Suki Fyrin born at nambour hospital on 27 jan 2016

When my husband and I fell pregnant at the beginning of 2015, I began fervently researching VBAC – Vaginal Birth After Caesarean. My first-born was an emergency caesarean and I felt maybe that situation could have been avoided, had I been better prepared. I joked to my sister that she gets the perfect births – her response was that I needed to change my mindset.

Those kind intentioned words stung me, as deep down I knew I was full of fear, doubt and negativity… but I was also determined to have a non-surgical birth. In my research, I discovered that having a doula present throughout labour and birth increased the likelihood of a successful VBAC.

My husband and I agreed to invest in having a doula, pregnancy yoga and doing the 5-week Hypnobirthing course with Carrie at Joymamma. 
Both Hypnobirthing and our doulas played invaluable roles in the success of our VBAC. It was truly a transformative experience that prepared us for birth: mentally, physically and emotionally. 
The Hypnobirthing course was invaluable to both Luke and me, as we felt empowered with knowledge, support and tools to equip us for a smooth and easy birth.  It was truly a transformative experience that prepared us for birth: mentally, physically and emotionally.

​I practised daily the relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, visualisations and positive birth affirmations learned in class. Luke also practised the soft touch massage which was amazing both in pregnancy and during labour to help me relax.

On Australia Day (January 26), I woke up with surges. I went about my day wondering if they would progress into active labour. As they did advance, I was able to begin doing all the things we'd been practicing without hesitation – they came naturally to me. ​
The Hypnobirthing course was invaluable to both Luke and me, as we felt empowered with knowledge, support and tools to equip us for a smooth and easy birth.  ​
Carrie was unable to attend our birth but her back-up doula Bron was there (we love them both so much – we didn’t know it at the time, but Bron is also a birth photographer, and we were surprised and blessed with amazing images of Suki's birth). Despite going against much of the hospital’s policies and routine procedures regarding a VBAC birth, we had a very supportive midwife who respected our birthing preferences and our desire to practice Hypnobirthing. I mostly laboured in the shower and focused on breathing and staying relaxed. On January 27th, 2016 our precious baby girl, Suki Fyrin, was born smoothly and easily. Both Hypnobirthing and our doulas played invaluable roles in the success of our VBAC. Bron offered tremendous support to both Luke and I. Bron and Luke worked seamlessly to support me. They were my strength when I felt weak and tired, the reassuring voice when I started to doubt and the comfort I needed when things were intense.  Bron was calm, confident and advocated our preferences, whilst building rapport with hospital staff. Together, Bron and Luke created a safe environment for me where I could focus on my breathing and give myself over completely to the birth journey; allowing my body and baby to do what they were designed. Six hours after arriving at the birth suite Suki was born; no drugs required, no vaginal exams or constant monitoring. Suki's entrance into the world was marked with peace, strength, synergy and loads of love. May those things stay with her always.

Ps. The hospital staff discussed sending us to the maternity ward – or even home – as they thought I didn't look in enough 'pain' and therefore not as far along as hoped. Bron explained to the midwife that Hypnobirthing mothers often are further along than they appear. She was right.

​Rebekah
Six hours after arriving at the birth suite Suki was born; no drugs required, no vaginal exams or constant monitoring. Suki's entrance into the world was marked with peace, strength, synergy and loads of love. May those things stay with her always.