Birth Story by Renae, Hypnobirthing Mum
“I am so thankful I did the hypnobirthing course and was able to use the techniques to remain calm through the ups and downs of my labour.”
Valencia and Elijah were born on 5 November, 16 minutes apart. Valencia weighed 5lb 15oz and Elijah weighed 5lb 5oz.
I created a calm and peaceful atmosphere by using Jasmine scent in the oil diffuser, playing hypnobirthing tracks and rainforest sounds, using led candles around the room with all lights off and requesting silence in the room.
I was pleased when I didn’t end up needing to be induced when I went in for my induction on Tuesday as I was already 3cm dilated and ready to have my water’s broken. I was sent home and asked to come back the next day as there was no room in the birth suite.
I returned Wednesday morning and had my water’s broken at 9.30am. I was immediately hooked up to CTG (on stomach and scalp clip on Valencia). I tried negotiating only having the CTG on for an hour then going off if all was well and no concerns. I also requested using the shower to help with the surges. I was told that due to the high risk with twins it was important I stay on the CTG the entire time and the scalp clip could not go on and off. I consented to go on CTG and remain on it.
They did not have the wireless CTG so I was not able to go in the shower. I used cold washers with peppermint on it around my neck in place of water relaxation (as I had hoped to use bath or shower). I tried walking around the room, swaying, anchor touch and acupressure as well as using the ball in different positions.
I tried to use the tools I had learnt through hypnobirthing to build my oxytocin levels but wasn’t successful, so after an hour they put me on the oxytocin drip. The surges started after this.
I requested an epidural as I could not bare the pain anymore. I felt like the reason I could not manage the surges and properly do the hypnobirthing techniques was due to all the machines I was hooked up to.
I used breathing techniques and birth affirmation track to calm me as I was becoming increasingly agitated.
I had an examination and had only reached 4cm after 6 hours of intense surges. I was so deflated and disappointed.
The epidural was administered and I no longer felt the surges allowing me time to rest and restore my energy.
I developed a temperature and couldn’t stop shaking. I was given antibiotics immediately, after consent provided as Elijah’s heart rate was decreasing and they were concerned the fever was from an infection and wanted to ensure the babies didn’t catch it.
I was so hungry throughout and was informed I could not eat as they were considering caesarean because of Elijah’s heart rate. Oxytocin was paused which meant a delay in the next examination. I did not end up eating until Thursday morning, over 24 hours without food and only being allowed ice chips throughout the labour. I had minimal energy by the time it came to pushing.
I was examined around 2am Thursday and had finally reached 10cm. The obstetrician spoke to me about going ahead with vaginal delivery and that I may require instrumental intervention. I told her that I was against this as well as a episiotomy. She advised me of the risks if I could not get the babies out myself and that it could result in the babies becoming distressed and needing an emergency caesarean. I felt that I needed to agree as I was worried about the babies safety. I agreed to vacuum as preference and forceps as a last resort. The obstetrician agreed to allow the delivery to be midwife led and only intervene if required.
There was around 15-20 people in the room when it came to pushing. It was chaotic and overwhelming. I used my breathing techniques and positive affirmation/mindset to concentrate on the babies over everything else going on.
The ward midwife and student midwife were absolutely amazing and I felt very safe and encouraged by them. It was great to have my mum and Matias there supporting me through it all.
I pushed for what seemed like ages, I was not able to get Valencia out so they did a vacuum. I held Valencia for a brief moment then she was taken as they needed to stimulate her.
A team of midwives then had to help hold Elijah in place externally so he would not go transverse. They did a scan to make sure he was still head down. I pushed for a while but had limited energy. They attempted vacuum but could not get it on his head so they then did forceps and episiotomy, resulting in 2nd degree tear.
Elijah was placed straight on my chest and Valencia was given back to me for skin to skin. They were then removed again and handed to matias as I started haemorrhaging. Every one rushed over trying to get the placentas out and stop the bleed. I was told I would need to go to theatre if they could not get it under control. Mum stayed up with me and helped me to stay calm. They managed to get it under control, I lost 1.5L of blood.
Valencia and Elijah were taken to special care nursery to be looked over and given antibiotics but thankfully they didn’t have to stay there.
I am so thankful I did the hypnobirthing course and was able to use the techniques to remain calm through the ups and downs of my labour. Although there were interventions used that I originally was so against, I am happy everything was explained thoroughly to me, my mum and Matias were great advocates and I was able to deliver vaginally. I am so glad my babies were born healthy with very minimal time in special care.
A huge thank you to Kate for being an amazing mentor. Matias and I are very grateful to have met you and learnt such valuable tools. Kate delivers the course in an inclusive, exciting and enjoyable manner – let’s just say it was not like sitting in a uni lecture.
Kate went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable and prepared for the birth – answering my many questions in the classes, always being available and responsive via email and doing a refresher in my home including the student midwife and my mum. I would strongly recommend hypnobirthing, not only did it equip Matias and I with the knowledge, tools and giving us both a sense of empowerment for labour and birth but it has given us the tools for managing stressful situations in everyday life.
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