Baby James, 10 lb

"I went into labour around 3 am, but wasn't sure at the time. When I woke in the morning around 8 am I figured they were contractions and I was excited. I started my hypnobirthing track and fell asleep until I woke around 10.30am. I got up to take a shower and my waters broke! 

We got to hospital around 12.30pm and my contractions were strong and getting close together. I couldn't really rest in between, although I was only 3cm! The birthing unit was quiet and we were the only family in there at the time. I got into the pool and used gas and air and listened to Natal Hypnotherapy CD. I was out of it mentally, in another place, and the time passed so fast. I have to say that over that 2 hrs is where the hypnotherapy really helped, but I came to and sort of 'woke up' and the pain got too much for me. I became very aware of it no matter what I did. I was also irritated by the water at that point, plus exhausted. 

My rule (my birth plan) was absolutely no epidural, so the midwife recommended pethidine as I hadn’t progressed much in 5 hrs and was exhausted! I had the shot, got out of the pool and laid down. I woke about 2 hrs later when it wore off, and felt the urge to push! The midwife came in and checked me and I was 10cm! James was born 2 hrs later at 10lbs! I definitely couldn't have done it without the hypnobirthing, and the coaching and Dominic and I received from you really prepared us. I would do the labour all over again, but having a newborn is hard work!"

---