Positive Induction Story

This was the birth of my 2nd baby.

We was called in for induction at 38 weeks, due to having gestational diabetes and the baby measuring big.

I was apprehensive about the induction as I had heard stories regarding the intensity of pain. 

Two days prior to the induction I was offered a membrane sweep. I found the breathing techniques really useful in relaxing for the examination/sweep.

We arrived at hospital at 10:30am on Saturday 22nd April . The first dose of prostagland gel was given at 11am. Again I used the centred breathing technique to help me relax for the insertion.

We needed a further 2 doses before my cervix was within reach so my waters could be broken (there has to be at least 6 hours between doses). The 3rd dose was given at 1pm on Sunday 23rd April. Following this dose the contractions started. I used the centred breath at resting and the Climbing breath through my contractions both learnt at Daisy. I stayed mobile using the exercise ball, and kept changing positions also learnt at Daisy- these help me manage the pain and control when I needed resting.

At 7pm on Sunday I was assessed and my cervix was 3cm dilated and they were able to reach and break my waters. Following this I had to remain on the bed for 1 hour for them to monitor myself and the baby to make sure there was no distress. The contractions intensified quickly, and there were little breaks in between. I found not being able to be mobile really difficult when dealing with the contractions. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t learnt the techniques with Daisy. They kept me focused and calm. 

At 8pm, I was moved up to the delivery ward. Unfortunately, I was told that I would need to remain on the bed for delivery as I needed to be continuously monitored. At this point the pain was incredibly intense, so I requested gas and air. I started on the gas and air, but I wasn’t coping well with the pain. I requested an epidural. In my mind, I thought if I was at 3cm an hour ago and my contractions are this intense, I don’t know how I would manage the further 7cm to fully dilated. 

They began to set up the epidural. 

I then had the urge to push. I went along with the urges to push. There was no time to get the epidural set up. The gas and air was making me feel very unresponsive and unfocused so I disregarded this. Now I had the urge to push, I refocused and used the OUT breath learnt at Daisy. 

I successfully birthed my baby girl at 9:01pm. She was delivered back to back.

I was so proud that I managed to use the techniques learnt to fully dilate and at delivery. 

I could not have completed my birthing journey without the knowledge I learnt during my Daisy Birthing Class.

The understanding of how the body works during birth, and the breathing techniques and positions were invaluable.

I would and will encourage any expecting mother to attend such a class. Even for second time Mums.