The third time, everything I’d hoped for was waiting for me

My surges started gently through the day, by 2am they were 3 minutes apart, so that we were able make our way to the hospital. My husband asked the midwife to get the birthing pool ready. We journeyed half an hour to the MLU, I wore my eye mask and noise cancelling headphones. My surges continued as we entered the hospital.

However, as soon as the midwife opened the door, the energy shifted. She was very loud and chatty, although she was handed my birthing plan and notes, we were put in a room with bright lights and told that the birthing pool was currently in use and that we would have to wait (during our MLU tour they informed us there were 2 pools, plus 1 in hospital).

In this situation, I was able to use my breathing techniques and visualisation to stay calm. But unfortunately by the time the midwife returned my surges had slowed and they sent us home. This whole scenario happened twice with the same midwife the following evening.

Although what was happening was difficult to process, my husband and Nancy’a support kept me going.

On my third and final time to the hospital I was sent to triage, from that moment the whole experience was everything I’d wished for.

My midwife was so gentle and supportive, they helped me to the MLU where the warm pool was waiting for us. The hypnobirthing audio played around the room, the lights were warm and low. I was able to find my happy place, visualising things that I had practised before.

My husband stroked my hand and I knew everything was going to be ok. At 10:45pm that evening, my son was born. My husband and the midwives were truly amazing. Due to the hospitals’ rules, my husband was unable to stay with me and our son that night.

This did concern us, so the following afternoon we both insisted that we went home. I really do feel like Hypnobirthing has helped me so much during my pregnancy, during my son’s birth and after birth in my every day life.

I would highly recommend to anyone who is curious, it might just change your life!

I have informed the hospital of how wonderful their midwives were, but also voiced my concerns. Since then they have changed the rules, your birthing partner is now able to stay after birth if you wish.

Although I planned to birth my son at the MLU, if we ever do have another child, I will definitely consider a home birth.