A positive vaginal labour: Dali’s birth story
In the weeks leading up to Dali’s birth, Luke and I were feeling extremely anxious about the potential impact that Covid-19 might have on our birth experience. We were checking the news regularly and being very strict in terms of following the guidelines. Focussing on the hypnobirthing techniques that we had learnt on the course and regularly listening to the relaxations really helped to manage some of that anxiety.
My waters broke on Saturday evening, we’d had a really lovely day and had been for a big walk. My waters really did ‘burst’ which we both found really funny. After contacting the hospital they asked us to pop in to get checked out and arranged an appointment for us, 24 hours later, in case things didn’t kick off. Back at home, I started to experience some mild contractions – we decided that Luke should go to bed and bank some sleep. The following day we had a really chilled time; we set the home up to feel nice and relaxed and did lots of laughing whilst I bounced on my birthing ball. As my contractions increased in intensity I started using breathing techniques to manage them.
By about 8.30pm we made our way to the hospital. Initially, whilst I was being assessed, Luke was not allowed to enter the ward. I was examined and told that I was 1cm dilated but that also ketones had been detected in my urine and as a result I would need to be admitted and monitored on the labour ward – this meant that I would not be able to use a birth pool. It was suddenly starting to feel that things were slipping away from our birth preferences; especially when the obstetrician wanted to induce me, as we were approaching the 24 hours from when more waters had broken.
Because of what we had learnt on the HPHB course we knew that we had some time to think about the decision regarding the induction; it really had been very low down on our birth preferences. The doctor was supportive of this and agreed that we had 3 hours before an induction would be necessary.
Even though we had a bit of a deadline, our priority was to do as much possible to really get things going. I really went into the zone, popped on my lavender diffuser and focussed on my breathing; Luke also found the breathing techniques really useful, it definitely helped him to stay calm.
Our midwife was amazing and gave us the privacy we needed to create a calm atmosphere.
Contractions were continuing to increase and after another examination I was amazingly now 8cm! Half an hour before the induction deadline. An hour or so later I started felt the urge to push and after 15 minutes Dali was born!!!
Our midwife was so lovely, she said she was due her break and would take some time to fill out our paperwork which meant we were able to have 5 lovely hours just the three of us…it was magical. We all had lots of skin to skin and I started breastfeeding.
Dali required 12 hours of observations and so at about 9.30am we were moved to the maternity ward, which was when Luke was asked to leave the hospital. Even though this was tough and felt quite strange to say goodbye he was able to go home, get organised and get some rest – which on reflection was a positive thing. He says that coming to pick us up from the hospital was one of the most exciting moments of his life.
In terms of having a newborn during this lockdown period, it has been really tough for our families that we haven’t been able to introduce them to Dali, however what this time has allowed us to do is really focus on our family and having that privacy has really helped with establishing breastfeeding.
The Happy Parents Happy Baby course has helped us in so many practical ways to prepare for having Dali, however what really was so valuable was feeling empowered by doctors and midwives to have the confidence to really own our birth experience; we knew that we were in a position to ask questions which helped us feel in control. They hypnobirthing masterclass was also great; the breathing techniques that we learnt were so helpful in keeping us calm. And we’re still really engaged with the course now – the information on the Instagram channel is great, we went on the live this week to remind ourselves how to putt the sling on!
Tips for parents about to have their babies:
Really check your news sources regarding Covid-19 and make sure they are reliable and not sensationalist
Seek out positive birth stories
Shut down negativity
Tips for surviving the 4th trimester:
Having a portable changing kit so you can change the baby wherever you are in the home
Inco sheets! We learnt about these on the course and they have been a lifesaver for those explosive nappies!
You can read lots more Positive Birth Stories here. We have positive birth stories from all types of births, including homebirths, water births, induction of labour, instrumental deliveries and Caesarean section births.
Download our free birth plan template and other resources for your pregnancy here.
Find out more about our antenatal and hypnobirthing classes in London, Essex and online and book your place here.
Access free hypnobirthing relaxations and videos to support you through your pregnancy on our Instagram TV page here.
