I went into labour spontaneously at home at around 2:30am. At that time, I was 40 + 4 (in the middle of summer!!) and feeling ready to meet my baby. I was so pleased to go into labour naturally, as I was starting to get nervous about having to be induced. I remember being so excited when I felt what I was sure was my first few contractions and opened the blinds in my room so I could watch the sun come up on the day I expected my baby to be born. Contractions started 10mins apart and I tried to relax as much as possible using the breathing techniques for relaxation between each contraction. I used a lot of breathing and swaying in the early stages and the contractions built to about 5mins apart by mid-morning. I felt confident, strong and excited labouring at home.

The midwives asked if I minded if my baby was born in the water. I said I didn’t really care where he was born. They were happy with that and said I had to get ready to meet my baby. The next contraction hit then while I was still kneeling over the edge of the bath. The midwife said to do whatever my body needed to do. They just asked me to open my legs wider to make room and keep my bottom down under the water. He was born in 5 minutes with maybe 3 pushes. No time for Lee to catch him as he shot forwards between my legs and I was able to bring him straight up out of the water onto my chest. Eamon was so calm and didn’t cry. He was just looking up at us.

The Obstetrician just made it in time as 11minutes of pushing later, our baby girl was in our arms.. I was thinking  “my vagina is huuuuge” while she was crowning like you taught us! What a magical moment to meet her! “

Thank you for providing an environment which develops and supports such belief in ourselves and our bodies, while also promoting physical strength and relaxation. I can honestly say my pregnancy and the birth were much easier for it.  How grateful I am for having had the opportunity to attend Yogababy’s pregnancy and active birth classes.

Going to hospital in established labour is recommended for first time, low risk pregnant mothers with spontaneous labours that have started at home. There is some great research that shows it is better to wait till you’re in established or active labour before going to hospital. You increase your risks of a Cesarean birth if you go into early. Attend a Active Birth Workshop with your partner to gain the confidence to stay home and manage labour and then go to hospital knowing you are in good established labour.

Yogababy and my amazing midwife gave me the skills, confidence and the determination to push through my labor when I was so scared that I couldn’t do it. The private Active Birth session my husband and I attended with Suzanne was so important too, as it gave my partner the knowledge and confidence to know what to expect and how to best support me through the different stages of labor.

When I was in labour I had a picture of a lotus flower on my mantelpiece.  I remember clearly looking into the centre of the flower during labour surges and seeing the petals flowing outwards.  My mind was transformed into another place as I imagined my cervix like the flower opening. 

I am thrilled to announce that yogababy will running an Aqua Yoga class for Pregnancy in Paddington on Tuesdays from January. Aqua Yoga classes are designed for you to maintain your health & fitness. Aqua Yoga helps relieve many of the discomforts of pregnancy and increases your energy levels in a supportive environment. The breathing and deep relaxation achieved in the water is a good preparation for Labour.

"Should I be induced at 39 weeks"? I get asked this question a lot in the yoga classes. Many women are being told that they will be induced at 39 weeks for a number of non-medical reasons. Read this article by Dr Sarah Buckley to understand more about the controversial research to induce at 39 weeks.
https://sarahbuckley.com/should-every-mother-be-induced-the-arrive-trial

Little Declan was born at 41 weeks on August 23rd after 27 hours of labor. He weighed 3.85 kg, was healthy and gorgeous (nooo, I'm not biased!) and latched immediately.

Suzanne gave a lecture and demonstration to yoga teachers at the Scientific Yog Centre in Latipur, Kathmandu. They were very interested to know about the safe yoga postures for pregnant women and the modifications that can be offered. The Caesarean rate in Kathmandu is 75% and the miscarriage rate is also high. There is a lot to be done within the community to promote health pregnancy and natural birth. Suzanne is now are contributor to the centre.

The Saraswati painting in almost completed. Heading into the 19th day of painting tomorrow. It has been an amazing journey through the spectrum of creativity. From excitement to doubt, to joy, to inadequacy, to tranquility, to hesitation, to rightness, to frustration, to love, to anxiety, to transition, to creation!!!

During the festive season of Darshain I was welcomed into a family home to experience the wonderful hospitality of Kathmandu. Families in Nepal are cross generational with Grandma’s next door, son’s of brother with sister-in-law and new born baby (only 7 days in this photo). In the family home there is mother and father, sisters and brothers.

The TENS machine is really good to start in early labour to help you relax and find a rhythm with your contractions.  When labour gets stronger and more regular you will probably find you will need other comfort measures like massage and shower/bath