Positive birth with gestational diabetes

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

My body brought baby down and did everything on its own

Hi Kate!

Just writing to introduce you to baby Elijah!

Baby was born on Monday, August 26 at 1:44am at exactly 39 weeks. I started having cramps around lunchtime Sunday and I had a sneaky feeling it was early contractions! Long story short, I called the hospital at about 4pm and they told me to stay home as long as possible. By 830 my contractions were 2 minutes apart and quite intense. The hospital said I still sounded calm but I could go in for an assessment if I wanted - and when they assessed me I was 6cm dialated!

We went straight to the birthing suite and I hopped in the bath but was so uncomfortable I had to get out after 15 mins! I had gas for pain relief but nothing else, and ended up giving birth sitting upright on the hospital bed. At the time it was so intense, it was all-consuming. I didn’t have the urge to push until the absolute end, my body brought baby down and did everything on its own - just crazy how the female body works!!

Elijah was 4.285kg, 50cm long with 38cm head circumference. Unfortunately I did need stitches but the recovery has been fine. He’s such a good, calm baby - we are so lucky!! Thanks again for our classes, even though my birth didn’t go to plan with the waterbirth or fit ball, I was still able to breathe and focus no matter the situation. And Nau really stepped up and was the most encouraging partner!! He definitely drew on skills learned during the class!!

Thanks again for your help in our journey.

Kam xx

Photos shared with permission