A positive natural delivery: Evelyn’s birth story
My pregnancy overall was fairly easy. I had a quite a lot of scans in the beginning due to concerns about my cervical size as I had previous Lletz procedures - however, I was discharged at 24 weeks. We also experienced reduced movements throughout my pregnancy, which were explored with a CTG and apart from that, it was all fine. I used the HPHB Instagram throughout my whole pregnancy taking part in pregnancy yoga and lots of the live discussions such as sleep advice, maternity leave advice etc. I also did some of the hypnobirthing sessions before bed, which were great.
In terms of the birth, considering it was my first baby, it all went so quickly. I had tummy cramps all day and night the day before but nothing unbearable. Then the next morning they were still there and I started having some slight tightenings. I went into the DAU to be checked over because of constant pains and they confirmed I was 2cm dilated, which I couldn't believe. When I got home my waters broke immediately and my contractions were then every minute and a half. I called the labour line and went straight back to hospital - I was now 4cm.
Then suddenly it was pushing time and she came 3 hours later. Due to how quick it was I only had time to have gas and air and diamorphine. Even though the birth was a whirlwind I felt completely prepared due to the HPHB course. My husband was extremely helpful and did everything he was advised to do on the course, which was fantastic. The HPHB video on what to pack in your hospital bag was incredible and I had all the resources for every eventuality in relation to the birth.
When Evelyn arrived the pain all suddenly stopped and I instantly felt calm and in love. I couldn’t believe that this beautiful girl was growing inside of me - everything was just perfect.
The first days with Evelyn were great. We used the swaddling technique that Francesca taught us on the course, which was fantastic. Also, the tip about ensuring to pull the wings out of the side of the nappy was invaluable and saved us from a lot of mess a many times!
I would definitely recommend HPHB to friends as the information I learnt on the course really helped prepare me for every eventuality. I was a little nervous with what was to come but the course gave so much fantastic information thatI felt completely prepared. What was most impressive was the number of professionals involved, including an obstetrician, paediatrician and midwife, which other courses do not provide – this was the main reason we chose HPHB. I am so glad in the obstetrics session that we were shown vontouse and forceps as if I would have needed these in my birth I would have freaked out seeing them for the first time in the birth situation. Every session was excellent.
Top Tips:
Don’t dwell on your birth plan. I wanted a water birth however when the time came it couldn’t happen. It is good to think about it but don’t obsess over it.
Pack a reusable straw! My mouth was so dry and a straw would have been really useful.
