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Lindsay's Birth

I wanted to post my hypnobirth story. This was my 3rd pregnancy, and
I was induced at 39 weeks, 1 day b/c I was GBS+ and my 2nd delivery
was very fast.

My first birth was very long and not at all what I hoped or expected
it would be. We hired a doula for my second birth, and it was a
wonderful experience, but I still ended up getting an epidural--I
think largely because of the fears I hadn't overcome from my first
birth.

For this third birth, my doula recommended Hypnobabies, and I started
doing the home course at about 31 weeks. To be very honest, I was
quite skeptical. I consider myself an infinitely pragmatic person,
and I had a really hard time getting my head around the "no
discomfort" theory given my prior two births. But, I religiously
listened to the CDs every night. If nothing else, I got wonderful
sleep those last few months.

I was glad to be induced because the controlled nature of that
setting makes me more comfortable. Plus, I was able to arrange child
care for my other two (ages 4 and 2.5). I was 2 cm and soft upon
going in. They started Pitocin at 9. My water started to leak on its
own around 11. At 11:58, I was 4-5 cm.

I used the birthing ball, and while I wasn't able to listen to my CDs
(I found them way too slow and felt like I needed a faster pace), I
kept reminding myself with each "pressure wave" that I was just
feeling pressure. I repeated "open, open, open" in my mind with each
one. I also reminded myself to keep my face and arms limp and loose.
I was extremely comfortable. I couldn't believe how well it was
working.

The rest of my water broke around 12:30 or so, and things got more
intense from there. I did very, very well, staying calm, limp, loose,
and relaxed...up until the last 20 mins or so. I have to be honest--I
panicked! I had an unbelievable urge to push, and I was still only 7-
8 cm. My OB helped me by pushing my cervix back for those last
2 "pressure waves" and gave me the go ahead to push. Pushing, which
is historically the absolute worst part for me, lasted ONE MINUTE! I
pushed her out in one continuous, powerful push.

It was amazing. Except for those 20 mins of panic, I felt absolutely
wonderful, calm, and comfortable. And, even during those 20 mins, I
was able to use my affirmations to get through it.

Lindsay Jane was born at 2:01 pm on 6/20/07 (my parents' 37th wedding
anniversary). She was 7 lb, 7 oz and 19 inches tall. She's in great
health, and she's nursing beautifully.

I will say that this is the easiest and happiest recovery I've ever
had. I attribute that largely to the unmedicated birth, and I
attribute my ability to go without medication to Hypnobabies and my
wonderful doula.

Consider this skeptic convinced. ;)

Thanks!

Hollie