Due to my own history, working with mothers exploring VBAC births (vaginal birth after caesarean) is a total soft spot for me. Hypnomum Kristy-Lee was such an inspiring student that I wanted to quickly pick her brain to shed light on how the Hypnobirthing Australia program can support a VBAC or special circumstance journey. Read our Q&A below: How were you feeling about attempting a vbac before enrolling in the Hypnobirthing Australia course?
I was determined to have a VBAC before we even fell pregnant with our second child. I had researched so much and chose an amazing care provider. As much as I knew this is what I wanted I still had doubt in my mind that I could achieve it. Right from the get go I spoke with my OB about my birth wishes however it wasn’t until I completed the hypnobirth course that I was 100% confident I would achieve my positive birth. It gave me the tools and confidence to really control my birth path.
What did you find most helpful about the class?
I am not sure that I can narrow down the one thing that was most helpful about the class so I will list a few: A positive birth – Prior to completing the class I was convinced a positive birth for me was a natural VBAC. Jennifer opened my eyes and changed my mindset to a ‘positive birth’. I can 100% say that a positive birth for me could have very well been a second caesarean or a medicated VBAC. The work I did leading up to my birth was so positive and I felt like I was completely involved in the process.
Partner Engagement – After completing the class my fiancé said to me ‘Every couple should take this course’. He openly admitted that he would have had no idea what to do or how he could support me without the hypnobirth course. It gave him the confidence and tools to really advocate for me while I was in labour. He did light touch massage through nearly my entire labour, he set up the room perfectly and most importantly he felt so involved in the whole process.
Hypnobirth Tracks – These tracks were my life leading up to my induction. I would listen to a track every night in bed. I would also play the affirmation track twice a day while I expressed colostrum, it was the perfect length for the amount of time I wished to express for.
In a nutshell, how would you describe your birth?
My birth was incredible. It was the most healing and empowering thing I have done in my entire life. I went in to the hospital calm and excited for my induction. My waters were broken sometime after 7am and my beautiful baby boy was born at 10:15am. It was fast and intense but I was in awe of my body. I imagined I would have a calm quite birth however I roared my boy into the world in an out of body experience and I would do it again tomorrow.
Do you have any advice for other mums seeking a VBAC or dealing with special circumstances?
Trust your body, trust your instincts and do your homework. Do the course and learn how you can be an advocate for yourself, for your body and your baby. B.R.A.I.N is life, we used this through our entire pregnancy. Most importantly you can and you will have a positive birth if you do the hypnobirth course.