My name is Kate Waithe and I live with my husband, Darren and two sons, Reuben and Toby in Hazel Grove, Cheshire.I used hypnobirthing techniques during the labours of both of my boys, Reuben was born in the birth centre at Stepping Hill and Toby was a planned home birth. Below are some details of my first birth. Click here to see a vlog of my home birth. 

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My husband was very keen to join me for the classes, he really understood the simple reasonings behind hypnobirthing and the benefits it would provide. We began to understand that giving birth is a completely natural act, one which a woman's body is designed to do. It is our society that has instilled fear into the process of childbirth and it is this that needs to be undone before we can truly relax whilst giving birth.

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From the very first session of the hypnobirthing course, we felt so excited for the birth, I was not scared at all! As I was overdue, I was desperate for labour to begin so I could put the teachings into practice. A feeling that I really didn't think I'd have!

 

I committed wholeheartdly to the hypnobirthing ethos and worked hard to have a calm, empowering birth - you have to remember that it is your story to own - one you will never forget - it is truly special!

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I used accupressure massage to bring on my contractions, which worked well as I was 9 days overdue and booked in for an induction. My surges started half an hour after doing the simple hand massages, I was so glad as I wanted my birth to start naturally if possible. We worked through the surges together, controlling each one as it came. My husband was so in sync with them he knew after around 20 deep breaths I was through the surge - without having to ask him, he knew I needed quiet reflection and support to get through each one - afterwards he'd say we're one step closer to meeting our baby, his positive reassurance really helped me work through the contractions.

 

I listened to my body and knew when the surges were becoming more intense it was time to go to the hospital for the final time! (I had previously been into hospital twice, once to see 'where I was up to' and another time as I thought my waters had broken - they hadn't - it is quite confusing the first time you have a baby, I feel next time I will better understand my body and the intensity of the surges).

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In the final stages of my labour, I went into the birth pool. I had gas and air and felt extremely calm throughout this stage. I think I was more relaxed as I finally knew that I would stay here to have the baby, and all I needed to concentrate on was the baby and giving birth.

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I did not 'push' the baby at all, I breathed him down through every contraction. I know this part does seem unbelieveable, as before understanding hypnobirthing, you imagine the whole pushing/straining section of birth that is shown on television/one born every minute etc. However, it really was true, I never strained, pushed, (or swore, which I was pretty proud of!). This active part of my labour took around 4 hours, I think it was so quick because I really focused and let my body flow. We had the River Dawn hypnobirthing music on throughout, which helped to keep us both relaxed! Towards the very end of the downward stage of birth, I came out of the pool and on to the hospital bed. I lay on my side and Reuben came out after the last surge  - again no pushing! Reuben was put straight on my chest to get lots of lovely skin-to-skin time and we waited 5 minutes before Darren cut the cord. I felt so happy, ecstatic, I was crying I couldn't believe we'd done it, together, the biggest journey we'd ever been on - I will never forget that feeling or that moment - it was the best experience of our lives!

 

I truly felt that I was in control throughout the birth of our son. I really don't think I would have felt this way had I not practiced hypnobirthing. Positive thought should not be underestimated, it is such a powerful thing, one which has inspired me to teach hypnobirthing to others.

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