My waters broke at 36 weeks- Ben and I were excited and a little anxious as Saul was not yet due for a month, so we phoned the birth centre and I was immediately transferred to the maternity ward. I remained in the hospital for 5 nights all the time feeling pressure from medical doctors to be induced. I didn’t want to go down this route as Saul was considered premature and I wanted to keep him in the womb- the best place for him I felt, and this view was also supported by some nurses including the special care nurse that I spoke to. At this stage I was very upset at the prospect of having to be induced and also unable to leave the hospital environment. 3 days prior to Saul’s arrival I had begun to experience `sporadic labour' so my surges were around 10 minutes apart for all this time. This is when the HypnoBirthing techniques proved a godsend!! I was able to sleep through surges and get enough rest to keep going. By the 5th day I agreed to an induction although I was already on my way (5cms dilated). Saul was born 8 hours later. I found the breathing exercises got me through, that along with the love & support of Ben who prompted me on several occasions. I did not need any pain relief/ gas etc. throughout the whole process and am so pleased that I was able to have a natural birth in the end with a very healthy baby boy 7pounds 7ounces . Saul fed straight away and we bonded immediately.
Jane