A positive fast labour: Maia’s birth story
How was your pregnancy?
Jenny: I really enjoyed pregnancy and found it very easy.
How was your birth and how did Happy Parents. Happy Baby. support you with this?
Eamonn: The birth was an amazing experience. Because of what we had learnt on the course, we approached labour feeling prepared for any eventuality that birth might bring.
We were very fortunate that the labour was relatively quick. During the afternoon Jenny had felt some stirrings, however by midnight contractions started to ramp up. We called the hospital, who advised us to wait at home a little longer – however after an hour Jenny really felt that it was time to go in. Even though the midwife had managed our expectations on the phone that there was a chance we would be sent home, on arrival Jenny was in fact 5cm dilated! From that initial examination, it was then only four and a half hours and then Maia was born! Using what we had been taught in the Happy Parents. Happy Baby Hypnobirthing Masterclass Jenny had really tried to stay active and mobile as much as possible during her labour and her waters actually broke in a real movie-style fashion whilst bouncing on a birthing ball! Alongside gas and air she also found that her breathing technique was extremely helpful in terms of managing her contractions. I was watching on in awe; my role of cheerleader was an easy one as Jenny was just so incredible.
How did you feel the moment you first saw your baby?
Jenny: It was totally overwhelming – I cried and could not believe that we had made her, it was such an amazing and incredible feeling.
Eamonn: My tough guy image went out the window and I definitely cried! I had a total sense of wonder. Maia’s birth was joyous!
How did you find the first days with your baby and what knowledge could you apply from the Happy Parents. Happy Baby. course?
Jenny: Whilst in the hospital I had lots of great support from the midwife in terms of establishing breastfeeding, she was really helpful. I felt really well looked after.
At home, I’m really following my instincts.
Eamonn: We’ve both been peed on! However we’re picking stuff up pretty quickly.
Would you recommend Happy Parents. Happy Baby. to a friend and why?
Eamonn: Yes definitely, 100%. We learnt so much. The WhatsApp group is also brilliant, it’s so nice to know there is a bunch of other people who are going through the same things as us. We’re really happy to share all of our learnings with the rest of the group.
Top Tips
1) It’s the best thing ever
2) Forget your routines initially, but just roll with it
3) The poo is not that bad at all
4) Mums – trust your body, your midwife and yourself – between the three of you, you will nail it
5) Birth Partners – Cheerlead, reassure and listen to the midwife. Be ready for anything!
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.
