Birth story - Lily and baby Poppy

After an emergency c-section nearly three years ago, I was determined to have a VBAC with this baby and if all went well, in the birthing pool at the hospital.

Early on I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GDM), after they noted my family risk factors, and I became even more determined to ensure I managed it well to get the birth I wanted. I did copious amounts of research on GDM, VBAC and water birth.

I stumbled across the Positive Birth Company on instagram and fell in love with the beautiful stories and empowering videos and photos. I knew I wanted to dive deeper into hypnobirthing. I’d dabbled in hypnobirthing for my first birth but not done a course. And wow - what a difference doing the PBC hypnobirthing course made. The course reiterated some things which seemed intuitive but expanded on my understanding in an engaging and educational way. I was hooked!

On the day of my labour, my surges began around 4AM. I stayed in bed and tried to rest but by 5:30AM, I was ready to start the day. We set up the bedroom for a calm birthing atmosphere. Dimly lit, salt lamp, essential oils, the Freya App on speaker with meditations, and air conditioning to keep me cool in the summer heat. My husband was my birthing partner and had watched the course videos with me. He was incredible, reminding me of my birth mantras during surges and squeezing my hips. He encouraged horses breath and relaxed me between each surge. But the most powerful strategy was UP breathing. It gave me a focus and I could feel it helping me through each wave.

By 10AM I was in established labour. Things were moving fast! By 1PM, my surges were back to back and we made our way to the hospital. Focusing on my UP breathing and vocalising deep and low with an open mouth helped me ride each wave. My surges continued to magnify in power at the hospital. I got straight in the shower and focused on my breath.

Before I knew it, I was in transition, pushing my baby out. I kept relaxed, upright and open and helped her move through quickly. With a big push, her head came out and then the rest of her shot out! It was euphoric.

I highly recommend hypnobirthing to anyone wanting an empowering birth. I can’t stop smiling. I’m so proud of myself. What a healing experience.