Birth story - Jessica and baby Oscar

Ahead of world prematurity day on 17th November, I wanted to share my story of giving birth last year when I went into labour at 31+6 weeks in the hope that it can provide reassurance to anyone at risk of going into labour prematurely and to raise awareness.

This was my first pregnancy and I wanted to prepare as best as I could, I purchased the PBC online course, freya app and read a copy of the book and listened to my affirmations from 12 weeks. I was excited about the prospect of giving birth and meeting my baby.

While our birth was much sooner than anticipated, it was still the most incredible, calm and unforgettable experience thanks to the hypnobirthing approach and techniques that we learnt from the PBC online course.

Birth

I had a little bloody show on the Friday morning and rang for advice which was to keep an eye on it. I went to work on Friday (I’m a social worker so my day involved a lot of driving that day to explain a difficult court outcome to a little girl so it was a bit of a challenging day but I felt absolutely fine in myself) I had a bit more of a show in the evening. Again we called for advice as I had a very faint hunger/period pain- we went to be checked and baby was fine and I was also fine. I had a lovely relaxing weekend, soaking in the bath and I had a strong urge to clean.

On Sunday we were just we were about to sit down to a Sunday roast and as the chicken was brought to the table my waters broke! We went back to hospital who confirmed it was my waters, but with no signs of labour starting a plan of antibiotics, steroids etc was made. At this stage I was starving as I didn’t get a chance to eat my roast so Jurgen stepped into his birthing partner role and sent a Macdonalds into the maternity assessment unit which was exactly what I needed! I was going to be kept to be observed for 48 hours and needed to transfer hospitals where there was a bed for me and for baby in the event I went into labour.

While we waited Jurgen joined me and he became the ‘keeper of the cave,’ he sprayed lavender oil around the room, subscribed to hospital WiFi, we watched goggle box, fed me drinks and we had a lovely evening. I was getting some periods pains on and off and Jurgen timed them on the Freya app and counted me through breathing through them.

I then went in an ambulance (which I thought was unnecessary at the time because I was fine and nothing was happening). Jurgen went home to feed our cat and rest under my instructions because I was going to the other hospital to sleep. As the 2 hour journey progressed, I started to get some more period pains which I used my breathing techniques for- I rang Jurgen and told him to make his way over just in case.

By the time I arrived at hospital I was experiencing surges. Things progressed very quickly from then but it was all very calm. Baby was monitored and happy, my risk of infection was low as it was only 12 hours since my waters broke- time was on my side. My body knew exactly what to do, it was an amazing feeling. I was able to use my surges as they came but I didn’t want to use them to their full potential until Jurgen arrived!

When Jurgen finally entered the room it was the most magical feeling- I could finally birth my baby. He was on hand with my lip balm for my last few contractions which was much needed from my dryness from the little bit of gas and air that I had. 8 minutes later baby Oscar was born. While my body knew exactly what to do the midwifes were incredible at coaching me through the end to make sure he didn’t deliver too quickly and send him into shock. Oscar was born crying and did a little wee on me.

Things do not always go to plan but it is possible for preferences to still be maintained. In between contractions, I conveyed my preferences if they were safe to achieve. The midwifes were truly amazing in keeping the lights dim and creating a clam atmosphere despite the need to have multiple neonatal staff on hand. Despite deviating from the norm we had delayed cord clamping, Jurgen cutting the cord, Jurgen announcing the gender and a little bit of skin on skin.

Our hypnobirthing understanding had such an impact on our birthing experience- thank you so much. Oscar didn’t have an easy start and spent several weeks in special care and neonatal care. He has made incredible progress and is now a health and happy 15 month old.