Positive Birth Story: Hypnobirthing, Induction and Epidural
Becky and Mike share their story of bringing their beautiful daughter in to the world November 2022. This story is a perfect example of how hypnobirthing can be used for ANY birth! Becky was induced after her waters broke in the car at 39 weeks pregnant and opted for an Epidural. Both Becky and Mike feel the experience they had was the perfect one for them. Read the full story below!
I spontaneously went into labor Monday evening while we (ironically) driving to the hospital for a blood pressure check. My water broke when I was 15 minutes away. You can imagine the panic (and mess). It seemed like something out of a movie!
Mike was on the train home from work when I texted him to say that my water had broken in the car (No speaking on the phone allowed on the train🙄). Thanks to auto correct my message corrected to “My heater just broke in my car.” He called me a few minutes later and, when I answered panicking, he told me not to worry because we could get the heater in my car fixed😂. When he realized what I was trying to say, he got off the train, hopped in the car and headed to the hospital. A typical Mike and Becky communication breakdown, but something that we will laugh at forever!!
When I got to Labor and Delivery, I was very disappointed to learn that I was only 1cm dilated. I actually asked if I could leave and go home but they advised against it since my water had broken and being at risk of infection. After a few hours, I was only 2-3cm so was induced and received Pitocin. I wasn’t thrilled about this but did my best to keep an open mind. Showing up to the hospital at 1cm had really thrown me (and my birth plan!) off, but I reminded myself I needed to be flexible.
“Mike was a fantastic advocate and used the BRAIN acronym, asking the risks, benefits, and alternatives with every decision that was made. At one point, I heard him ask the doctor probably 8 questions in a row (the poor woman).“
We used so many strategies from your course during our 20 hour experience! Through the night, I watched Friends, ate my sweets (I got caught eating two times but the nurse was very nice about it.. lol), and received many massages from Mike. I frequently changed positions from the bed, to the floor, and on and off my ball.
At 8am, after a 4 hours of sleep, I woke up 8cm dilated. I was feeling so much better at this point. The sleep really saved me. The last 2 cms took longer than expected. I sent Mike down to the cafe for food and put my headphones back in and listened to my playlist. When the midwife came back in, I was 10 cms.
I really feel that between the playlist, the Up breathing, and keeping my eyes closed that I meditated my way to getting this baby out.
Pushing took another 2 hrs and was by far the hardest and most physically demanding thing I have ever done in my life, but the most incredible. We had our daughter, Maia Jo Rykaczewski, at 2:59pm on November 22nd, 2022.
Although it wasn’t the birth that I had planned for, it ended up being the perfect experience for me. I was supported by a great team of nurses and midwives who kept me feeling calm, safe, and positive. Because of your course, Mike and I both felt prepared and educated in the decision-making process. There were no major surprises about the birth process. I used the “up” breathing as a baseline for my breathing, and kept calm the entire time. The words “blood” or “screaming” did not cross my mind once.
Thank you again for an amazing course. You truly are an amazing instructor and your passion for hypnobirthing reflects in your practice. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone, whether they are planning for an unmediated birth or not. The material was so useful before, during, and after I received my epidural.
Mike found it very beneficial also. I actually heard him talking to his guy friends about it once we were home!! 😂
Lastly, we will never get over the timing of things!! It was safe to say the material was fresh in our minds as I went into labor the next day!!
Thank you for everything💓💓💓
Becky, Mike, and Maia
