I am currently expecting my second child, I am a hypnobirthing practitioner (as well as an account manager for an education supply agency) and I want to share with you my positive induction birth story I had with my first and rainbow baby 4.5 years ago.
I fell pregnant after 2 miscarriages (1 at 9 weeks and an MMC at 12 weeks) and I was full of anxiety. I fell into a slightly higher risk category as had a BMI of over 30. My whole pregnancy was overshadowed with fear and doubt and also care professionals banging on about my weight – I am very healthy, had negative GTTs and continued to swim, cycle and walk 8 miles a day until I was 9 months pregnant.
As the weeks wore on leading up to my EDD, my BP started to remain on the higher side of normal. As my EDD came and went, talk started of induction. I made sure I fully understood the various processes of induction. I asked my consultant my options at my 40 week appointment. She suggested some membrane sweeps, as she was still happy my BP was not too much of a concern at this stage. For me, this was ok and the lightest touch (as a hypnobirthing practitioner I know I am meant to discourage any form of hands on approach to induce labour, but for me weighing up the risks of my BP raising and also protein starting to be present – I felt it was right for me, as I really didnt want to end up with a section). I had 4 sweeps in the community, the last one being at 41 + 5 by the consultant. I felt reassured at my last sweep as she described me as favourable (again, I know when having a sweep and woman can be discouraged if they are told they are not favourable or their cervix is high etc- but again, it was right for me). Nevertheless, at that appointment, I also allowed them to book me for an induction at 42 weeks.
That night I thought things were happening as I experienced some cramping and a little show. However, I ended up going into hospital for my scheduled induction on 8th January 2014. I was excited as I knew I would meet my baby within 24 hours. During my birth preparation time, I remained active, used all my hypnobirthing tools, did all the ‘bring on labour’ tricks too. When I was examined, I explained I would like the most gentle approach to induction first. The midwife explained she could insert some gel onto my cervix and see what happens, before considering pessary etc. I was happy with this. I allowed the gel to be administered and within an hour was experiencing what they call ‘prostin pains’. For me, there was noticeable cramping, like period pains. I popped on my TENS machine in preparation. I was advised not to go home as BP had spiked and now I had 3 ++ of protein in my urine – so I was happy to labour in hospital where I could be safely monitored. I specified I would like to be by a window, have a birthing ball and not to be disturbed unless necessary (using my hypnoborthing skills and knowledge).
It really kicked off and I laboured well, bouncing on my ball, supported by husband all the time. I felt so strong and powerful during my labour and have to say I really enjoyed it. After a while I knew I was in ‘established’ labour, so just carried on doing what I was doing, with no need for gas and air or other intervention, other than the TENS machine, breathing technique and support of my husband.
At about 8pm, I noticed I was feeling different sensations and a lot more pressure. But I was still calm and rocking my labour – so therefore it took a lot of persuasion from my husband to insist to the midwife that I felt like it might be time soon. She (eventually) came to see me and upon quick examination and a chat with me, decided we ought to quickly make our way across to labour suite – turns out I was 9cm (but they really didn’t believe me at first). We entered labour suite and I hopped on the bed on all 4s as I felt that transition stage (some people describe it as the burning ring). At 8:56 my girl was born, as I was on my hands and knees supported by my husband. I felt her descend and the fetal ejection reflex. I didn’t experience a need to push and I am fortunate to not have torn.
My labour was recorded as 5 hours (obviously that is from established labour at around 5cm).
I do feel that even though I was induced, as gently as it was, my commitment to be active and use hypnobirthing techniques, meant I entered into the induction process with confidence and knowledge, which ultimately helped the induction to be successful.
An induction doesn’t mean an intense painful labour – you still need to prepare and use techniques during labour to get everything going.
I really enjoyed my labour and as much I am even higher risk this time (for various reasons) if I had to be induced again, I would not fear it: I would work with it!
Go for it ladies.
Thank you so much, Suzanne, for sharing your story with us. We wish you the best of luck in your second labour and hope the experience is as positive as your first, do let us know how it goes!
{If you have a positive induction story you’d like to share, you can do so by clicking here}
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