Jessica’s Birth Story following a previous traumatic birth

The birth was amazing and we couldn’t have planned it any better. It’s amazing how a great birth has a positive effect on everyone. I’m still on a high and have not had any sad or emotional days (maybe because of my placenta pills).

My waters went at 6.50pm on Sunday; Rory was fantastic and helped to get my hospital notes and phone as I stood in the shower. Jason was at work so Jason’s mum came straight away. I started to get surges on the way to the hospital and by the time we got there at 8pm they were every 3/4 min. At this point I had a slight panic about where I would feel most safe. I was convinced to go to the Singleton unit and I’m so pleased I did. Hayley arrived and my surges really stepped up and I did ask for an epidural. Hayley suggested trying the pool and I agreed. By the time the pool was ready I had started to make different noises. They checked the good old purple line and I was fully dilated. From then on I was confident; in between surges I thought about meeting my baby and I knew my little girl knew what she was doing. I breathed her down and felt her turn. She was born at 9.24 that night. We delayed cord clamping and had skin to skin for a few hours before doing any checks. Hayley cut the cord and Jason arrived from work just as I delivered the placenta. Jason has a bond with her already which is lovely as it took a good few years for that to develop with Rory.

The student midwife thanked me for letting her watch and she said it was the calmest most controlled birth she had seen. They were all stunned that I breathed her out. Although I was not convinced that hypnobirthing would work for me I am so so pleased I gave it a go. I now have the memory of Rory’s birth, priceless! I was calm and well informed during my pregnancy. I did have odd moments of panic but I think without your help the whole pregnancy and labour would have all been a panic. I’m in a great place, able to cope with our new little bundle as well as juggle our mad family life. Because I’m fine I think it’s also made such a difference to Jason. Rory has been fantastic, he even asked his nanny if she wanted to have skin to skin with his little sister. He could not wait to get his top off when he first met her.

Thank you so so much. You have made such a difference to my life and my family’s. I wish you all the best with your studies and I will see you soon x x x

And then on New Year’s Eve, Jessica sent me this message:

“Happy new year Jacqueline! Thank you so much for being such a big part of my life in 2016, you will probably never realise what a difference you have made. You’ve helped me experience two wonderful births this year. I’m not out celebrating tonight but I’m exactly where I want to be, at home in my happy place.”

Lots of love x