remaining calm & confident when birth doesn't go to plan

When I first meet couples on their journey to birth, I always emphasise that every experience is unique and there is no template for this ancient and very delicate process. We know birth is unpredictable and is different for each woman. 

While I do spend time teaching you breathing techniques that will help you to relax to the point where you can quiet your mind, I do not attempt to teach you how to use your mind to keep your birthing on target. Just the opposite is true. I teach you how to keep your mind out of the way while birth happens to you.

Births don't always go to plan and even nature needs assistance sometimes. This is when the support and assistance from the medical team is crucial. Having the right balance between trusting the natural birthing process and having assistance when needed was exactly what Chloe and Michael needed to birth baby Harvey safely. 

When couples prepare well and stay calm and confident, their skills can be especially essential for decision making when birth doesn't go according to plan. 

Welcome earthside baby Harvey - I'm immensely proud of your parents and the way they worked together at your birth.

And thanks to Sam @laine_tribes for capturing Chloe and her natural beauty.

Harvey Thomas born at Nambour Hospital 19 march 2017

​Things went extremely well with first stage quickly completed in the bath in such a calm environment. A quick check from my midwife due to a change in the location of pressure being felt unfortunately identified that Harvey had made a complete turn from anterior to posterior and I needed to exit the bath and cease breathing him down.

After every effort to change his position and being granted 3 hours for my 2nd stage at my request as all was well with baby, Harvey's heart rate rapidly dropped and we needed to get him out as soon as possible to prevent a caesarean. Harvey was safely assisted into this world via vacuum.

Carrie and hypnobirthing meant that I was calm and confident in my decisions and the breathing techniques got me through without the need for any analgesia.

Hypnobirthing also prepared my husband so well. He clarified every decision and remained calm and supportive despite things not going to plan.

We are so in love with Harvey. Massive thank you to Carrie xx