Twists & Turns Hypnobirthing Birth Story
Anna’s story below is an example of how even when a birth unfolds in an unpredictable way, you can choose to feel calm, empowered and in charge.
My babies journey into the big wide world started when I was taken into a delivery room with two lovely midwives who had read my birth preferences and said they would do all they could to help me achieve them.
My waters released on Friday morning at 4.25am and the surges began pretty quickly. They grew in intensity over the next four hours. I used a TENS machine and my UP breathing, which worked brilliantly to help me stay in control and enjoy the experience, as I knew each one took me a step closer to meeting my babies. Unfortunately, I didn’t dilate so I was offered a hormone drip, which I politely declined, and we were able to go for another four hours in the belief that the babies just needed a little more time. Then, when I still hadn’t dilated, I agreed to do the hormone drip.
The surges started to come thick and fast, and I continued using the TENS machine and hypnobirthing breathing techniques along with a mat, beanbag and a birth ball – which all helped me to relax, and go into my birthing zone. I have to mention here that there was no offer of ‘pain relief’, as I had made this clear in my birth preferences and I greatly appreciated it because I felt that my care providers had faith in my ability to birth.
I used very deep noises as the surges peaked, which I didn’t expect to do, but it helped massively – as well as counting how many breaths I needed to get me through each surge. This was a saving grace because I knew roughly how long each surge would last (although some were a lot longer or shorter).
My partner had come along to the classes with me of course, so he was an absolute brilliant birth partner – giving me drinks, space or comfort when I needed them. When the surges got really intense the best ‘pain relief’ was holding onto him. It must have been the oxytocin! Anyway after 16 hours I still hadn’t dilated and I had a temperature, so the doctor (who was brilliant as stopping talking to me who another surge appeared) suggested increasing the hormone drip.
This was such a hard decision for me because it wasn’t something I wanted. Along with saying yes, I knew that I would need an epidural (not once was this suggested to me, I felt in total control). However I knew using the BRAIN process that the benefits outweighed the risks: the fact that I’d been birthing for so long with little effect meant that if I did nothing it could be an extremely long process, which would tire us all out.
I asked for an epidural to help numb the intensity of the surges from the increased hormone drip. This is where it gets interesting, and I believe it was all meant to be. Firstly because of the tens machine and using the UP breathing techniques, I didn’t feel the epidural go in. Secondly it meant I could have a break from the intensity. Most significantly an hour after having the epidural I was told that twin twos heart rate was worrying and that it was beneficial to deliver the babies as soon as possible – again my care providers left it to me to deduce that they meant a c-section, allowing me to feel that I was the one in control and not them.
So after 2o hours of labour, during which I’d been able to use all of my well-practiced techniques, I was taken to theatre where my beautiful babies were born. And do you know what? It was such an amazingly calm, relaxed, light hearted atmosphere. Everyone was so lovely, informative and respectful. Again because I knew that my birth could take any twist or turn, I had so many tools and techniques in my toolbox from the hypnobirthing course, and my partner and I were able to embrace whatever avenue our babies births took. I can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life. Yes it was intense, challenging (I had to dig very deep) and long. Yes unfortunately I wasn’t able to have everything on my birth preferences, or my plan A. However I felt empowered, strong, confident, positive and calm throughout. The breathing techniques, visualisations, the positive affirmations and the confidence skills I had developed from the hypnobirthing classes had no doubt allowed me to enjoy the birth out our babies and despite not having then naturally they were born into a happy, calm and quiet atmosphere which is what we wanted. I felt like truly changed that day. Not only becoming a mother, but also because it was the first time I had truly committed to something that no one around me had done before, where I really believed in something and I succeeded. I’m incredibly proud of myself and can use the skillset I now have to take me into motherhood.
Thank you for all your positivity and support, I truly feel we couldn’t have done it without you.