At 33 weeks pregnant with our second child, my husband and I attended calm birth classes with Cherie. The classes were very welcoming and covered so much.
At my 39.5 week appointment I opted for a stretch and sweep. With no signs of labour, together with my amazing doctor we made the plan to induce me on the following Monday if baby hadn’t arrived by then. This was a positive decision for me as it gave me a sense of control over something.
With baby still not here, we went in to the hospital Sunday night to be assessed. To my surprise I was 3cm dilated and not requiring any medication so we headed home and returned at 7.30 Monday morning.
Overnight I felt some minor cramping, but nothing regular or painful.
As soon as we arrived in the room we set up our music and the calming essential oils.
At 8.20am I had my waters broken and then opted to wait a few hours to see if I started contracting on my own before starting the oxytocin drip.
Contractions started almost straight away. By 9.30 the contractions had intensified and it was at this point that we really focussed on the breathing techniques we had learnt and staying upright and mobilising around the room. The contractions only built in intensity and we continued to use heat packs and the breathing techniques.
At 1030 the contractions were extremely strong and the feeling of pressure increasing with each one. We called my doctor back and started using the gas while still focusing on breathing. I decided to be assessed to know where I was at and I was 6cm.
At this point I requested an epidural even though in the back of my head I think I knew I may not get it as things were happening quickly.
I then started to kneel on the bed and felt even more pressure. By 11am I had an uncontrollable urge to push with each contraction, and our beautiful baby boy Albie was born at 1129 on 14/4/25 weighing 3.7kg.
I am so grateful for all we learned in the calm birth class with Cherie. I think that the breathing techniques were the most beneficial for me. They helped to keep me focussed and in a sense of control. I am also thankful for the amazing skill and kindness of our doctor and midwife who were so supportive.
I highly recommend calm birth classes even if it’s not your first birth, and I am so thankful we were able to attend.
Lauren & Ryan