Katie Davies
2nd baby
Home Birth
I wanted to write to say a huge, heart-felt thank you for your wonderful natal-hypnotherapy 'effective birth preparation' programme. I had a hideous time in hospital with my first baby, resulting in an epidural, ventouse delivery and consequent breastfeeding problems. I was determined to have a better time with baby number 2!
Thankfully I came across an amazing review of your 4 CD box-set on Amazon (I have since added my own!) and promptly bought it. Despite not always being able to listen to the CDs in perfect conditions, I had the most perfect, wonderful, virtually pain free birth. My two and a half year old son was by my side for the last few hours (having woken early and missed me in the night) and he chirruped away, echoing my comments, "come on baby" and "let's get this baby out!". It was joyous and amazing. My little girl was born so peacefully and beautifully, and have breastfed perfectly from the outset.
I can not recommend these CDs highly enough. Thank you so much for creating them. It has truly changed my life and certainly given my daughter the best possible birth and start to her life.
Fran Benson
Home Birth
second child
These CDs are amazing. When I first read the testimonials on your website they inspired me to believe that I could give birth again.
My first birth had been long and traumatic. I had tokophobia (phobia of pregnancy and birth) which was pretty much under control until I had drugs (gas and air and pethidine) and then an argument with the midwives during second stage (they hadn’t read my birth plan and didn’t take my phobia seriously). This escalated into a panic attack and jeapordised the birth. Fortunately Sam was born five hours later safe and well.
However this left me very traumatised and concerned about getting pregnant and facing a second birth.
When I was pregnant the second time I listened to the Pregnancy Relaxation CD during the first half of pregnancy – this was a great bit of ‘me’ time and so relaxing (I often fell asleep) and I sailed through the first 26 weeks.
But it was the Birth Preparation CD that was the real miracle maker. I went from being anxious about experiencing birth again (I had already arranged an action plan with the hospital for an epidural for the delivery) to deciding that I wanted a natural home birth and felt confident that my body could handle it.
I went on to have the most amazing, relaxed water birth at home with my husband (Ian) by my side. At times it was tough, but mostly I felt relaxed and focused on what needed to be done and happy to just follow my instincts.
Ian and I had talked through what aspects of the CD I felt would work best for me and worked out a script accordingly (3-2-1 Relax Fran was fantastic) and it made the birth a joint effort
It was quite a speedy birth. I was 1cm dilated at 7am and Jack was born at 10.14am – a healthy and calm little boy.
The last 6 months have been a joy. Not only has it been wonderful to bond with him after such a fantastic birth experience it has helped me to come to terms with my first birth – a burden has finally been lifted.
I would recommend these CD’s wholeheartedly to anyone (and regularly do!). I actually can not convey in words how much this positive birth experience has changed my life and I will always be grateful to you for your advice and your CDs. Thank you.
Nicky Walker
Home Birth
1st baby
Just wanted to mail you to let you know that we had a little girl last week! Her name is Katja and she was born safely at home.
I wanted you to know that the birth was amazing....gritty....but amazing! after doing your course in March I dedicated the start of my maternity leave to practising all that we'd learnt from you and I believe her gentle safe arrival was mainly down to the hypnotherapy techniques that you taught me. At the start I wasn't even sure if I was in labour and we spent the morning pottering around the house, then decided to go into town for some lunch! I was having contractions whilst eating my tuna feta wrap!! I didn't even say much to David. I just closed my eyes each time and breathed through gently, thinking about the 'relax' technique. When we got home in the afternoon I thought I'd better rest as much as possible and listened to the birth prep cd again. During this, they began to become more intense and so I transferred to all fours, supported by lots of cushions and a bean bag on the bed. I called my midwife. She arrived at 8:30 and checked me - hoorah! i was already 6cms dilated!she told me to get into the pool and then whoosh!! i was off!! I was really conscious of keeping my whole body as relaxed as possible and let the sensations just take over as they needed to. David put the birth music on and I was able to focus well each time a wave came over. I progressed well and my primal side came out of me - I started to make these involuntary low deep noises which really helped at the peak of each contraction. There were self-doubt stages when I felt like I couldn't take it anymore but David was there to gently remind me to 'stick with it' and relax. Words like 'power' and 'strength' came into my head - echos from the birth prep cd that helped me to go on. I did have to push for 2 hours and needed to get out of the pool to 'wiggle' her down a bit but it actually worked out for the best as David held me in a supported squat and it felt like we did the last 'heave ho' together! I wanted you to know what an impact you had on me and the huge amount we both learnt from you. I am so proud that I managed to do it without any intervention and the fact that I was so focused I didn't even want gas and air. I had always hoped and visualised it like this but to actually experience it was magical. Hard work but worth it! Because the experience was so intense and powerful I've found it so comforting to listen to your post-natal cd too as this had helped me to sleep a bit in between all the feeding! Anyway, I've been recommending the course and cds to everyone i know who's pregnant as I desperately want them to learn from you and understand that their experience can be as amazing as mine. As long as you're prepared to put the effort in, of course! Thank you thank you a million times thank you!
