Birth story - Kerry and baby Olivia

After having quite a negative birthing experience first time round I was hesitant and anxious about the labour when I found out we were expecting again. I decided to read up on hypnobirthing, initially reading the Effective Birth Preparation book by Maggie Howell and then bought the Positive Birth Company online pack after hearing so many great reviews. The pack was most definitely value for money for me. Having a toddler at home there was no way we had the time or money to attend face to face classes but the online videos were so handy and I felt like I could relate to them straight away. They definitely gave me the knowledge and confidence to take control of the birthing experience this time round.

I initially planned for a hospital birth but after completing the online course decided to opt for our local midwife led unit. I got to know the midwives and was really happy that the small, intimate atmosphere was exactly where I wanted to bring baby into the world. Unfortunately our local trust has a policy to encourage induction 7-10 days post dates. If it hadn't been for the knowledge I'd gained through PBC I would never have had the confidence to challenge it. I used BRAIN and refused induction at 8 days over as I had had a straightforward pregnancy with no complications.

That very same morning I began having surges, went in to the MLU to be told I wasn't yet dilated and to go home and rest. Throughout the rest of the day the surges intensified. I focused on my breathing, my positive affirmations and my labour playlist, trying to keep the atmosphere as calm as possible. I used a TENS machine which also seemed to help. Around 5pm I told my husband we needed to go in as the surges were coming every 3-4 minutes and lasting over a minute each time.

Our lovely midwife met us at the door and gave me my only internal exam, telling me I was 4cm dilated. She had really taken on board the birth plan, dimmed the lights, gave us some advice about breathing, using the TENS effectively and staying active. She gave us our privacy but was around for reassurance when we needed it, intermittently listening in to baby and running the birth pool. We listened to our labour playlist and my husband set up the diffuser with lavender.

I tried using gas and air but struggled through the up breathing, particularly when the surges peaked. Looking back this may have been transition. Just before getting in the pool I started feeling the urge to bear down with each surge, I have to say this felt like a relief as I could feel my body working to move baby down. The pool was instant relief. My husband says I visibly relaxed the second I got in! I felt able to use the gas and air more effectively with the down breathing and my body just did it's own thing.

I was convinced I hadn't been in active labour long enough to be pushing (only 2 hours) but after a few surges I could feel her head - amazing! My waters finally went as the head was born and the midwife helped me to guide her body into the water with the next surge. I had opted for medical management of the placenta so we transferred onto the bed for skin to skin, feeding and delayed cord clamping. I was so pleased to only have a few grazes, no stitches this time round!

The midwives left us with drinks and toast and we had the ‘Golden Hour’ to establish feeding and reflect. My husband had some time to bond with baby as the midwife ran me a lovely bath. 3 hours after the birth we were back home! It's such a contrast to my first experience I can't believe how straightforward it was! I'm up and about, very mobile and amazed that I only gave birth 2 days ago! Very grateful for our brilliant midwife and the Positive Birth Company and would recommend to anyone.