Birth Stories

Birth of Paulina

 

 I have a very low tolerance for pain.  When I became pregnant with my daughter, I was very anxious about giving birth.  It seemed so complicated, with so many things that could go wrong.  I was particularly nervous about the pain.  I very much wanted to give birth naturally, but I did not know how I could do it.  Then I took Hypnobirthing, and my entire attitude about the birth changed.  By the end of the course, I felt confident about giving birth.  I was confident that I would be able to apply the Hypnobirthing tools no matter what the situation.  Also, I no longer feared pain.  Instead, I trusted that the process would go along just fine.  In the end, it was more than fine; it was amazing.  I was thrilled with the ease of the process.  I slept between surges until it was time to breathe the baby down.  The surges were much shorter and more manageable than I had expected.  And the time between surges was much longer than I had expected.  I was lucid and alert the entire time.  My body and the baby knew what to do, and I simply allowed the process.  Although I have a tendency to worry and be in my head, Hypnobirthing helped me to relax and stay in my body, moment by moment.  Thank you so much!

 

Alison Horowitz
 
Birth of Benjamin Jeremiah
 
On Tuesday, August, 4th I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy with no IV or Medication or episiotomy at all and I am sooooooo thankful that we took HypnoBirthing. This was my first birth and it was totally a great experience! I was so relaxed that it didn't even dawn on me that Tuesday was "The Day" until it was almost time for me to go to the hospital. I called my husband about one hour before his scheduled time to get off of work just to ask him if he could leave work on time. He wanted to leave work right then, but I told him there was no need. His instincts however told him that he should leave work right away and he said would come then (I'm glad he did. If he hadn't I might have given birth on the way to the hospital). When he got home he told me we should go, but I told him I wanted to take a shower first. So I did.  
 
When we got to the hospital I was already 7 cm dilated plus 1 and my nurse was very surprised.  With every surge I kept reminding myself to relax, relax, relax. The lighting was perfect. Everyone was calm and it was just a wonderful environment. The light touch massage was AWESOME! About 1 hour later I was ready to "push".  
 
Because I did not have any medication I was able to feel everything my body was doing and was able to "work' with my body. Since I was working with my body and not forcing it, the delivery seemed to take a while, but as I remember you saying and as my midwife assured me, doing it that way would cause minimum to no tear. When my baby came out he was so calm and peaceful. It was amazing. While I did tear a little, it was minor and could have been a whole lot worse had I tried to force things along.  
 
My nurse said I was the talk of the ward that night and she said she had not seen a birth like mine in a very long time. My midwife said I handled the surges well and she wished all births were like mine. If I had not taken Hypnobirthing, I am not so sure things would have gone that way. The  HypnoBirthing classes really helped me to release all fear and recognize that my body is designed to give birth naturally and it did!
 
That's the key...release all fear and relax, relax, relax! 
 
Being a first time mother I could not have asked for a better experience. I recommend Hypnobirthing to everyone I come in contact with.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for offering such a wonderful class at your facility. 
 
Peace and Blessings,
Rose Marie Walker 
 
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Malena's birth, July 2009
 
Last Thursday July 23 Malena was born. It was a magical experience I have no words to describe.  The HypnoBirthing class and my preparation through yoga all these years made the whole difference.  She was born one week after the "guess date". I was able to withstand pressures of induction and the birthing was truly natural, no induction, no rupturing of the membrane, no drugs or anesthesia.  She was born at peace.
 
The doctors were truly amazed "you are a superhero", we "should have filmed this birth", "you should teach the world how to have babies" etc. The nurse was surprised that I was able to stay calm and relax my body between surges. I'm very happy that I was informed to refuse intervention when unnecessary. I found the involvement from Pablo to be also a key factor in helping me remain calm. The pediatrician saw her the next day "she is so calm"....
 
Mariana Petrei
 
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Sunday, April 26 baby Olive Zenobia Briscoe was born at the Special Beginnings Birth Center. 
 
The labor went better than we predicted.  Active labor began around 5:00 pm, we arrived at the birth center at around 7:00 pm and she was born at 10:49 pm.  It was an incredible, seamless, pain free experience.  Almost no one believes me!  I am so thankful for your class.  It opened up the door for Derek and I so that we would incorporate daily meditation into our lives.  Derek has become an unbelievable guide for my daily relaxations.  Our lives are more peaceful and I can easily handle our new addition and the "stresses" that accompany her.

