I always knew that I wanted a more natural birth, even before I was pregnant I knew. I don’t like hospitals and I’m a fairly private, reserved person so I didn’t want 109 people I didn’t know coming and going. It makes me uncomfortable doing anything new. So after my first appointment with a regular OB, I started looking around at my options.
I found Sweet Child birth and it felt perfect. After my initial tour and meeting with Kim I knew this was the place! I trust my gut for almost everything. The entire pregnancy was amazing, uncomplicated and long… very very long. All of the midwives were fantastic and really made me feel like it was MY birth and MY choices. The portal was always easy to use and answers came back fast.
I started reading Hypnobirthing books and blogs and decided that was the way I wanted to go, so I practiced my breathing and keeping calm. On February 17th, I left work with what I thought were Braxton Hicks. They continued all evening, but I managed to get a good night’s sleep. I had an appointment in the morning with Kitty, so when I woke up and was still having the cramps I wasn’t worried. Kitty checked my dilation; I was only 2cm. She let me know it could be today, but could also be another week.
Once we got home, I tried to rest but couldn’t get comfortable. A friend came over and we went walking. Two miles later, I knew these were definitely contractions. I emailed the portal and was told to get as much rest as I can and then see if they become more frequent. By 10 pm they had built in intensity and my husband encouraged me to call Kitty and let her know. We got to the center at 10.30pm. She checked me, 9.5cm dilated… we were ready to have a baby! I got back dressed (not sure why I bothered) to walk across the hall while Kitty ran the tub. One last chance to use the bathroom resulted in my waters breaking and the contractions doubling in intensity. I couldn’t believe it was finally happening.
I kept breathing and with the help of my husband and Kitty got into the tub, changed into my birthing dress and we were ready to push. It didn’t take long for her to arrive and it all felt very calm between pushes. Kitty coached me through the calm breathing while my husband told me how great I was doing and encouraged me the whole way. We were able to feel her coming out; very shocked to feel what turned out to be a full head of hair!! She made it out to her shoulders and then stopped, being underwater we let her wiggle for a few moments to reposition herself and come the rest of the way out. It was amazing. I could feel her shuffling around. Finally she made it out and we had our first real cuddles.
Once I passed the placenta, I had a little more bleeding than we expected; but Kitty and Maureen were so calm in helping me out of the tub and to the bed, not panicking my husband when he saw all the blood…all while another mum had come in for her birth also. We had a beautiful hour of cuddles and checks with our gorgeous little girl. It was so peaceful afterwards. There was no commotion or constant machines, just us and our bonding time. I barely noticed her getting her first exams. I couldn’t have asked for a better birth. Walking in at 10.30, she came fast and was out by 11 pm. But it never felt rushed, and I felt ready and in control. A huge thank you to all the team for that!! 100% will be returning for future children. I can’t rate you all highly enough for everything through the entire pregnancy!
