02/08/2022
Birth Paths -
The thing about a birth plan is - it can, does, and lots of times it will change. No matter how hard we prepare sometimes there are uncontrollable circumstances that affect our wants and desires - and we have no control over them.
One thing I learned as a HypnoBirthing practitioner is to always teach my parents about how the tools and techniques learned during the course not only help to bring your preferences to reality, but how they also help you to navigate the unexpected and changes that may occur.
I was going to have the perfect HypnoBirthing experience with my son. He was going to be born into a world of calm and positivity on or after his estimated due. There would be no drugs, no talk of pain, no speak of interventions or augmentation. It would be bliss, it would be perfect… in fact, at 30 weeks, I had decided I was going to leave my hospital birth behind and go to a birth center. I was no longer going to see an OB, I found a midwife.
And so - a day before my scheduled appointment with the birth center and midwife, at 31 weeks, while clipping into my bike for spin class - my water broke.
That was the end of my sublime birth plan.
But, HypnoBirthing helped - it kept me level, allowed me to navigate through decisions in a calm manner, and I truly believe it is those skills I learned that assisted me in staying rested and positive and allowed me to keep my little boy growing on the inside for another 3 weeks.
And then, at 34 weeks, I was able to leverage my skills to navigate through an induction, an experience that was not terribly peaceful, not drug free, not free from augmentation, not free of monitors, not what I wanted.
HypnoBirthing is the reason I could cope, the reason I was happy with my birth - however unplanned the circumstances were.
Whatever path you choose, whatever education you settle on - know that your mind is powerful, you have the strength, and you are already an amazing parent, because you care.