My baby has just turned 3 months old a few days ago and I thought that I should finally sit down and write my birth story before my memory of the birth process fade away.
I came to know about Nadine through recommendation of a friend. Prior to this I had heard about HypnoBirthing, read and learned about it and was determined to have an empowered birth experience.
I guess there is alot of misconception about HypnoBirth being drug free and intervention free, which undeniably is the case as the female body should instinctively know how to birth without unnecessary labour management from medical team. However its more about knowledge, well-informed decisions and empowerment. Push comes to shove if medical intervention is necessary, the mother should be given options, well-advised and given full autonomy instead of being disrespectfully treated by medical staff.
Anyways, I signed up for the course with Nadine when I was around 22 weeks pregnant. I have to be honest that when it comes to practice, I probably could have put in more effort but fortunately the birth turned out somewhat like how I envisioned it, which is consistent with what was written in the book (included in the course) that mind conditioning is vital, the more you visualize it, the more it will come true.
Few days before my Estimated Due Date I went to the hospital for the last checkup and the doctor had a frank discussion with me that induction is necessary if baby doesn’t come along 7 days pass EDD. I was less than thrilled, texted Nadine and she reassured me to stay calm and have faith. I pressed on with my essential oils application and brisk walking in hope of inducing the birth naturally.
Luckily on the 2nd day past EDD during my sleep I noticed my water tricking down, and in the morning when I went to pee noticed the first blood show, the mucous plug continued to slowly disintegrate for the rest of the day. I was resting at home, trying to get by the day as usual, did my prayers, keep up with the breathing exercise and take naps and showers.
My surges grew stronger and after dinner, the surges came consistently, I had to bend down when it hit and I was convinced that baby might come soon.
At 11 pm, the surges were strong and I was whining already with the strong sensations, as I moved up from my bed to go to the toilet the water broke and I know its time to make way to the hospital. However I waited slightly longer before finally hopping into the car, to be sure that the surges are growing nearer and more consistent.
I arrived at the hospital past 12 am, by that time, it was already more than 24 hours since my water first trickle down and was told by the nurse who checked me that I was already 7 cm dilated. I was already in the labour room when the doctor arrived and she told me she had to administer an injection to make sure there is no infection as it was already more than 24 hours since my water first trickle down.
The labour was 2 hours. I would describe the sensation as a very intense menstrual pain, and also like wanting to pass motion. During the process I reminded myself to breathe, visualize crowning and opening like a rose. I relaxed my lips and jaws and smiled to make sure the vaginal opening is not tensed (you will learn in class that facial expressions like frowning and clenching your jaws tight will close the vaginal opening hence making the process difficult). I was moaning and groaning throughout the entire process which helped me to release tension. The baby came (finally) after what felt like forever, I was thrilled that the process is over, that I managed to do it without any drugs and the baby is fine. There was no tear of the perineum and no stitches required, I was given the green light to go back home later on the same day.
I gave birth on all-fours position and my legs were shaking uncontrollably when I finally got to lie down on my back. Baby was placed on my chest for immediate skin to skin contact and let out a loud cry not long after. Her dad mentioned she opened her eyes almost immediately and seemed very alert.
I want to emphasis that its not about going ALL NATURAL, although ideally we want to achieve that, it is about knowledge, empowerment and making well informed decisions that works best for your family and ultimately for the well-being of your baby.
I was happy with my birth experience as it turned out almost like how I envisioned it and I am very grateful that the whole process was without complication. My partner was there the entire time, making sure that our goal to have the baby naturally is achieved and I am so thankful for the love and support I received from him. The takeaway is your can take charge of your own birth experience, as mine turned out to be a positive one. I would like to encourage and extend my well-wishes to all expectant mothers that it is possible to birth your baby in a gentle manner. I want to thank Nadine for her support and sharing her knowledge with us which ultimately lead to a birth experience that was free from trauma.