If I could extend any advice to the couples taking the course it would be to purchase the Stephen Halpern Comfort Zone background music.  Those three songs played every night under Derek's words.  I also listened to them while I napped and bathed.  We played them on a constant loop during and after the labor.  As we stretched out in the tub, I could hear Derek's voice in my ear, in real life, and I could also "hear" Marie Mongan saying, "I am happy that my baby is finally coming to me...And noooow, it's time to relax."  At times it was Marie's words, that only I could hear, that would cause a huge smile to spread across my face.  Derek had remind me to relax my jaw.  I told him, "But I'm so happy that my baby is finally coming to me."  He found this funny but reminded me again to relax my jaw. 

My transition was amazing.  All of a sudden, a surge came and I could do nothing but chant Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo-Lo.  In my mind I was thinking over and over again "I love you, I love you, I love you".  Olive was wiggling inside my womb and I couldn't get my attention off of her.  The next bit of time was the same over and over again.  A surge would come and I would chant Lo-Lo-Lo as Olive wiggled lower and lower. 

As the midwife and nurse prepared the room, the midwife told me that I may feel some burning or stinging and that it might hurt, but not to be afraid.  I looked at him and told him, "No, it doesn't hurt" in a serious voice.  Derek laughed.  I looked back at him and he told me I was doing great.  There was laughter in his voice.  The midwife then lightly added, "Well, alright then".  It's amazing how light the mood was when such a heavy thing was happening.

I thought I needed to change positions so I moved from the tub to the bed.  My mom snapped a photo of me crawling up onto the bed and little did I know, she was crowning!  They told me to turn over and try lying on my back.  When I rolled over they said, "Reach down and feel your baby's head".  I was wide eyed!  I looked down and there she was.  I took and big breath and pushed her head out.  The whole world rocked.  Her head was really lumpy looking from where she had been only partially out.  With the next surge I pushed the rest of her out.  I must have connected with some past birthing experience because I didn't prepare to push her but I still knew exactly what to do.  It was really powerful.

Two hours later I took a nice hot shower and prepared to take Olive home.  She was 8 lb and 11 oz, 21.25 inches long and absolutely beautiful.

I just wanted to say thank you.  You're doing a wonderful service.  This experience has inspired me to spread the word about natural childbirth.  Olive's birth was the most incredible high.  I wish every women, man and child could experience what Olive, Derek and I did.  I felt every bit of her as she came out into the world.  It was the last time I would be completely surrounding her.  I understand why it feels so great to hug her and hold her and the natural relief of letting her go. 

Thanks again,

Contessa, Derek and Olive
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February 2009

Suma has been doing great and will be 11 weeks old.   We  were blessed with a wonderful and peaceful birth.  We also used the help of a doula and she was wonderful.  The birth went wonderfully and I did it without any medications or painkillers, or yelling/shouting and I am proud of myself for that.  It was just like we saw in the videos in our HypnoBirthing class.

I started having surges on and off about averaging 6-12 minutes apart and they were hurting a lot.  I was wondering to myself, if the start is hard like this will I be able to get through it?  In the morning again and my surges were 6-10minutes apart now but consistent.  Since I was a week overdue, I was scheduled for a biophysical test that day and she failed the test as the fluid was less than optimal and her heartbeat kept decelerating with each surge and the doctors would most probably would induce me the same day.  My midwife asked us to check in to the hospital right then  
  
I was still struggling to get through the surges and not relaxing.  Our midwife came to my room around 6pm and she checked me and announced that I was 5 cms dilated, 100% effaced and at 0 station.    I was motivated by that, and my midwife decided not to induce me as I was in labor myself.   
 
I labored till 10pm.  This time I had the birth affirmations tape on (this is one thing I did a ton of in practicing for birth) and I was deeply relaxing.  I was focused inward and was oblivious to things going around me.  With each surge I kept repeating to myself--"millions of women around the world have done this.  I can do it.  I am special and if they can do it I can do it too".  I did that for every surge and I noticed by the time I kept repeating that statement passionately to myself the surge would pass away.  At around 10pm I told the midwife that I felt like pushing and she checked me and was surprised that I was fully dilated to 10cms.   
 
