Birth story - Claire and baby Freddie

I have been unsure about writing my birth story as it didn't quite go to plan and it has taken me a bit of time to think of it as 'positive' but I found the birth stories so helpful during my pregnancy I thought it could be helpful for someone else.

I had my first son in 2015 following a failed induction and emergency c-section which both myself and my husband had found difficult as we felt very out control throughout the process. When I found out we were expecting our 2nd baby we decided that, following the first birth and a complicated miscarriage since then, a hypnobirthing course could be really beneficial for us to help us prepare for the birth and help me feel less anxious throughout the pregnancy. We found the online course early in my pregnancy and started watching the videos each evening together and really enjoyed watching them.

Following a birth choices discussion with a consultant midwife at UHW in Cardiff I decided I wanted to aim for a VBAC which they were very supportive of. We also used our BRAIN and decided that for lots of reasons, an induction was not going to be option for us so we would either go VBAC or planned c-section, again the hospital staff were all very supportive of this. We booked in the planned section for 12 days post EDD with the option of moving it to a later date if needed.

My pregnancy all went smoothly and my EDD came and went and I was feeling calm and relaxed and really hoping things would get moving! I had been unsure about having a sweep and declined when it was offered to me on my due date but by 5 days later I decided to give it a go. Over the next week I had a couple more sweeps but the day before my section was booked in for I had my final one but the midwife explained that not very much was happening so at that point we decided to go ahead with the section the following day. That night was quite surreal, going to bed knowing your baby will definitely be here the following day was very exciting but we listened to the relaxations and I managed to sleep and went into the hospital on the morning feeling very rested and excited to meet our newest addition.

The section itself happened first thing in the morning so no waiting around which was nice. The team had agreed they would lower the drape so we could see him being born, they agreed to place the baby directly into my chest and all the cleaning/weighing could wait until later. It was calm and relaxed in the room. Unfortunately, Freddie was very shocked to be delivered so quickly so he had to be taken and seen by a doctor as he was born, it was a long 40 minutes until I was able to see him but during this time (as they were still completing the section) my husband reminded me and helped me use the breathing techniques we had learnt and this helped me more than I can say during this time. The doctor told me Freddie would need to go to special care but I could see him briefly before they took him, he was placed on my chest and I kissed him and talked to him, very quickly Freddie started to 'pink up' and his breathing improved very quickly - so much so that after one more check by the doctor they decided he didn't need to go anywhere and was given straight back to me and breastfed very quickly and successfully. He has been happy and settled ever since!

I wanted to share this with you, it may not have been the birth we were hoping for but I am still so glad we completed the hypnobirthing course. It helped me enjoy my pregnancy and not be nervous about the birth, I felt in control throughout the whole process and, though it wasn't our intention, the course actually helped us process and understand alot of what had happened during my first birth and again, all added to the enjoyment of this pregnancy. We really enjoyed practicing the breathing and relaxation techniques throughout my pregnancy and it was lovely to spend this time together doing something productive.

We feel very lucky to have Freddie complete our family!! 💙