Theo’s birth
I first noticed surges at 4pm shortly after my 40 week midwife appointment. I had experienced some Braxton Hicks the few days prior and didn't think this was any different so carried on with my day as normal, taking my son to the library and preparing dinner as I usually would.
At about 6pm my husband noticed that the surges were only 3 minutes apart and that was when I realised I must be in early labour. In between surges I read my son bedtime stories knowing that this may well be the last time we would be a family of 3.
From 6:30pm to 10pm I felt a softness to the labour that I hadn't experienced with my first birth. Stina had showed me a video of a Hawaiian birth from the documentary 'Birth As We Know It' and I had really resonated with how Amber had experienced birthing. During this time I felt extremely connected to my baby and to the power of nature. With every surge I actively surrendered and softened, allowing myself to become a part of the energy rather than its victim. It felt indescribably expansive. I listened to Native American ceremonial music and focused on a picture on the wall (I would recommend making something that guides and supports your journey).
During this time I internalised the motion of the spiral as mentioned in the Birth As You Know It documentary. When standing or sitting I kept moving my hips in a figure of eight. When things started to get more intense I would take a shower to let my muscles relax. Stina also did some light touch massage and suggested that I focus on these sensations between surges.
Finding the right noise to exhale through the surges (low and deep) helped me to move through the pain while not expending too much energy. By 1am I was almost fully dilated and just after the examination my waters broke. At this point Stina and the midwives led me to the birthing pool and when I got into its warm waters it really felt like a tiny moment of bliss. Bliss was dashed very shortly by strong urges to push and this was when I found my voice.
Baby was coming and quickly. I knew that it wouldn't be long so I made the most of the moments between the contractions to gather my strength. A few more pushes and baby Theo was in my arms….”