The hardest part of the birthing was the pushing.  I was excited that I was fully dilated and I forgot at the time what we learned in the class about birthing and just followed the midwifes instructions.  It did not feel right at all, from changing from a calm, meditative, focused inward state to suddenly being told what to do and push forcefully.  I remember feeling not right and asking the midwife if I could squat and I don't remember what she said.  After one and a half hour of pushing and a second degree tear later our beautiful girl was born.  Later the midwife told me that she would have let me use the tub if she knew my labor would be so quick.  My surges were always about 4 minutes apart and never go closer than that throughout labor which fooled everyone.  Though there were a few things which I did not like about the birth overall I was very satisfied.  Since using a midwife as a caregiver I requested that, I was checked only 4 times throughout my whole pregnancy till Suma was born, once at the start of pregnancy, second at 36 weeks, third at 6pm  during the labor and the last time at 10pm.  My friends are amazed when I told them that.

After the birth I felt that I could do anything I wanted if I just put my mind to it, I felt really good.    I also learned to trust my instincts and not doubt myself.   Her name means a flower born out of prayer. 

Suma is growing everyday and changing a lot.   When I look at her smile, I forget all the hard and sleepless nights.  She is totally worth it.  Thank you all for your blessings and regards, we definitely appreciate all . 
 
Anitha
 
 

Birth of Sara, November 3rd, 2008

 
Mimi was amazing during the birth.  Her nieces that came in during labor later said it looked to them like she was sleeping.  One of her sisters said she was too relaxed and was going to fall asleep and stop progressing!  We had a moment of concern, but actually the nurse helped us get back on track.  Oh yeah, also we were able to go the whole labor "naturally" (sort of a strange claim considering we were induced),  no epidural--all visualization and breathing to relax and stay focused and calm.  Thank you for all the well-wishes and warm thoughts.  Mimi and I are still somewhere around cloud nine.

-Tom Kitchen

Surya Chaitanya born July 1, 2008:   

 

He really is  textbook hypnobirthing baby - calm, easy-going, self assured and happy. 

Lakshmi, I just wanted to let you know that Surya Chaitanya was born Tuesday, July 1.  I would love to say that I went in with complete faith that hypnobirthing was going to work and all would be well.  I never got that strong willed but I did stay determined to make it work and to give it my best shot.  I took your advice to take it one surge at a time.  In the end, it was far more successful than I ever could have imagined.  I took castor oil around 2pm to help mother nature along - I was already progressing but not a single surge.  At 6:30 I said to my husband that I thought I might be having contractions but I really wasn't sure.  So we watched the clock and realized that they were not only surges but coming 3 minutes apart.  We were at the hospital by 7:30.  Even though the midwife encouraged me to walk, I was able to keep up the hypnobirthing, particularly the breathing through surges, thanks to wonderful support from Aaron, my mom and my sister.  At about 9:20, after about 6 really tough surges, I thought my water broke.  In fact, the baby's head had crowned and Surya was born at 9:24.  So even though I only had about 5 weeks to practice *  hypnobirthing, it all worked better than I could have ever imagined.  Three hours total for surges and labor. Everyone remarked about how calm and composed I was throughout the entire process.  What I found was that the hypnobirthing allowed me to stay focused on what was really important - breathing this baby down- despite any other distracting thoughts and beliefs.  Like I said, I wasn't fear free, but I was far more focused on the end result than on inhibiting thoughts.  Thanks again for your wonderful class. I'm so pleased with the results.  I really couldn't have asked for anything better. 
 
* after a 3 hour refresher course, this was her second HypnoBirthing baby
 
Sangita  Chari 

 

 

Benjamin Ahmad Hearn April 8, 2008, 5:24am, weighing 7pounds 5 ounces

 

I just wanted to report back to the group that I had a wonderful birth experience thanks to my wonderful supportive husband and the HypnoBirthing®  class.   

 

Benjamin was born naturally without any medical interventions. I feel great and the baby is simply perfect.  He is very alert and has a wonderful calm disposition.   

 

My midwife commented that this was the smoothest delivery she has seen in a long time. I was able to use the breathing techniques taught in class to get me through the first and second stages of the surges.  As I reached the final stage, I simply let my body take over.  The actual transition from surges to “bearing down” to birth my baby was unbelievable.  To be honest this was the part I was most fearful of, but it turned out the most incredible and memorable part of my experience.  My body did all the work and after 10 –15 minutes of bearing down, my baby boy was born.  I was released from the hospital the very next day. 

