I have had two very different but amazing births.

My first was longer due to my little boy being born “back to back”. I was actually told by my midwife that she was surprised that I was able to deliver him myself with no intervention, as he was my first, but due to the breathing techniques I’d learnt I was able to deliver him on my own and in a very calm and beautiful environment. I remember saying that I couldn’t wait to do it again. At that time I didn’t actually know anything about hypnobirthing, I had been advised at an ante natal class to breathe in for 4 and out for 8, I had practiced breathing techniques in yoga and so focused on that in my labour.

When pregnant with my second child I was told about hypnobirthing by a friend. I found that I had already used the breathing techniques during my first labour, but learning about what is actually happening to your body was amazing and empowering. I thought back to my first and the whole experience made more sense to me.

My surges started at 3am, I breathed and slept through them then they stopped at 5am.  They started again at 8am, I breathed through each and went on with my morning at home. By midday they were stronger and more frequent, I called the South Lakes Birth Centre and they said that I didn’t sound like I was in established labour but that they would be happy to see me for an examination. I went to the hospital and at 12.30pm I was 3cm dilated, I asked for a room as I knew that things were progressing. I continued with my breathing and after only 30 minutes to an hour I was 4/5cm dilated and was able to get into the pool. In between conversations with my husband and midwife, I concentrated on breathing through the surges.As my surges became much stronger, my waters broke and I could feel her head, as I focused on my breathing, calmly my beautiful daughter was born at 3.20pm after only 4 or 5 pushes.

I couldn’t believe that she was with us, my husband was in disbelief that she had been born so quickly when not long before I had been chatting away. I held her in the water and then my husband had skin to skin whilst I got out of the pool to deliver the placenta. I remember lying in bed staring at the pool in awe that she was here and it had been such an enjoyable experience.

I feel blessed that I have had two wonderful births, I cannot recommend hypnobirthing enough!