The caesarean was a beautiful experience because I had a back up birth plan just in case.

I had big plans for an unmediated water birth at the FBC but found out I had gestational diabetes and was told I would only be able to birth there up until 40+4 and then after that I would be transferred up to the main hospital. Like most first time mums I assumed I would go early but that was definitely not the case 😂

41 weeks rolled around and my midwife sent me for CTG monitoring and an ultrasound. I saw the worst OB at the hospital that told me I was having a HUGE baby that was going to be at least 4.5kg and cause 4th degree tearing and shoulder dystocia and I had to book in for an induction or c section for later in the week.

Thank god for everything Renee had educated me on throughout Hypnobirthing because I knew enough that if me or bub were actually in danger they wouldn’t have “booked” a c section or induction they would’ve done something straight away! I politely said I’m going home to think about my options.

I was so calm on the way home and I just knew that I would go into spontaneous labour. Sure enough midnight rolled around and contractions started… I couldn’t bloody believe it I was FINALLY having the spontaneous labour I had wanted all along. I laboured at home for about 15 hours and then headed to the hospital.

I got to the hospital they put a CTG on to check bub and everything was fine, I was 5cm dilated so was sent through to the birthing suite where my midwife met me. I continued to labour there for another 10 hours unmedicated. I used all my Hypnobirthing tools, breathing, music, light touch, combs, TENS machine, hot shower etc. I was severely dehydrated from all the vomiting so they put me on some fluids. My Midwife did a vaginal exam and I was an 8cm but she couldn’t feel bubs head at all.

I laboured for another 5 hours and was checked again and still no head. I was knackered by this point as the only comfortable position I found was on my feet. They offered to start me on the synthetic oxytocin drip and epidural which I declined but they were getting concerned about me and bub labouring for much longer when she wasn’t in position.

Baby was posterior and just wasn’t coming through my pelvis so I had a caesarean. The caesarean was a beautiful experience because I had a back up birth plan just in case. They played my music in theatre I had immediate skin to skin, delayed cord clamping and bub didn’t leave my side.

Bub arrived at 41+3 weighing 3.9kg, 48cm long and absolutely perfect 

All in all I was super happy with how everything turned out and very grateful for all the tools and education I had learnt through Hypnobirthing! Couldn’t have done it without you Renee 😌 thank you for all your ongoing support