Grace’s positive birth story
I was over the moon when I found out I was pregnant but alongside the excitement came feelings of nerves and apprehension about how my body would cope with the pregnancy and giving birth.
The thought of labour felt overwhelming and scary. I started Lianna’s classes hoping it would provide me the opportunity to connect with my body and other mums-to-be and to help me feel more confident for the birth.
Towards the end of the pregnancy I had forgotten the feelings of nerves and apprehension and instead I had done a complete 180. I was genuinely feeling so excited to experience those first contractions and to give birth to my baby boy.
I ended up going overdue and needing an induction. I had the pessary and within 24 hours my waters broke and the contractions started. I remember feeling so excited and happy that my body was starting to labour. I had some gas and air and pethadine to help manage the pain alongside the breathing techniques we had practiced in class. By this point the breathing techniques were familiar and almost second nature.
Unfortunately, I stopped progressing and after considering my options I decided to go for C-section rather than continuing to the third stage of the induction. I felt calm and in control throughout the whole labour and surgery despite their being moments of uncertainty and concern for both me and my baby. I had hoped to either give birth at home or the birth centre, so an induction and c section was quite the opposite, however the birth still felt incredibly special.
Lianna’s classes gave me so much more than just practicing yoga. They provided the opportunity to connect with other pregnant mums, share our experiences and support one another.
Lianna’s knowledge and experience as a midwife helped me to feel informed and prepared for the birth and to have the confidence to advocate for myself. The classes were always a welcoming, relaxing and empowering space and were what helped me to have a positive birth experience despite it not going as planned.
