Welcome Zara Iris Vimpany 
Mitch and I welcomed our gorgeous little Zara into the world at 02:01 on 10.01.2025, weighing in at a tiny 2.6kg 
At exactly 40 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, which meant that an induction was necessary for the health and safety of both myself and baby.
This was not what I had in mind when I drafted my ‘ideal’ birth plan. After the balloon dilater was removed on the morning of the 9th, I was 1cm dilated. My midwife started me on the Syntocinon drip and slowly increased the rate, meaning the intensity was also growing. At 8pm, after 9 hours of labour and contractions, I was 3cm dilated. I then laboured for another 4 hours, only to discover that I was still just 3cm dilated. At this point, both myself and baby were exhausted and it was no longer safe to continue.
A quick decision was made by all to head up to theatre for an emergency c-section. The anaesthetist administered a spinal anaesthetic, which felt AMAZING after labouring for 13 hours with no pain relief. We finally met our beautiful Zara. Mitch and I found Calmbirth so helpful and informative leading up to birth.
The course provided a relaxed and open space to talk about all things birth. Most importantly for us, it gave us the tools to manage and accept an alternative birth plan. Although we had to divert from our ideal birth, we felt empowered by the knowledge that was provided to us throughout the course.
The Calmbirth breathing techniques was by far the most beneficial take away from the course during the end of my labour. Oh, and Cherie’s baking! 
We would wholeheartedly recommend Calmbirth to expectant parents, and we feel so grateful that we had the opportunity to attend.
Lisa + Mitch
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. There is no failure in birth, just different birth journeys.