Working Through the Changes

First Baby
2007 Newport Hospital, Triste Coloumbe, CNM

Hi Allison,

I hope this email finds you well! I just wanted to thank you again for all that you did for us. While I ultimately had to have a C section, the hypnobirthing techniques allowed me to endure (joyfully, for the most part!) 48 hours of natural labor. At the end of day two, however, I was still failing to progress past 6 cm and the baby's head was swelling from the pressure of banging on my stubborn cervix, and her heart rate was dropping every time I surged. The doctor said that the baby wasn't able to fit through my pelvis and, since my water had broken 48 hours prior, they decided a C section must be performed. All this at 9 days "overdue." While it wasn't my ideal birthing experience because of the C section, I don't know what I would have done without the hypnobirthing techniques. The nurses couldn't believe that I was handling the surges so calmly and peacefully and for such a long time. They kept asking if I was okay because they weren't used to women being calm and quiet during such prolonged intensity. When E was born, she was as alert as anything I had every seen! J stayed with her until they stitched me back up, and then, when he brought her to me, I placed her bare little body on my bare chest and she latched on immediately and began nursing like a pro. She knew exactly what to do! I feel like, even though I did have to have the C section, both she and I still benefited from the hypnobirthing. Her calm alertness was very similar to some of the babies we watched in the videos.

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you again for such a positive and productive experience. I think women should know that even if they have to have a C section, the benefits of hypnobirthing are still a wondrous many. I would recommend the class, and especially you, to anyone.

All the best, J