Gail and Daniel’s Birth Story

Hi Lainey.

So at last I have my birth story to share with you!! 😊 We welcomed baby Daniel into the world on Tuesday at 22:59pm weighing in at a whopper 9lb 7oz!

I went into the hospital on Tuesday morning for a scan as I was 12 days over. They did a sweep (my 3rd one- all requested/consensual by me) and by the time I was in the car on our way home from hospital, I could feel the contractions starting. This was at about 12 midday. I had manageable contractions all day so I stayed at home and kept mobilised- walking around the house, doing my squats and lunges, and breathing through them.

By 7pm, they were ramping up so we headed into the hospital. They examined me and I was 1cm so thankfully in active labour and my husband could stay with me. I got into the birth pool which I was excited about but it lasted less than 5 mins when they realised I had high amount of amniotic fluid so I wasn’t allowed in the pool!

I spent the next few hours walking around the room, doing some yoga poses, getting in the shower, and using all the breathing techniques you had taught us. When the contractions were really strong, you will be delighted to hear I was channeling you saying ‘floppy face, floppy vagina’ !! My lovely and fantastic midwife had a good laugh at that but it really did help!! I focused on my inner calm too and saying to myself ‘each surge is bringing me closer to my baby’ and that made such a difference.

At 10:40pm they examined me and I was 6-7cm so they broke my waters and that’s when the fun all kicked off with contractions majorly ramping up! I almost instantly felt the intense pressure and needed to push. After just 9mins of pushing, Daniel was here at a hefty weight of 9lb 7oz! I’m so proud of myself that I managed to deliver such a big baby boy with absolutely zero pain relief.

I cannot tell you how much your yoga classes helped me. They really were such a driving force throughout my day of labour and I truly believe all your words of wisdom/guidance, breathing exercises etc is what got me through it. I can’t thank you enough.