Jemma Patterson
Home birth
Macy was born at home 4 days early. I hadn't experienced any contractions prior to the birth. I had a few back pains on the Friday night so went to bed at 10pm. I couldn't get comfortable so got up around 12ish and paced the house - walking up and down the stairs! Had a warm bath around 12:30 pm and the back pain was still there? Threw up in the kitchen sink around 1:00 am and asked my husband (who was asleep) to come and help me... he rolled over in bed; said he would clear up the sick in the morning and went back to bed!!!! I left the sick in the sink and sat on the toilet as I found this position to be very comfortable. Around 2:00-2:30 I passed fresh blood and started to panic (having previously lost a baby).
I quickly woke my husband and he called our midwife. She would she was on her way but to call the hospital for a check up. Peter called St Helier hospital; nurse wanted to chat with me and said "you know my dear it sounds as though you are in labour doing controlled breathing"... I was convinced I wasn’t in labour as I wasn’t in much pain! The nurse asked us to pop to hospital for a quick check over. I told Peter I didn't want to move just yet as I was comfortable on the toilet and that I would get dressed soon and make our way to the hospital. During this time the nurse called our midwife and said she thought I was in active labour and for her to get to us straight away. Maddy (midwife) called us and said she was on her way - I was relieved as I didn’t want to get off the toilet!
Still sitting on the toilet, around 3:15 am I told Peter I needed to push.... still no midwife with us! I felt the baby crown. Asked Peter to see what was going on and he said "oh it’s nothing". He phoned Maddy and she was just outside our front door - she came walking up the stairs and I said "please could you have a look at what this is"...... she asked me to stand up off the toilet and Macy Rita Patterson was born.
Maddy literally arrived with 3 minutes to spare! Macy was born at 03:33 am just a few hours after the first signs of back ache. I had no pain relief at all.
The Natal Hypnotherapy CD worked a treat and kept me calm through the whole situation.... even the thought of us delivering the baby ourselves at home didn't panic us as much as it should have done! I have recommended the CD to all of our pregnant friends and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.... it worked a treat!!
Joanne Holm
Home birth
I decided after speaking to a friend who intended on having a home birth to look into it myself. It was not an easy process and I did not have positive feedback from the midwife at my doctor’s surgery, especially for a first baby. It was when I went to my NCT classes that I got the confidence to go through with it, although I felt it was still a battle with the midwives and when you are so heavily pregnant an easy life is what you are looking for but I had made my decision. It was then I decided that being I was taking away my options of medical pain relief I needed to mentally prepare myself and that is when I purchased the Natal hypnotherapy CD's. I only ordered them 3 and a half weeks before my due date (8th October) so listened to them everyday bar 2 days. My contractions started 11.00am on Thursday 5th October. I had organised for my group of NCT mums to come to my home for coffee as we hadn't met up away from our NCT class before and 4 of the girls had had their babies. At first I wasn't sure if they should still come and emailed them to say what was happening. I then emailed them straight back and said they should come over anyway and they did. We had a lovely time; it was so nice to see them and their beautiful babies.
I was having contractions every 20 minutes but did not let on, just kept serving coffee and cake. They left around 4pm and my husband got home around 4.30pm.I thought the pain was ok but uncomfortable and when the midwife came to see me at 7pm I did not understand why she seemed very relaxed about the whole situation. It was at 11pm when the real contractions kicked in I understood. Then I knew I was in labour.
My husband had prepared our lounge for the birth. I had a single mattress and blankets on the floor for me to kneel on with my birthing ball. It was very comfortable under the circumstances. Very calm and warm. I had the birth music playing continuously. Steve was rather tired of it by the end (12 hours is a long time on repeat play) but I needed it and it kept playing until Lily was born on Friday 6th October at 9.34am.
The midwife who was with me through the whole birth was wonderful. Her name was Colleen and I am so grateful for her kindness and caring. She spoke to me very calmly and quietly answering all my questions. I did not tell the midwives I prepared for the birth with the hypnotherapy CD. I will next time. They kept telling me after the birth how 'laid back' I was. I was so calm throughout the labour and birth that my husband put it perfectly, 'I was so calm it was out of character'.
The control I had over myself, the breathing I learnt from the CD was fantastic and still use it now during exercise when stamina is involved and getting to sleep to calm my mind. My birth experience was extremely positive, painful yes but would I do it this was way again, absolutely. It was fantastic to deliver at home. I was thrilled I did not need stitches. I needed no intervention.
