Freya’s positive birth story

Lynsey and Gerard’s Hypnobirthing Induction Experience

Lynsey took part in one of my corporate Hypnobirthing courses, which where held online with other women from the same organisation. She has been an awesome part of the group and even though her course ended two years ago both she and her cohort still remain good friends and are a great support to each other. I love how she used her knowledge to navigate an induction of labour, making the birth of her beautiful baby girl a positive experience.

Trusting My Instincts

On the 25th of January, I went to maternity assessment concerned my baby wasn’t moving as much as usual. Although her heart rate was good, this was the second time I had been in. I just felt something was off.

At this point, I was offered an induction on the Saturday (28th) and although it wasn’t what I had envisioned, I remembered Claire saying to always trust your instincts and so I accepted. I had my clinic appointment the next day which I attended and after discussing my concern, I was asked to go in that evening.

I was extremely calm. I remembered Claire’s advice to bring things that would help oxytocin levels, so I had packed our daughters first outfit at the top of the case, had the iPad charged and ready with comedy shows we like and brought my own pillows in.

Starting the Induction

I was induced with the gel pessary at 1.30am but it didn’t do anything. By 9.30pm the following evening (27th), I was waiting to be examined by the doctor and preparing myself mentally for a C section however, I was 1cm dilated and advised that I would be taken down to the labour ward as soon as a bed became available, but it was a busy night and likely would be a long wait.

Gerard and I settled in for a long night however at 10pm, I started feeling very uncomfortable and cramps were strong. I was offered strong painkillers and a bath which I took. At this point, things were ramping up, but I still thought I was 1cm!

Claire’s breathing techniques came in to play at this point and her “gravity is your best friend” mantra played over in my head. At 10.30, I got out the bath and felt a light pop. We looked down to discover my mucus plug had come. This was shortly followed by a trickle of light green waters. Gerard got a midwife who advised me my waters were breaking but there was meconium so she would call to see if a bed in the labour suite was available and to go back to bed and try to relax.

Getting Intense

As soon as I got to my bedside, my waters fully broke and there was more meconium. The midwife advised I was next in line to be taken down and I was given morphine.

At this point, things got intense really quickly. I was aware of being in a ward with three other women who hadn’t yet been induced so wanted to keep as quiet as possible so as not to disturb them. I kept upright most of the time with Gerard massaging my lower back.

I have been using meditation for a long time and regularly go to my “happy place” with ease however, as my contractions got stronger, I struggled to get there. This is where Claire’s classes kicked in. Gerard had been worried he wouldn’t be able to do anything for me but passing on Claire’s birth partner tips had him straight away diving into massage, light touches and taking me to my happy place in such detail, I almost felt the sand on my feet and smelled the air.

At 2am, I was finally taken down to a labour suite where they asked for a urine sample, but it was just blood. The midwives were incredibly calm and advised me this was labour before popping out the room to advise the team. I was given gas & air and asked if I would consent to an examination which I did. I was 8cm!!!

I asked for an epidural which after careful consideration, I was given. As soon as that kicked in, I relaxed, I was calm and was able to chat to the lovely team.

At 6am, the girls noticed both baby and I were getting very tired, so I was offered an oxytocin drip to get things moving which I accepted.

Around 7.15am, our daughter was crowning but I was really struggling to push so the consultant came in and offered an episiotomy. I asked if I could try again and agreed that if that didn’t work, I would then consent. Unfortunately, our baby was showing signs of distress and it was no longer an option to wait. At 7.46am, our beautiful baby girl was born.

I couldn't have done it without these classes

I couldn't have done it without these classes

I couldn’t have done it without these classes. The breathing techniques and birth partner advice was invaluable. My husband was my advocate from the moment we walked in until I held our baby in my arms. The midwives kept saying they didn’t believe this was my first baby, I was calm, kept breathing and used gravity to get her ready to meet us.

- Lynsey & Gerard, Group Hypnobirthing Course