 

Ray & Debra Hearn

 

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Birth of Adam Thomas Castillo, Feb 27 2008 , 8 lbs 9 oz.

 

Born at Birthcare Center and Women’s Health in Alexandria, VA

 

My midwives were very impressed with the birth of my second child.  They told me to tell the HypnoBirthing®  instructor that she should be very proud of her student.  They said I did an excellent job at “breathing the baby down” and it was one of the most calm and easy births they have been to.  And to think I was never able to find the time to do a refresher course!  But I did listen to the CDs a lot and of course reread the book and my notes. 

 

Carolyn Dzimiela

 

 

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Birth at home, earl y 2008

 

We were hospital bound for our delivery.  We were very skeptical of this and  put ourselves on a long waiting list for a home birth with Birthcare in Alexandria, VA.  At 35 weeks pregnant I got a call and made it off the waiting list. I immediately switch to the homebirth.  It was the most wonderful and comfortable experience.  Homebirth combined with HypnoBirthing®  is the way to go.

A quick note about the labor.  When the midwife, student and birth assistant arrived my contraction were 5-3 minutes apart.  They thought they might have arrived to soon because I was very calm and peaceful.  And it is true....my son did not cry when he was born. He was so calm.  It was magical.  
 
Cheers-
Hannah, Steff, & Remington

 

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Welcome to the World Marian Katherine Ard Waller
June 29, 2007

Michael and I are so happy to let you know that Marian Katherine was born on June 29th at 12:41am at the DC Birth Center.

I started having regular surges at about 4:15 am on Thursday the 28th, went to the birth center at 3pm on Thursday and she was born Friday morning.  Our birthing was beautiful, thanks in large part to the wonderful midwives at the birth center, our doula Stephanie,  my mother who arrived an hour before the birth, and Michael's constant support.

I labored for at least four or five hours in the birthing tub, changed positions pretty regularly and she was eventually born as i lay on my side.  It was amazing to look around and see 6 women and Michael standing around my bed and cheering the arrival of our new girl!

During a good portion of labor Michael, Stephanie and I sounded like Tibetan monks; I wish we'd brought a tape recorder!  With each surge I would start "Ohm-ing" and they would join in until the surge had passed.  The tones resonating on the bathroom walls and through the water may have just been the encouragement Marian needed to greet the world.

While it was certainly not what I'd consider a pain-free birth it was a birth free from fear and for that I will always be grateful to each of you for sharing your stories, encouragement and experience.

Now, back to the baby!

With love,
Amy  Ard 

 

 

Holly Thorpe on Levi's Birth

August, 2006

Levi arrived last Saturday and the experience was tremendous!  So pleasant and the HypnoBirthing® ® so loved!  I labored for a bit in the Jacuzzi but the surges were actually easy using my visualizations of filling a balloon and opening the blue ribbons.  While in the tub, I had a pretty intense surge, called the midwife and Levi was crowning!  Three or four breaths later, there he was, on my stomach, born in the water!  I always wanted a water birth and there was no choice here, he came so quickly and quietly!

So Breckin is completely in love and tells him how much she loves him daily.  Derek and I are in love, too and so impressed with Breckin's ability to nurture.

 

Lorena Veresh on the birth of Juliana

June 2003

 I have been blessed by two beautiful daughters.  While my first daughter’s birth will always be special, it was more of a typical hospital delivery. I sensed the transition from the warm, snug environment of the womb to the bright, noisy hospital room must be overwhelming for someone so tiny and helpless.  I knew there must a better way so I did a lot of reading in between pregnancies.  I learned about HypnoBirthing® ® from my prenatal yoga instructor when I was eight months pregnant with my second child.  I knew immediately I had found what I had been searching for.

 HypnoBirthing® ® showed me how to relax during labor and offered a whole different perspective on contractions.  The serenity of the birthing experience as described in HypnoBirthing® ® was especially appealing.

 My due date came and went.  I had a healthy pregnancy and the baby was still very active so I wasn’t worried.  However, I quickly found that doctors fixate on this number despite all the literature that says babies can be born safely 2 weeks after this date. 

I had a very frustrating experience with the doctor on call who was nervous that I was 7 days past my due date.  He told me to go to the hospital and have a nurse check me out.  I was just in the early stages of labor but he wanted me to stay overnight to be monitored.  He gave me only two choices the next morning: he could break my water or give me a little Pitocin to speed things up. 

