An incredible birth!

Meet our daughter Marnie born on 30th August at 3:36pm in RBWH birth centre weighing 3.66kg. We are both doing well and came home today.

I had an incredible birthing experience and I am so grateful to you for the skills and advice you gave us during our Private Couple Session.

I was induced at 40+12 after I tried everything to get labour started naturally. I had been 3cm dilated for nearly 3 weeks. My knee injury improved a lot by then and I could bend it very well. I was very worried about induction and upset I couldn't use the pool. Waters broken but didn't start contractions so I ended up with syntocin drip very gradually increased. Labour started at 11am and I coped really well with the contractions using candle blowing breathing and a tens machine and leaning over the bed swaying hips. It started getting a bit more intense and I was happy to be checked and shocked to find out I was 9cm dilated after 3 hours. I got into the shower with Sam and quickly got to 10cm.

Pushing started initially standing at side of bed holding Sam's arms, progressed to birthing stool with Sam behind me and finally onto bed side lying to deliver. No gas/air or pain medication needed. A small internal tear with 2 sutures and that was it. I was very vocal throughout and it seemed to help when I made the noises. I used very deep candle blowing breaths and I had amazing guidance from my midwife Lyn and Sam. All lasted 4.5 hours.

I am so grateful to you for your knowledge and experience. I remembered our classes on the day and had an incredible birthing experience with no trauma, something I didn't think was possible. I can't thank you enough for what you have enabled me to do. I still can't believe I was able to have the birth I wanted and an absolutely incredible experience.