First Hypnobirth - Arrived at Hospital at 10cm
Rebecca shares her GentleBirth story.
I didn't discover your app until maybe 7 or 8 months pregnant, so I wondered if it was too late to make a difference. I had downloaded a few different pregnancy/hypnobirthing/mindfulness apps and nothing had really stuck. Your one however was perfect! I found the playlists so relaxing, and the different lengths meant I could always find one to fit into any little moment I had to sit and chill.
The breathing one - breathing in for 4 and out for 5 - was the one that got me through the early stages of labour. I walked around the house in the early hours, doing the breathing, and didn't bother waking my partner as it was such early stages. As contractions got closer I called the hospital but we decided I still had a way to go so I just ran a bath and sat in it, doing the breathing. And then when I got out my waters broke! We rushed to hospital where it turned out that I was 10cm dilated and the baby was coming!
I still can't believe I got to that point in such a calm way, the pain was completely manageable at home. I was so calm at the hospital that they assumed I was in very early stages so it was a shock to us all when I was examined!
I know everyone experiences things differently, and the pushing stage was a different story, but I really feel that all the practicing with the app helped me. I felt calm and in control at every stage, even when things went a bit off plan in the hospital. I just heard Tracy's soothing voice and everything was fine. Labor was not at all as scary as I imagined it would be - I would do it again :)
The main thing I want to share is how helpful this app was even after the birth. My baby is 10months old now and I still listen to the playlists when things get tough and I need to revisit that place of calm. The 'baby bliss' affirmations in the Postpartum Journey helped so much as a new mom.
Bring on the coping with a toddler playlist soon please!
(This photo was taken in the postpartum ward the day after).