 I stood my ground in the face of this difficult obstacle.  I was confident my baby would come out when she was ready and would not allow her to be forced out by a stranger when it was medically unnecessary.  In my heart I knew what was right for my daughter, but I didn’t expect I’d end up fighting just to give her the peace she deserved. When I said I preferred to go home -only 10 minutes away- until I was further along, he accused me of not caring about the health of my child!  He became condescending when he found out I wanted to deliver my baby naturally.  Finally, he stormed out, refusing to release me.  My doctor released me as soon as she heard what happened.

 Fortunately for my baby, my doctor was on call that night when I came back to the hospital.  She and the nurse were so supportive and encouraging, making the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the room possible.  The lights were dimmed and soft music was playing in the background.  I was relaxed.  I had the love and support of my birthing team which consisted of my husband and a close friend.  In the end, my strength and perseverance paid off.  My baby’s birth was the most beautiful experience in my life.  I was filled with joy that I had delivered the gift of peace to my daughter for her first moments on earth.  My doctor was amazed that the delivery was so quiet.  Word spread fast about my HypnoBirth among the hospital staff who came in to congratulate me.  They told me I was the first successful HypnoBirth they had seen.

 My husband and I will treasure the memory of our daughter’s birth forever.  People often exclaim what a happy, peaceful baby we have.  I smile as my husband tells them it is due to her peaceful birth.

 

Kaelan Dean Maines 

born January 3, 2006

Kaelan was born at the Maternity Center weighing 8 pounds and was 21 3/4 inches long. My labor, like so many others, went nothing as I expected! We went to the Center around 5 pm that afternoon because I had been having contractions all day and thought my water had broken. The midwife checked me and I was only dilated 1 cm and said my water hadn't broken, it was actually just my mucus plug. She said they couldn't admit me at 1 cm, so after a few tests we drove back home. I got into a bath, thinking it would help, but couldn't get comfortable no matter what I did. The contractions were very intense and only about 1 minute apart, and I found myself starting to bear down with them. This really frightened me, since the midwife had said I would likely labor through the night, and I knew I shouldn't be bearing down when I was only 1 cm. I felt out of control, and couldn't seem to use any of the HypnoBirthing® ® at this point (I had been listening to the affirmations during the car ride and at the Center).

My husband called the midwife back, and after hearing me in the background, agreed that we could come back. We had been home about 90 minutes at this point.  We drove back to the Center and the midwife checked me again.  I was so relieved when she said that I was 9 cm! I dilated from 1 to 9 in about 2 hours, which is why it was so intense when we were at home.

Once I began the second stage, I felt much better. I felt very comfortable with the midwife and could just concentrate on birthing. I pushed for an hour and 15 minutes, and then Kaelan was born. I had 2 very superficial tears, and felt physically great very soon after the birth.

It was a wonderful experience, despite the worries and the fact that I didn't feel like I used much of my HypnoBirthing® ®. But perhaps that's what helped move everything along so quickly. The midwife said that in 80 births, she's only seen 4 go as quickly for a first-time mother as mine did.

The HypnoBirthing® ® didn't take away the pain for me, but what it did was give me the confidence to know I could do it without medication. Now, if I had been in the hospital and someone was offering me an epidural at that intense moment, I'm sure I would have agreed! But things went so quickly, I doubt there would have been time for an epidural even if we delivered at the hospital.

My favorite part was spending that night in the bed with my husband and newborn son. It was so intimate, and something I'll never forget.

Thanks,

Megan, Kevin and Kaelan Maines

Severin, born on December 14, 2005

 

Nicole's Labor

December 13, 2005

The night of December 13 at 7:00, Nicole's water broke.  We settled down with lots of towels and watched part of a movie and had some dinner. Irregular contractions didn't start until 12:00 am at which point the maternity center informed us that Nicole had to take 4 oz. of castor oil to move the pregnancy along, as there is a clock that counts down once your water breaks, beyond which point we would have to go to the hospital.

Needless to say, the castor oil made it very difficult for Nicole to get comfortable at all to be able to relax, and she was experiencing a fair bit of tension and pain.  I was walking Nicole through the HypnoBirthing® ® cues, playing the CD, etc., but it didn't seem to be helping much.  I did notice, however, that when she could relax through the contractions, the discomfort was much less.  After fitful sleep the maternity center, gave us the go-ahead to come in at 5:30 am.