I was calm and controlled throughout the whole affair and I have no doubt what-so-ever that Natal Hypnotherapy was what gave me that strength and positive piece of mind. After the birth and preliminaries I showered, washed and dried my hair, got into bed and our wee girl was brought to us. It was perfect! Thank you.
Katrina Blunt
Home birth
Briefly, had home birth, not sure if having contractions but when midwife arrived was already 5cm dilated. Spent labour excited rather than scared (I believe the preparation CD helped with both of these - not feeling pain in early contractions and staying excited about the birth. Before I used the CD I was starting to get anxious about birth). Only problem I had which the CD couldn't help with was my baby had her hand up by her head so got a bit stuck - took me almost 2.5 hours pushing and an episiotomy to get her out. One thing the CD did help me with though was to make me relaxed about my choice of birth location. After birth, midwife said if I had been in hospital I would have needed epidural and forceps so really pleased I had the home birth I planned after all.
Other quick comment:
The relaxation part of the CD which said "3,2,1 relax (and your name)" is still working 10.5 weeks after giving birth to help me sleep. Whenever I need to relax I just lie down, say that to myself, and I'm off to sleep immediately! For that reason alone (not to mention all the other benefits) I am so pleased I used the CD pre-birth.
Melanie Roberts
Home
Having previously been induced and having quite a traumatic birth experience, I was keen to try anything to help with my second baby's birth. I found that using the CD helped me to relax in the weeks prior to the birth and the information provided was useful to understand how to have a more positive experience. I think that I remained positive and ever-hopeful that I would have a home birth and this was thanks, at least in part, to the positive vibes I received from the CD. I had a relatively rapid, but calm, night-time home birth and both my husband and I agree that it couldn't have been any better. I felt that by practising being relaxed (and especially how to breathe) that my pain and anxiety were definitely lessened. I would use the CD again if lucky enough have a third baby!
Sally Eckes
At home
Contractions started at 5am Sunday morning 10mins apart for 4 hours then stopped so went for a long walk along the river! Labour started for real at 3pm contractions 1/2hr apart for an hour and a half then jumped to 15 mins then 9 mins really quickly, tried TENS but hated it, I had a pool in the kitchen which I had hoped I would have the baby in, got in there at about 8pm ish after calling the midwife who said she would be an hour - she arrived about 2 hours after that!
On examination was 4cms which I was disappointed with as I had been 3cms on the Friday afternoon when I had a sweep (I was 9 days over at this point) I tried the gas and air but hated that too! She persuaded me to get out and have a walk about; as she thought we were in for a long night she was also suggesting I have a rest (!!) I eventually managed to get out of the pool my contractions were approx 5mins apart but lasting for 2-2 and a half mins and eventually managed to climb the stairs to the 3rd floor - by the time I got to the bedroom I was thinking I couldn’t possibly manage without some sort of pain relief and was telling my husband I needed pethedine as I couldn’t keep going for another 4/5 hours which is what the midwife had predicted and had told her colleague who was to be the second midwife.
Not long after this I suddenly couldn’t control my contractions anymore and felt like I really needed to push and my waters broke the midwife insisted on examining me to check and sure enough I was ready to push. I asked if I could go back down to the pool but the midwife seemed to think I didn’t have time so I flung myself (literally, which was no mean feat given the size of me!) onto the floor and was kneeling leaning over the bed and 3 pushes later had a baby girl - good job I didn’t try and get back down the stairs as I think she would have probably popped out half down! Jemima Lucie was born at 12.56 am - weighing in at 6lbs 5ozs
Sophie Clowes
At home in London
I have become evangelical about your CDs having experienced the most wonderful, amazing, enjoyable birth.
Our first baby was late and we had the threat of induction hanging over us. We both wanted to have it at home - a decision we made quite early on in my pregnancy based on a general fear of hospitals and the knowledge that home was somewhere where I felt safe and we could be together - and were very lucky to have an exceptional NHS midwife who was incredibly supportive of all our decisions, had done my antenatal appointments at home and was someone in whom we had total confidence.
Eleven days after my due date my waters broke at about 11h00am. I called my husband who came home from work and I had my first contraction when he walked in the door. The contractions were immediately very strong and close together. Mentally and emotionally, and to a certain extent physically, I went into my own zone and took myself off to the bathroom where I draped my arms over the side of the bath with me on my knees and rode out the contractions. They were powerful and very forceful but not painful.
I had no concept of time passing. In fact, our daughter was born only five minutes after our midwife arrived and from the first contraction to her slipping out was only two hours (yes, really) and I had not had any pain relief (nor felt the need for any). At no point were either myself or my husband frightened, in spite of the extraordinary speed of the delivery and the fact that we were by ourselves.
