Hi Kate,
Thanks for your email and yes we did have a positive birth, thanks to hypnobirthing!
Since I had gestational diabetes and a little bit of protein in my urine, at 39 weeks, on Mon 30th Sep, I went in to the hospital to get my first round of gels (first out of 3) to start my induction. Then I was going to get my membranes broken and given drugs the following day to start my labour.
The gel was given to me at 5pm and the second dose was due at 11pm. My husband had to actually leave by 9pm because I wasn't delivering until the next day and he wasn't allowed to stay at the hospital. In the meantime, the midwife had given me panadol and wanted to check how far along I had gone as I was in quite a bit of discomfort. By 11.30pm, the midwife had called my husband to come back because I was already 2-3cm dilated and was having strong contractions. Luckily we live close to the hospital because my husband ran over within 10-15 minutes. By that stage, midnight, I had been moved over to the delivery suite, was given gas for pain relief and my surges were coming more frequently and stronger. By about 2 or 2.30am the midwife checked me again and to everyone's surprise, I had dilated from 4 to 8cm in about 15 minutes. Not long after, I was trying to breathe my baby out but I just couldn't seem to get her head out far enough. She kept slipping back inside and was stuck in my pelvic region. As this continued for about an hour and a half, the doctors recommended to use a vacuum and have an episiotomy to help the baby come out. When I heard the word 'episiotomy' I remembered what you said Kate (I have the option of saying no) and so I said no, even after they asked me twice. I would rather tear naturally than get cut. And thank goodness I did because 5 minutes later, I pushed her out. I think the episiotomy was the motivation I needed to just get things done! Haha
So looks like our daughter Mila couldn't wait to see us, so was born on 1 Oct at 4.25am.
Thank you so much for the class Kate! Hypnobirthing absolutely changed my mindset in the most positive way! I felt reassured and in control of my body, amongst all the chaos and crazy external factors that I had no control over, so thank you again!!!
With much love,
Mila, Tanya and Moana.
Photos shared with permission