bath, lying in bed and as advised on the toilet which is why I was so comfortable with the birthing stool. After having this most positive and joyful experience I can honestly say that when they say let your body do its work, they are right. I just needed to train my mind to know what to expect. It isn't often that you hear someone saying that they had a wonderful experience and that they enjoyed every minute, if you do they've probably used GentleBirth.
GentleBirth Helps Even when things Don't Go to Plan
I attended Tracy's classes with my partner during the third trimester of my second pregnancy. I was very anxious to have a vaginal birth after an induction and emergency caesarean section three years before. I felt very anxious about labour and birth after a difficult experience the first time. I was determined to find a way to have more control over my labour and to try to resolve some of the fear that I felt.
GentleBirthing was suggested to me and it sounded like something that might help my partner and I to address these issues. I found the classes interesting and enjoyable. I took the time to listen to the cd's and practice the breathing techniques. I found the relaxation techniques and affirmations excellent during the last few weeks of pregnancy. I approached my 'guess date' feeling strong and prepared for my impending labour.
I went into labour naturally and found the techniques really helped me to relax, focus on my breathing and have the confidence to stay at home for as long as felt safe and comfortable. I was never panicked about getting to the hospital and felt the same on arrival at the delivery ward. The hospital staff remarked on how good and focused my breathing was during surges.
After many hours of 'back labour' the hospital staff informed us that our son would have to be born by caesarean section due to a brow presentation. Naturally we were disappointed but we knew that the safe delivery of our child was the priority. My partner and I asked for some time to adjust to the reality of another section and then proceeded calmly to enjoy our son's arrival. He latched on easily from the start. Apart from sore nipples the first few days, breastfeeding was effortless.
Even though my labour did not go as I had hoped, I found the techniques still helped me to stay relaxed and confident during my labour and unplanned c-section. I would recommend Tracy's classes to anyone who wishes to feel calm and confident during labour and especially to those trying for a VBAC.
Ethel and Tim
Dear Tracy
Michael and I want to thank you with all our hearts for everything you did to support Jakob's birth. We firmly believe that you were the reason we had the wonderful birth experience that we did. Your guidance, wisdom, calm demeanor and sense of humour sustained us both throughout the long day. We are so grateful to you!
Carolyn, Michael and Jakob
Tracy,
Thank you for all your wonderful help and support during Kashmira's birth and after. You inspired me to help other mothers have better birth experiences and have since taken doula training myself.
Hazel
Tracy,
I want to thank you for the time you spent with myself and Dan as we waited for the birth of Ryan - and all that you did to take me through the hypnobirthing techniques.
As you move back home to set up your business in Ireland, we wish you all the best - I'm sure with more and more women wanting to reclaim control over their own bodies and their birth experiences.
Daphne