The lack of fear we owe to the CDs and I'm sure the speed is down to the fact that I was so relaxed, again, thanks to the CDs but also because I was at home in a very safe environment without any strangers. My body seems to have coped with the entire first stage of labour without informing my conscience, as it were. The whole experience was physically just a very powerful energy that seemed to take over my body .
I had been needing to push but didn't dare until the midwife arrived and literally two pushes later Lola came sliding out. Because my body was so relaxed I had no tearing and I healed very quickly although the speed of the birth did mean that my lumber region felt very bruised. Twenty minutes after Lola's arrival all three of us were lying on our bed, staring at each other in awe.
Our wonderful midwife stayed long enough to wash and dress our daughter and fill out the paperwork (which took longer than the actual birth!) Six months on, she is the calmest, most relaxed of babes with two teeth that came through at four months with very little disturbance to her.
I must credit Natal Hypnotherapy with her calm, relaxed demeanour and thank you for giving us the most wonderful birth experience that we could ever have dreamed of. I hope that this story will give other women the strength to fight for a home birth if that's what they want (even if it is your first child) and to not be frightened of the experience. It's miraculous!
Tracey Mulryne
Home,
I woke at four o'clock in the morning with mild cramps which were fifteen minutes apart. I managed to sleep until about eight when my husband and I got up and had breakfast. At nine we contacted our independent midwife to inform her we'd probably need her that day. We gathered all the birth stuff together and I began using my TENs machine. The contractions got stronger and through breathing and a hot water bottle I managed the pain successfully ( I removed the TENs machine after a couple of hours).
My midwife arrived around lunchtime. After a couple of hours she said I was still chatty and that I probably had a while to go. My husband suggested putting on the birth music. Almost immediately I stopped chatting and concentrated on the job at hand. From this point onwards things really began to speed up (I wish I had thought to put it on earlier!) Midwife noted that it was difficult to tell when I was having contractions because I was so relaxed. At half past five I began to push and my waters broke as Connor was born at 6.12pm on the 20th December.
Lauren Webster
home
When I started thinking about the birth I wanted this time, I knew I wanted it to be different from my first child. I gave birth to my son 13 days late after every kind of induction you could think of, and had an epidural. Although there were no problems I knew I wanted to have this baby at home.
Early on in my pregnancy I started listening to the pregnancy relaxation cd and I began to feel more positive towards my daughter's birth. My midwife and my GP were both supportive when I asked about home birth.
I was hoping this baby would come early but my due date came and went and there was no sign of the baby, we tried every old wives tale in the book but no joy. At 40 weeks I was told if there was no movement by my next check I'd get a membrane sweep to help things along. 41 weeks and still no baby!
The doctor was happy to let me go to +12 days as long as I was monitored from +10. She also agreed to do a sweep for me as I was now booked in for induction. After the sweep she told me that she thought I’d probably have to be induced as my cervix was still quite firm and long. This was Friday afternoon and Carl and I went home feeling as though the baby might never make an appearance. I was desperate for her to come before Monday as home birth is not an option if you're more than ten days late. I spent hours sitting on my birth ball and praying for divine intervention. It worked!
Shortly after one am on Sunday morning I woke up feeling contractions. I got up and decided to time them, they were fairly regular every ten mins or so but not strong. I sat on the ball watching terrible TV and feeling quite excited that things would soon be happening. I felt calm and used breathing form the cd to help me as the contractions improved. About half five I went for a bath and then was able to have a little nap.
At eight I called into delivery suite and by half past a lovely midwife called Carol had arrived. When she examined me I was 6-7 cms and "stretchy" (!) I was still finding the best way of coping with the pain to be walking about, and while Carl made the tea, Carol called for another midwife as she didn't think it would be too long. Anne Louise arrived and before I knew it I felt ready to push. The support of Carl and Carol was really helping me focus now (although I did ask if we could take a break and finish after lunch). Kneeling at the side of my bed I felt my waters bulging out and Carol broke them. Two pushes and three minutes later our daughter was born and placed straight into my arms. It was incredible, everything we had hoped for. I honestly believe that it wouldn't have been possible without the fantastic support of Carl, carol and the groundwork laid by your cds. Thank you!
Sophie Pryor
Home Birth
1st baby
“I have become evangelical about the most wonderful, amazing, enjoyable birth.
Our first baby was born at home, in just two hours (yes, really) with no pain relief. The midwife arrived 5 minutes before Lola was born and at no point were either myself or my husband frightened. Its was just a very powerful energy that seemed to take over my body and she came sliding out with ease, causing me no tears. Twenty minutes later all three of us were lying on our bed, starring at each other in awe. Six weeks on, she is the calmest, most relaxed of babes and has now slept through the night several times. She feeds well and is a total joy to her besotted parent.