On the drive there, Nicole became very quiet and seemed to withdraw into herself.  We arrived and discovered that Nicole was 9 cm dilated.  Our midwife, did an amazing job. All throughout the 3rd phase, Nicole never yelled, pushed, or screamed, I didn't have to say anything, I just played music and kept the supply of fluids going.  Nicole was just working hard with the midwife doing

J-breaths, moving Severin down the birth canal, and kept to herself the whole time.  The midwives said it was an amazing job and that the birth was exceedingly gentle. Severin was born at 9:30 looking a little egg-shaped, but no bruising or marks, and I got to cut his cord.  Nicole had only two very small tears.

I would say that HypnoBirthing® ® really helped us out a whole lot despite the castor oil effect, although it's funny that the part we practiced least in class (j-breathing) actually ended up being the most effective.  The perineal massage probably helped a whole lot, too.  I think the  HypnoBirthing® ® scripts and practice helped Nicole--we were both glad to have them even when it seemed like they weren't "working"—they probably played a large part in Nicole's effectiveness during the 2nd stage.

- Nicole and Rene

 

 

On the birth of Joss, 

June 2005

 Although my birth didn't go as I had wished because the baby was breech.

I am still a huge fan of HypnoBirthing® ® and have fond memories of

"dancing" to the relaxation rainbow on my ipod through many hours of labor.

 

Jodi Ann

 

Hazel’s Birth

February 2005

Hazel is our third child and our second born at the Maternity Center in Bethesda.  Our first child, Lily, now 6 was born in a hospital in California.  Lily was delivered via vacuum after my labor stalled following an epidural.  Prior to that, my labor had progressed nicely and I was nearly ready to push when they gave me my epidural.  We were upset by the chaos of the room, the crisis mode of the staff and the impersonal, tech-heavy approach.  With our second child we opted for midwives and a birth center delivery.  It was a totally different experience from our daughter’s delivery.  They were wonderful and I was supported and confident.  Felix, now 4, was born after four hours of labor.  But he was big.  Ten pounds, 23 inches.  So yes, it was drug free, and I am glad I didn’t have any medication, but it was a crazy ride. 

When I got pregnant with our third, we were excited about delivering at the Maternity Center again. We had had such a positive experience with Felix that there was no question where we’d have this baby.  I had heard about HypnoBirthing® ® from friends and decided to try it. I was afraid that once labor started, I would panic, remembering my fast and furious labor with Felix.  I wanted a drug-free labor, but I wanted it to be peaceful, slower.

The class was being taught by the woman who taught prenatal yoga at the Maternity Center, a class that I found enormously helpful. 

We were a bit skeptical that self-hypnosis and deep relaxation could block labor pains, but decided to give it a try.  We enjoyed the classes and they helped us prepare emotionally for this baby, and gave us an opportunity to focus on each other.  A big part of the program is practicing at home.  We could’ve been more diligent about that but I did manage to listen to the guided relaxation tapes most evenings and work on the deep breathing techniques.  

I had quite a bit of false labor, as I had with Felix.  I even went in the Maternity Center a couple of times, not sure if I was in active labor.  I think that the HypnoBirthing® ® helped me stay positive.  When I was sure it was time, we called the midwife and started out to meet her.  We played the relaxation tape in the car, and I lay quietly, focused on the voice and music.  Once at the birth center, our midwife settled us, then dimmed the lights and let us be.  She said we were her third HypnoBirthing® ® couple of the weekend.  I lay on my side, with my husband rubbing my back, and the relaxation tape playing over and over for what seemed like hours.  I had no sense of time, or pain.  I felt the surges (contractions), but worked and breathed with each one.  It was amazing.  I noticed that if I got up or otherwise broke my concentration, I was immediately awash in pain.  As soon as I refocused, the pain receded. 

Our midwife checked me and said that I was at six centimeters, and wasn’t that great!  I did not think it was great.  I was at four when I arrived three hours before, and I felt that I had a long way to go.  I got very discouraged and upset.  She kept reassuring me that I was doing a wonderful job and that the baby would be here soon.  I would not be consoled.  I had lost my focus and began to panic.  With my husband’s help I calmed down a bit and started with the breathing.  The surges got more intense.  I called for our midwife.  She came in, checked me and said it was time to breathe the baby down (push).  I had gone from six centimeters to 10 in about 15 minutes! 

