Birth story - Aisling and baby Ollie

I heard about the PBC from a colleague. I had already decided that I’d like to have a water birth if it was possible. Before being pregnant I thought I would want every bit of pain relief on offer however once pregnant that perspective changed. I was fortunate that the hospital I was at in Dublin, Ireland, is the only one to offer water births, after doing some research it seemed like a great option for me.

I got the digital pack after following the PBC on instagram. I wanted to be as informed as possible, keep my pregnancy as stress free as possible and carry that through to the birth. I learned so much from the pack, I used the birth preferences template for my midwife team who were amazing and so supportive I felt so empowered throughout the process. This was my first pregnancy, we kept the gender a surprise. I was 10 days over my due date and sooo eager for baby to arrive however although I did get frustrated from time to time, I used the positive affirmations and tools learned in the pack to remind me that baby will come when they are ready. I was offered a sweep on my due date but declined so I could give my body a chance. I did however take a sweep 7 days after my due date as I really wanted to avoid having an induction. Within a day I felt early labour pains which went on for 3 days until my water partially broke with inconsistent surges.

Following two long walks, yoga ball bouncing and stair climbs, use of essential oils and warm baths and guided relaxation things started to move. I celebrated as though I’d won the lotto, things were finally moving. My husband and I got ready, both took showers and headed to the hospital to get checked, tea lights, TENS, room spray etc all packed. We were so excited! I used Freya in the car along with our playlist. I was so calm and focused. I was 2cm upon admission and progressed to 7cm in 2hrs, the midwives were shocked as it’s unusual for FTM they said. This was encouraging for me. I used the shower and dimmed lighting in the labour ward until it was time to go to deliver. With each surge the water washed the pain away, using up breathing techniques gave me so much focus and control.

Once in the delivery room, my husband asked for dim lighting, he created a calm environment as we’d planned. It was clear the midwives were very aware of my birth preferences plan and did everything to achieve this. With every surge I felt coming, I got into a comfortable position in the water with my husband and midwife by my side I went with each surge. I had a good rest period in between each which was helpful to recharge and to chat and laugh with my husband. It was such a lovely experience. Unfortunately the week I was in labour the hospital were reviewing the water deliveries so I was aware I was unable to actually deliver in the bath however I was okay with that. The relationship developed with the midwife was fantastic and the environment was so relaxing and supportive.

As things progressed I relied on the support of my husband and midwife who were both by my side with each surge. There were times when doctors came into the room giving the midwife directions to put me on a drip and wanting to bring students in for my examination... the midwife knew this would break my focus so advocated on my behalf to continue in the pool. My husband ensured I remained calm and hydrated, I really appreciated this.

Once out of the pool, in the final stages, my energy was decreasing but I felt so supported and encouraged. I found the down breathing key to using my energy effectively with every push, the midwife helped coach me through this but I used what I learned through the programme and understood why this was so important. It was difficult and at times I could feel adrenaline kick in but I was able to get back from red to green, stay calm and refocus. I felt my baby’s head and this spurred me on so much. Within 13minutes he was born. I have never been so happy and excited. 

The whole experience from start to finish was incredible, empowering and so positive. I truly believe this is as a result of the hypnobirthing through the digital pack and the calm of the waterbirth. What a women’s body can do is remarkable. In the spirit of international women’s day I wanted to share my positive birth story!!

I’d recommend the digital pack and the Freya app to anyone, there is so much that can be taken from this regardless of the kind of birth you want.