Thank you for making her birth such a miracle!”
Naomi Shooter
Home Birth
1st Baby
“I felt reluctant to tell people I was considering a homebirth – especially with my 1st baby – because I had received so many negative stories from family, friends + colleagues about how hard + painful the experience was going to be. I knew that I had to really believe I could di it if I had any hope of birthing my baby at home. I bought the cd because, aside from my antenatal yoga class, it was the only proactive + positive thing I could do in preparation. It was money well spent, heading up to the birth, it was my time to relax, enjoy the waiting and anticipation and to erase any negativity or apprehension. I had a wonderful, overwhelming positive birth experience and I’m sure that my mindset and relaxation and visualising techniques as promoted by the cd played an important part. I have lent my cd to my pregnant sister in law so impressed am I by the product – thanks”
Tracy Swan
Home Birth
1st Baby
“The birth was a wonderful experience which ended quite unexpectedly at home. I had originally requested a home birth, but the decided to stay at home as long as possible during labour, and go to hospital for the final stages in the water pool. I really wanted to give birth without any conventional pain relief – that was the main aim.
I went into he first stages of labour (first signs) at 3am on Sat 25th Feb, and carried on as normal with mild contractions few + far between until 1pm the following afternoon. Contractions were then about hourly. Was continuously on the birth ball in the lounge + using TENS when contractions came. By the late evening I was still managing well, and contractions were more often phoned the hospital to see when I should go in, they said it was too early by the sound of things, and told me I would know when it was time.
Carried on walking about and by this time laying in the bath was very helpful. Had to concentrate a lot by the early hours of he next morning and my husband was a great help reminding me to focus on my deep breathing and relaxing and visualising like I’d practised on the CD. When I managed to do this the pain went down and I got ready for the next contraction. It was useful to know the longest one would only last a minute and it would be a step nearer to meeting our baby (like the CD told me). Contractions were getting stronger and by about 3am I was swaying around to the birth music CD which was helping a lot. My husband decided to try to have a short sleep as he was expecting to drive us to the hospital in the next few hours. After a while I was now feeling a very strong urge to push down. Waters broke on the toilet and I called the hospital again. They said immediately they would send the midwife and paramedic around as soon as possible. Waiting for them to arrive was the hardest as I was trying not to push until they arrived. The midwife said she could feel our baby’s head as soon as she checked and I had an hour of pushing sitting up in bed, where I experienced no pain whatsoever.
Our baby girl Ayla was born at 6.45am, the paramedics stayed to watch, but weren’t needed everyone commented on how calm + happy I was during the birth and the hospital hadn’t realized at what labour stage I was at because, they said I didn’t sound like someone in labour!! No stitches were needed by the way. The midwife + health visitors were very surprised at my birth and I mentioned it was mainly down to the fact the CD had helped so much.
Thanks again for enabling me to have a great birth!”
Pippa Gribben
Home
2nd Baby
“I only wish I had known about your CD for the birth of my first baby. Evie was born in hospital in April 2004 and I found the whole experience very stressful and felt out of control. I found the pain unbearable, I was repeatedly vomiting during contractions and eventually agreed to an epidural + then a ventouse delivery + episiotomy!
Roslind’s birth at home could not have been more different. I had been nervous about a home birth but your CD gave me belief + confidence. I felt relaxed at the start of labour and as the intensity grew, I had such a strong sense of focus and control. I kept repeating key parts of your CD to myself, particularly the idea of my cervix opening up. This worked so well that I did not even need to push Rosie out – she just gradually descended down the birth canal and I had just one gentle push for her head to emerge. My husband said that whereas he felt he was really coaching me through my first birth, with my second he knew I was in a totally controlled space and he barely said anything as he felt he would have been interrupting! Since my birth, I have lent the CD to 2 other mums to be and they also found it fantastic.
Thank you for helping me have a very positive birth experience”
Ellie Piper
Home Birth
“Can I just say thank you for your help in achieving a positive birth experience.
My first labour had been quite upsetting and I was dreading doing it again. Although cynical I decided to try hypnotherapy as I knew I needed to change some deep-seated fears which simply talking, reading or thinking about could not tackle.
I thought I would be terrified when my labour pains started up but amazed myself by keeping very calm and positive, looking forward to each one as a sign that the baby was coming.
I was able to use visualisation and breathing to manage 4 hours or so of contractions. I called the midwife when they were 3-4 minutes apart however when she arrived neither she nor I were particularly convinced that my labour was established as I was still very calm, talking normally between contractions and managing the pain by breathing and walking around.
We were both surprised when she examined me to find that I was 8cm dilated. Soon afterwards I started to feel pressure in my pelvis. It was a rush to get enough water in the pool. As soon as I got in I got the urge to push.
