I was sent for a growth scan at 36+ weeks and baby was measuring fine but fluid was on the low side so we had to go back for monitoring every couple of days. All was fine but then advised that I was 37 weeks so why wait? I was originally supposed to be having a home birth so a big change for me and I wanted to wait! We asked for another scan and daily monitoring.
The 2nd scan showed that the fluid level had reduced even more so we agreed a date for induction that worked for us in terms of childcare for my 1st and when our doula was free and ended up being induced at 38 +5. I did lots of research about what would and could happen, I researched pain relief and said to the midwives that I would ask if I needed something. The midwives were very positive about trying to make it as natural as possible. We packed some fairy lights and my affirmation posters and decorated the room.
I had 2 pessaries, the first did nothing and my cervix was not ready at all but we walked for miles around the hospital grounds. The 2nd was put in at 3:30pm and I started to get mild cramps about an hour later. I was examined at 6pm and my cervix had just started to dilate. Things started to get a bit more intense so I put Hollie E de Cruz and the birth rehearsal on repeat and tuned into my breathing. My doula arrived just after 9pm and the midwife examined me and said I was 4cm, which to be honest still felt like I had so far to go but I refocused and every time I had a surge I would just breathe and focus on waves crashing against the sand.
At some point I asked for gas and air and a bit later on I felt I needed an epidural mainly because I was really tired and there wasn’t a break. The anesthetist came and felt like he took forever, with hindsight I was in transition, this was about midnight. I was finding it very hard to listen to what he was saying and feeling an intense pressure. The midwife insisted on examining me whilst I was having several surges and said I was 8 cm, another surge I was 9cm and then 1 more and I was 10cm. Baby Ophelia Isabel was born at 1:24 last Tuesday with minimal tearing and no epidural-I was vaguely aware of the anesthetist leaving the room at some point!
Start to finish was 7.5 hours, much more intense than my first 36 hours directed purple pushing forceps baby but so satisfying to know that I could deliver completely naturally and I was much more in the hypnobirthing zone. I think in a way because I was induced I knew it was coming and I started my breathing straight away rather than being too far gone like last time and my doula had to work hard to talk me through each surge. This time I was chatting, would have a surge and then pick up conversation again. It was amazing and the scripts and general calmness of The Calm Birth School really helped.
To see how you can create your own calm birth please sign up here: www.thecalmbirthschool.com/freehypnobirthing-2016
