A positive induction: Arnie’s birth story

Elisa: Arnie ended up being 13 days overdue, it felt like a hard waiting game. I decided to be induced on Day 12. We definitely had some apprehension but having been through it all, we’re keen to share our story and hopefully ease some worries because actually, it’s been a very positive experience.

On the day of my induction, I went to the hospital early in the morning and was then able to go home. It was really lovely being with George and in our own space, so that was definitely a positive.

Four hours later, I was back at hospital and four centimetres dilated. Things went from nought to a hundred pretty quickly.

George: It was a really relaxed setting. They had strung fairy lights around the walls. You could turn most of the lights down and it was quite dim and cosy. Those sorts of things really help change the atmosphere as it can otherwise feel quite clinical.

Aleesha our midwife that night was with us almost the whole time and her calm and good vibes did an equal amount for the atmosphere. Not having people in and out all night, just having her quietly with us working away and making conversation and being really chilled was what held it all together and gave us a calm atmosphere (and of course my clear-headed support…) 

Arnie arrived at 1.59am after a relatively straightforward labour. Elisa found the gas and air a big help but was also really focused on her breathing.

Hypnobirthing helped us prepare mentally for it all. Elisa’s breathing was really incredible throughout the birth, that’s what did a lot of the work. Hypnobirthing helped us create a positive mindset and also particularly given the situation it helps you focus your mind on what’s important, the things that you can control. We’re not saying it was pain-free but it really did help centre us and think okay this is happening now and helped Elisa breathe through the surges. 

The Happy Parents. Happy Baby. course provided a really balanced viewpoint of so many aspects of pregnancy and labour and everything that comes after that. Our friend had done another course and said there were so many things that just weren’t explained. It was so helpful having Will the obstetric doctor and having the midwife and all the other experts to cover all sides of things. It gave a really good insight and made things not as daunting and scary. Things like actually seeing a pair of forceps before they might be on the table in front of you makes sense. But actually a key thing for us was the focus on our mental wellbeing during pregnancy, during labour and postnatally – such an important thing to discuss and make a good point of which is a huge part of the course.

We used hypnobirthing during labour and the breastfeeding expert was amazing and we’ve since had a follow up with her. All of it has come in to play. Obviously also meeting everyone on the course and going through the whole course with them.

It’s often considered such a female experience – pregnancy, labour and all the postnatal stuff. But actually having the mixed group on the course and what’s app groups makes sure everyone’s involved and in it together.