A short, panicky transition phase was the only time I lost control. However, within 3 or 4 contractions my son was born. In every way my body felt a million times better and less traumatised than after my first birth.
Whereas my first birth caused traumatic ‘flashbacks’ for months, the second was a positive experience which I enjoy thinking about. I was amazed not to need pain relief – I kept waiting for the unimaginable pain to start and it never did!
I recommended the CDs to a friend who also had a very positive second birth after a traumatic and frightening first.”
Charlene Paris
Home Birth
1st Baby
When I first discovered I was pregnant I knew instantly that I wanted a homebirth! The fact that I felt so strongly about it shocked me as I'd never even considered it before that very moment. My partner is from Holland where it’s normal for women to deliver at home he was incredibly supportive of my decision. Most of my friends and family were very negative at first I think they were shocked at my decision but they came round to the idea after a while. I was also incredibly lucky to have the full support of my midwives who were all very enthusiastic about homebirths (Thank you to the Lark Midwife team in Bury St Edmunds Suffolk!!!!)
I read a lot of birth stories while I was pregnant and did a lot of research on natural childbirth and the physical process of giving birth. The more I understood the more confident I felt and after being inspired by Maggie Howell's birth story and ordering her natal hypnotherapy CD for homebirth any fears I felt towards giving birth completely disappeared (The woman is amazing I thoroughly recommend the CD!)
On the evening I turned 39 weeks my partner took me for a slap up 3 course meal I was having the odd twinge but I felt great we even went on to a bar afterwards so he could have a night cap.
At 2.30am I woke suddenly to a loud popping noise and sensation in my belly! It wasn't until I sat up that I realised that my waters had broken! I sprang out of bed which is a miracle in itself as I was so big and was dancing in the doorway (I didn't want to go into the hall as it was carpeted but the bedroom floor was wooden so fine to drip on!) I was yelling at my partner that my waters had broken. He too sprang out of bed and proceeded to nearly faint as we'd left the heating on by mistake it was very hot and he'd got up too quick not to mention the fact that he'd finished a bottle of wine only a couple of hours previously!
I had an over whelming urge to create somewhere comfy and safe just in case I didn't like the pool and prepared a 'nest' downstairs out of a mattress from a satellite chair and pillows sheets and cushions all propped up against the couch it really did look like a nest! My contractions started at 3am. We were back up in the bedroom at this point talking and I was telling J when one started and one ended and practising my breathing & visualisations through them so I'd be a dab hand when the contractions got stronger they were merely dull cramping sensations at this stage. J applied my TENS machine and I was shocked to hear that each contraction had been coming every 2 minutes and had lasted for 1 minute since the very first one. I really had no concept of this and thought I'd only experienced one or two contractions. As they were so bearable (thanks to the self hypnosis I think) I was convinced that I was having all of these contractions but they were non productive because the baby was posterior and the contractions appeared to be mild. I called the delivery suite at 3.30am to let them know what was happening. My favourite midwife Jeanette who'd actually done our booking appointment appeared at the door at 4.30am 2 hours after my waters broke.
The contractions were still coming for 1 minute every 2 minutes but I was chatting through them and walking around the house up and down the stairs to try and help things progress. They were still bearable but getting stronger the breathing really helped and I felt totally in control. The midwife filled in some of her notes and after a while took my blood pressure. It was up to over a hundred and she couldn't measure my protein levels because my waters had gone and I was having a bit of light bleeding so my urine would have appeared full of protein. She told me not to worry and she'd check it again in a short while and we'd take it from there. At about 5am-ish they really picked up but with the help of my TENS machine and breathing I was coping well but had started to make moaning noises during contractions. The midwife decided to check my dilation.
