Empowering.
Intense.
Beautiful.
These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of the birth of my son Adrian. 5 months later and I am still in shock that I did it. I created and birthed this little (well, 4.3kg) human and it was the most amazing experience of my life.
Not to take away from the birth of my first born Alana (that was special in it's own right), but I can’t remember ever feeling so strong and powerful. Alana’s birth was very different. I didn’t feel in control. I let the contractions and fear control me and as a result it was painful, long and difficult. Don’t get me wrong, it was all worth it once I saw her for the first time. But I felt traumatised afterwards and couldn’t imagine having another one for a very, very long time. Needless to say, my hormones kicked in 2 years later and I was knocked up once again. I started to get anxious thoughts about the birth so I was determined to do things differently and as naturally as possible.
I remembered hearing about the Hypnobirthing Australia course so I found my nearest practitioner (shout out to Christa Buckland) and completed the course with my husband. We loved it so much and got our butts into gear preparing for the birth like it was a marathon! Our daily training included practicing all the techniques and visualising what we wanted for the birth. I found myself feeling excited for this birth and couldn’t wait to meet my baby.
My due date came and went…..but I was in no rush. My baby would be here when he was supposed to. I declined any interventions because I didn’t want to rush anything unless it was medically necessary. When the contractions (or waves as we decided to call them) woke me up at midnight I was totally relaxed. A bit too relaxed if you ask my husband. I wasn’t sure it was the real thing because the sensation was completely different this time around. But we knew what to do. I listened to the Hypnobirth tracks, I bounced on my exercise ball and most importantly breathed. My husband encouraged me by reading affirmations and massaging me as we had practiced. It didn’t feel weird or scary because everything was so familiar and comforting.
The waves slowly got more intense and at 5am my waters broke. We got to the hospital at 5.20am and the midwife was taking her time getting things ready. “Are you sure your waters broke?” she asked. Ah yes, water gushed out all over my beautiful new rug so I am pretty sure! I don’t think she could believe that I was really that far along because I was super chilled out. She examined me just after 6am and said “OK you are nearly fully dilated….I better call your doctor but I can’t guarantee she will make it”. I started to doubt myself so hearing that I was nearly ready was exactly what I needed to keep me going.
The midwife was right, my doctor didn’t make it. At 6.10am I felt like I needed to pee so I sat on the toilet. I had this strong urge to bear down and couldn’t help it. “I’m pushing!!!” I yelled out. The midwife and my husband carried me to the bed and I instinctively got on all fours to 'push' (or 'breathe and bear down'). I focused on my breathing and did whatever felt right. Your body knows what it needs to do and I trusted it in that moment. The sensations were intense- especially the crowning, but I had never felt stronger. Adrian was born at 6.19am and as I held him I said “Wow that was so easy I could totally do that again”. I also did think to myself “I feel soooo good I could go for a run” so I think it was the adrenaline talking!
Birth doesn’t have to be this scary, painful thing that women have to endure. Sure, things don’t always go “perfectly” and sometimes interventions are needed to ensure the health and safety of mum and bub. But having the techniques to help keep you calm through whatever your birthing throws at you is something that ALL mum-to-be’s need. And that's why I have decided to become a Hypnobirthing Australia Practitioner!
I am SO EXCITED to be on this journey with you! Stay tuned...
Tina xx
