My Hypnobirthing Journey is so special

My hypnobirthing journey is so special because within 18 months I birthed two absolutely beautiful little boys.

Each birth was completely unique, but both were guided by the hypnobirthing philosophies so here is my journey.

It really began a good 6 years before I even became pregnant; whilst I was watching the show ‘One Born Every Minute’ and had the media driven image of birth completely shattered, seeing the beautiful yet confronting realities of birth, as the birthing mother was so calm, quiet and peaceful as she brought her baby into the world.

Hubby and I are both from New Zealand with no family over here, and he works FIFO, so I knew I wanted a Doula for continuity of care and to support us both plus baby, and while I researched Doula’s one of my besties recommended the absolutely sensational Vicki Hobbs who also guides you in hypnobirthing.

We decided that due to hubby’s work schedule to skip all hospital based birthing classes, which seemed so medically / interventional focussed anyway, and instead opted for a private Hypnobirthing class with Vicki.

This was absolutely fantastic and I in particular felt well informed and empowered about my ideal birth preferences – a drug free water birth at the Family Birthing Centre.

As both my mother and Nana went to 42 weeks’ gestation, I was fully prepared and expecting to have a longer gestation both times.

With my first-born Hunter I went to 41+3 and was strong in not being pushed or bullied into an induction despite a horrible doctors’ attempt. In fact, after another attempt of trying to get me to induce (for no reason other than being ‘overdue’) and me kicking off at them after a long day in hospital, I was sent out to dinner, so hubby and I could relax and discuss our options – during which I promptly went into spontaneous labour, the powers of relaxing huh!!

Going back to the hospital I think I was just so relieved not to be induced – I basically forgot everything else, despite my birthing preferences clearly stating I did not want my waters broken, any synthetic oxytocin or constant belt monitoring, but these all happened, and I don’t even recall giving permission.

Despite all this, with the lights off / down low I found I was able to breathe through my surges, repeat my affirmations like an internal mantra and find relief in the shower water. I was even calm enough to use my manners when whispering for water from hubby, which the student midwife found both entertaining and baffling!

Vicki was absolutely astounding in her care, support and dedication to us with her using acupressure points, rebozo techniques and verbal support, she even managed to turn bub last minute from posterior position, which released a lot of tension in my back.

After a long but also quick night the doctors began hurrying me along – baby was low down and they were having trouble picking up his or distinguishing both our heart rates.

Thankfully I was 10cms as otherwise they wanted a c-section, however they began instructing me to push instead of allowing me to bear down when I felt the need. I never got this feeling and pushed as instructed but needed an episiotomy to assist my son to come out.

I also didn’t get my wish for optimal delayed cord clamping and felt unwell for the first few hours post birth from the synthetic oxytocin. But my son was absolutely perfect, and I was proud that I still had a calm and peaceful birth without any pain relief drug, gas or oxygen … in fact I even had the student midwife asking if it even hurt at all as I was so calm and quiet.

My second birth with Lincoln I went to 38+5 with a spontaneous labour at home. My early labour lasted 2 days, however I firmly believe that I was mentally blocking my labour whilst I waited for my Mum to arrive from NZ to care for my oldest son.

We had thought we’d have time to catch up and spend some time together for a few weeks but after a delayed flight she got to our house at 5pm, and we left for hospital at 1am.

Over those two days I had countless showers, went in the first night to be assessed at 3cm and was sent home as my surges then stopped, and I managed to sleep most of the second day.

The night my mum arrived I truly relaxed and she gave me a wonderful massage. I had a hot shower and lay in bed listening to a fear release session Vicki had recorded for me – almost immediately my surges increased dramatically (again the power of relaxing and releasing), however I didn’t feel ready to head to hospital but at 1am I grew impatient, so again we headed off to the hospital for the second time.

This time as soon as we parked, I could barely take 10 steps without having to stop and lean against the wall. Fortunately, my CMP midwife came in straight after I called her instead of waiting for hospital staff to examine me because as soon as I got on the examination table my waters broke and she had to very quickly but calmly get me to a birthing suite.

I was in the shower 5 minutes before she asked if I was pushing. I wasn’t exactly sure but apparently, I was because she asked me to come stand by the bed … this time I definitely felt the urge to bear down and with the guidance of my midwife I was able to slowly bear down with purpose and control as needed and lift my second son up to my arms, somehow managing to keep upright despite crazy jelly legs.

It all happened so quickly that unfortunately Vicki missed his birth but once again provided outstanding holistic care and support from the moment she arrived not long after the birth.

Although I never got my water birth, I am so proud of myself for emanating the calm and peaceful birth of the mother on ‘One Born Every Minute’ so long ago and the incredible Hypnobirthing mothers we watched in preparation for our births, as well as having two natural, drug / gas / oxygen and pain relief free births.

I am proud of my husband Andrew’s love, strength, commitment and support, and our family of 4 is forever grateful to the role our wonderful Doula Vicki played in guiding and supporting us and her hypnobirthing teachings.

Tammy & Andrew
Perth, Western Australia
2019

My name is Vicki Hobbs, and I am a Childbirth Educator (Back to Basics Birthing), Hypnobirthing Practitioner, Certified VBAC Educator, Remedial Massage Therapist specialising in Pregnancy & Postpartum Massage, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Placenta Encapsulator, Hypnotherapist, Aromatherapist, Reiki Practitioner and Life Coach. I am a serial workshopper and learner, so that I keep up to date with new research and information so that I can provide you with up-to-date resources. My focus has always been on the mind, the body and the emotions and how they all need to be in balance for harmony. You can subscribe to my newsletter by adding your details in the box on the right-hand side and when you do, I will send you a free relaxation meditation to help you feel calm and relaxed. I am based in the northern suburbs of Perth and can be contacted by email at [email protected] or go back to my Blog Page for more great articles and information.