I told her if I was only 1cm I didn't want to know. As I still did not appear to be in not too much pain we all thought I was in early labour and that she would be handing over in a couple of hours. The examination took a while as she was trying to see what position the baby was in. She said well the good news is that your 7-8cms dilated (2 1/2 hours after my waters broke) I never asked what position the baby was in I assumed that's what the bad news was. I thought 'Oh my God its really happening there's nothing I can do to stop this' the realisation was a bit of a shock I stood up (I couldn't bear to be sitting) and really hit transition. In an instant the force of the contractions ripped through my body and for the first time small thoughts of self doubt began to creep in. Up until this point I'd only uses my TENS machine for pain relief and we had lavender oil in the oil burner to keep me calm. (For some reason it started to smell like TCP to me Labour does strange things to your sense of smell!) I asked if I could try the Entonox. The midwife told J he had to hurry up and finish filling the pool but I knew there was no time for that so he ran me a bath with lavender instead. By the time he came downstairs to get me I was pushing involuntarily (this was only 5 minutes after she'd checked my dilation). She told me not to push just to breathe and relax through the sensations as I wasn't ready yet. I went upstairs with J so I could have the bath. But when we got into the bathroom I was still really pushy. The midwife appeared with the gas and air and passed it to me. I sucked hard on it to try and stop myself from pushing I was bellowing like a strange animal so J shut the windows so as not too wake up the whole street!! I also recall that it was really stormy and thunder was roaring all around the house. My midwife told me I'd better come back downstairs but I got all pathetic and was sobbing that I really wanted to get in the bath. She went to call her backup and told me to get in then. As I was about to get in my body really started pushing violently and I was yelling that I couldn't stop it in-between telling J that I wasn't going to do this anymore I'd changed my mind and the baby could stay where it was. J shouted to the midwife that I was really pushing. I was told under no certain terms that I had to come downstairs as the bathroom was too small to deliver the baby in. I marched down the stairs butt naked in between contractions in front of our glass front door and window (lucky it was really early in the morning not that I cared anyway). I really felt like the baby was going to fall out en route. I knelt down on my nest leaning over the sofa while the midwife checked me. She said OK Charlie your ready to push...well you don't say! I think all in all I probably pushed for about 20 minutes I was saying 'Help me' and that I just wanted it to end but a little voice from the self hypnosis cd was going round in my head and I think I held it together a lot better than I would have with out it!!! She checked my BP in-between contractions which were up to 190/135!!!!!!! Dangerously high! In the kneeling position I was in she couldn't get the babies heart rate so I turned round and sat propped up with pillows and the sofa on my nest. I'd bought a foetal monitor that you listen to through head phones when your pregnant I used it all the time and found it great for bonding but it meant I really knew the sound and rhythm of my baby’s heart and could tell instantly that it had decelerated quite a lot.
I panicked and really threw myself into pushing and getting this baby out. J was sitting on the sofa behind me holding my hand pulling it back as I pulled it forward while I pushed. I found having something to pull against really helpful with the pushing. The 2nd midwife arrive and I greeted her saying I don't usually meet people for the first time while I'm in the buff! Jeanette said I can see lots of dark hair and I thought she was lying because I couldn't feel the burning I expected just lots of pressure. J was telling me I was a natural and I was telling him to F Off!! Soon the babies head was born and his body followed very quickly. He was born face up as he never turned while I was in labour I think I coped with a posterior labour as well as I did because of Maggie's CD. He passed some meconium just as he was born but scored an APGAR of 10 at 1 minute old!
He was put straight onto my chest and I just couldn't believe that my beautiful baby boy was here! I didn't cry straight away as I thought I would it all happened so quickly that I was in shock. Finn Marcel Louis Raemakers was born at 05.58am 3 hours and 28 minutes after I went into labour. I couldn't take my eyes off him and after a few minutes the tears came. I fell in love! (Plus I didn't need any stitches so I was thoroughly chuffed) I had originally planned to deliver in water with J in the pool beside me. He was going to catch Finn and pass him straight to me which all seemed very romantic but I wouldn't change how it happened for the world. Finn breastfed well straight away it was like he'd done it a million times before! I think feeding your baby for the first time is as exhilarating as meeting him for the first time nothing can compare to that bonding experience! I'm planning on feeding him myself until he's at least one. In the end I was transferred to hospital 4 hours after he was born because my blood pressure wouldn't come down and the midwife couldn't stay with me all day It was great that she'd let me stay home for so long in the hope that my BP would come down though!
I got the birth I'd dreamed of! I delivered my amazing little man at home naturally and he was healthy that’s all that really matters!
I have also sent this story to www.homebirth.org but have included some pictures of just after the birth on there. I would be happy to send these to you as well. Thank you so much Maggie for the positive affect you had on my birth experience and for helping me to enjoy my pregnancy without any fear of giving birth hanging over me.
Sara Simon
Home birth
“Relaxation is a rare privilege when you already have one child! I enjoyed the time to myself and getting rid of tension in my body – and the English female voice.”
Tracy Swan
Home Birth
“The birth was a wonderful experience which ended quite unexpectedly at home. I had originally requested a home birth but then decided to stay at home as long as possible during labour, and go to hospital for the final stages in the water pool. I really wanted to give birth without any conventional pain relief – that was the main aim.
I went into the first stages of labour (first signs) at 3am on Sat 25th Feb and carried on as normal with mild contractions few and far between until 1pm the following afternoon. Contractions were then about hourly – I was continuously on the birth ball in the lounge and using the tens when contractions came. By the late evening I was still managing well and contractions were more often. I phoned the hospital to see when I should go in and they said it was too early by the sound of things and told me I would know when it was time.