At that point I said no, I was not going to have this baby after all, I had changed my mind.  Thank goodness for experienced midwives.  I tried to use the breathing techniques to help the baby out, but she was not budging.  Finally, the midwife emphatically said “PUSH”!  And push I did.  And again and again.  This baby was not coming out!  It took a little maneuvering and assistance, but finally our Hazel arrived, after six hours of mostly pain free labor.  And here’s the kicker - she was ten and a half pounds! 

Would I do it again?  In a minute.  I recommend HypnoBirthing® ® and natural childbirth to anyone who’ll listen. I felt cherished and respected throughout my pregnancy.  Recovery time from a drug-free delivery is easier and faster.  And I feel like superwoman.  I believe that women are sold a bill of goods when it comes to hospital births.  So many of the decisions made are for the convenience and ease of the hospital and staff, at the expense of mother and child. 

Thanks for letting me tell our story.

Allison and Fritz Beuker

Parents of Lily, Felix, and Hazel Beuker  

 

Birth of Zoe, by Wendy, 

June 2005

 Our baby arrived 2 weeks early, so she must have been as excited to meet us as we were to finally meet her. My water broke 7:30 AM Sunday morning, and they asked me to come in to be checked around noon. I was only 2 cm dilated, and about 80% effaced. The CNM asked us to stick around instead of going home and returning later, so we watched a movie (a comedy I had brought with, because I remembered from our readings that laughter helps to move labor along) and tried nipple stimulation. She had noticed there was a little meconium in the amniotic fluid in the morning, and although she didn't seem too concerned about it, she had given us the option of going to the hospital. We decided to wait until she checked me at 5 PM and decide then. We really did not want to be in the hospital, but knew that ultimately whatever was best for the baby was what we would do.

 When she checked me again at 5:30, the surges were starting to be stronger and more intense, and it turned out that we never had a chance to go anywhere! We had tried not to look at clocks, so were not exactly sure how long it took but according to the records, I was in stage one labor for about 2 1/2 hours, and stage two labor for 17 minutes!!

 During stage one, one of the most soothing and helpful things for me (besides the hot shower- I wasn't allowed to use the Jacuzzi because of the ruptured membrane) was the leaping frog position, which was so ironic because in yoga class squats were so difficult for me. Dusty was really amazing and supportive. Whenever he felt me tense with a surge, he reminded me to relax, and joked later that when I responded by relaxing it was the most relaxed he'd ever seen me. When I was 8 cm I said I didn't think I could do it, and the midwife told me that it was just transition and she said I could use the Jacuzzi if I wanted at that point.  What I really wanted to do at that point was push.

 She did let me start pushing, even though she didn't think I was quite there yet. Only 22 minutes later, Zoe was born! I needed an episiotomy and as soon as they made the cut she pretty much seemed to plop out and they put her on my chest for skin to skin contact. I was very surprised when they put her on me and it took me a few seconds to figure out what had happened, because I really thought I had another hour or so of pushing to do.

 In the end, rather than use specific visualizations or techniques from HypnoBirthing® we just followed the basic concepts; the rainbow tape and Halpern tape “Comfort Zone” helped me to remember what I was supposed to be doing. Dusty's coaching helped the most, and I was glad we practiced together as much as we had. If he hadn't been reminding me to relax, I would have forgotten everything.  The baby is doing amazing now, no one can believe how strong and alert she is!

 Wendy and Dusty

 

A Sister for Zoe

Sonja Elise was born April 7th, at
the Maternity Center. The midwife kept telling me all day that I was not
in an active labor, and wanted to either break my water or send me home.
I did not let her intervene, and we still got to stay longer. At one
point she commented that she could not tell how intense the contractions
were because I was breathing through them (she seemed frustrated with
me) and when I told her I was in transition she didn't think I could be
because I still hadn't had an "active labor". When I said I wanted to
push she didn't think I was ready but said okay, and she left the room
to take a call from another patient. I felt the baby's head coming with
the first push and my sister had to run and get her... Sonja was born 11
minutes later!

And a footnote:   the reason she said I was not in labor was that the surges were spaced very far apart, so I had lots of time to rest between them. I would not describe it as "pain", and although it was very uncomfortable as long as I stayed relaxed and did my breathing they were fine and tolerable. When I hit the point when they did start to feel painful and I didn't think I could do it anymore was when I told the midwife I was in transition. Stage 2 was definately painful, but I managed it much better than with Zoe's birth. 

Wendy

 

 

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