I carried on walking about and by this time laying in the bath was very helpful. Had to concentrate a lot by the early hours of the morning and my husband was a great help at reminding me to focus on my deep breathing and relaxing and visualising like I’d practised with the CD. When I managed to do this, the pain went down and I got ready for the next contraction. It was useful to know the longest one would only last a minute and it would be a step closer to meeting our baby (like the CD told me). Contractions were getting stronger and by about 3am I was swaying around to the birth music CD which was helping a lot.
My husband decided to try and have a short sleep as he was expecting to drive us to the hospital in the next few hours. After a while I was now feeling a very strong urge to push down, my waters broke on the toilet and I called the hospital again. They said immediately they would send the midwife and paramedic around as soon as possible. Waiting for them to arrive was the hardest as I was trying not to push until they arrived. The midwife said she could feel our baby’s head as soon as she checked and I had an hour of pushing sitting up in bed, where I experienced no pain whatsoever. Our baby girl Ayla was born at 6.45am. The paramedics stayed to watch, but weren’t needed – everyone commented on how calm and happy I was during the birth and hospital hadn’t realised at what labour stage I was at because they said I didn’t sound like someone in labour!! (no stitches were needed by the way).
The midwife and health visitors were very surprised at my birth and I mentioned it was mainly down to the fact that the CD had helped so much. Thanks again for enabling me to have a great birth!!”
Sophie Verhagen
Home birth, Homerton, London
“It was a good way of focussing before the birth. My baby turned posterior during labour and I also used the CD then to distract myself. I liked the image of the beach and I found the voice ok to listen to – not too ‘hippy dippy’!”
Sara Simon
Jenny Eastwood
Home
“I started having VERY mild contractions every 5 mins for about 10 hours. At around 4.30pm the contractions became slightly stronger and I phoned the midwife at about 5pm – she asked how often the pains were coming which was still about 5 mins apart – she said she would be about an hour.
My husband delivered the baby at 5.45pm – traumatic for him but quite nice for me."
The CDs definitely helped me to keep calm and I now recommend them to everyone.”
Sarah Oakley-Mudge
At home/water birth
“My birth was wonderful – exactly as I wanted. Everything went really smoothly, 12 hours duration, no tears, felt in control whole time. The CDs helped me feel like I was taking control of my birth preparation - Thank you!”
Lucy Hartwright
Birth place – At home
The CDs helped me have such a sense of deep relaxation, reassurance and confidence that my body had an innate ability to cope well with birth. I felt extremely refreshed after listening to the CDs.
I wasn’t sure if I had taken in the messages as I often felt as if I’d fallen asleep. Also I wasn’t sure how the relaxation technique would work with an active labour – but it did! Having my baby at home meant I was totally relaxed. She was eventually born in the bath and the warm water definitely helped me to relax.
Zoe Percy - 1st time mother
Home Birth
"My waters broke at 2 am followed by a show at 9am. A I was three weeks early I did not really think I was in labour. However at 12.30 it was like flicking a switch and my contractions came 2 mins apart. I did not feel scared or out of control, just like there was a job to be done and I needed to get on with it, my husband says it was like I was in a world of my own, totally focused. The midwives arrived at 1pm and the next 3 hours whizzed by. Calmly and really peacefully our beautiful violet came into our lives at 4 pm!! She was perfect !! 3. 5 hours (which seemed like an hour) and dare, I say it was a very enjoyable birth! I was able to focus all my energy into giving birth naturally and confidently. Thank you !!"
Alexandra Carter - 1st time mother
Home Birth
"I am writing this as, I'm desperate to tell you about Freddies birth! Labour was 7 hours long! I had a bit of tummy ache the day before with the show, but hardly noticeable- and then a glass of champagne on Valentine's Day with my husband before going to bed. The next morning at 5.50 my waters broke and contractions started straight away. The midwife arrived at about 8:30 and was very surprised to find I was 8 1/2 cm dilated, and at 12:43 Freddie was born. The midwives couldn't believe how calm I was. I don't take any credit for this as I'm not at all brave normally, but they were very surprised that it was my first baby as I seemed "so calm and so in control."
The midwives invented a time for the start of labour as midnight since they didn't believe it could have happened so quickly from 6 am to 8:30, but they still couldn't believe I'd slept through the rest of the dilation during the night. I knew it would help me as I'd been at my sister's birth 4 years ago, and been quite traumatised by it, but I had no idea Natal Hypnotherapy would add up to such a feeling of being able to cope with it, being unafraid, and being able to control the intensity of the contractions with the dial- when the midwives arrived I was chanting- 5,5,5, 4,4,3,2,1... & apparently I was smiling all the way through it.
I really never could have imagined an easier birth! If anyone wants to know, I just keep extolling the virtues of hypnosis. Amazing."
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