The Birth of Sophie

Following a miscarriage and a chemical pregnancy, my partner and I were fortunate enough to welcome our hangry, but thankfully perfect and healthy, little lady into the world in the autumn of 2020. 

I was scheduled for an elective c-section at 39 weeks due to medical reasons and personal preference, having carefully considered the pros and cons for a vaginal vs surgical delivery. 

My little one managed to stay put until the scheduled surgery date (so far, so good). 2 days prior, my husband and I went in for our covid swab tests (this was September 2020) but were informed the results wouldn't be back until the morning of the operation. We were instructed to come to the hospital and we would be held in a quarantine zone or 'Area 51' as the midwives like to call it, until results arrived. 

The wait was long and horrid...for me, not knowing whether my husband would be able to be present at the birth of our first child, was one of the biggest stress factors. I was apprehensive and anxious about being 'alone' for one of the most pinnacle moments in one's life, but also saddened by the cruel reality that my husband might still be robbed of that very special moment should he test positive for coronavirus. Fortunately though, both our tests were negative and we could move forward together. 

We were taken to a private room to await further instructions and preparation. A couple of emergency c-sections understandably jumped ahead of me and delayed surgery until the afternoon. 

I found this extra time valuable in taking a moment to breathe, relax and listen to Rachel's voice recordings (knowing full well this was the only peace and quiet I was going to get for a while!) I also reassured myself by thinking she was getting a few extra hours to cook in the oven, so she would be even more perfect when she finally popped out. 

The time had come to go to theatre. I was gowned up and taken through for my spinal catheter to be placed whilst my husband waited outside. Naturally having never had one before, I was a little anxious about this procedure as there was a lot riding on it going correctly. It wasn't the idea of discomfort that vexed me, more the anticipation of it working effectively so that a general anaesthetic would not be required and that I wouldn't experience any serious complications (as rare as they are.)

It didn't take long though, for the experienced anaesthetist to put my mind at rest as she oozed confidence and hit the jackpot first time in what seemed like the blink of an eye. The procedure was pretty painless - I only felt a wee scratch really and a little pressure but nothing I would describe as pain. I found the whole surgical team invaluable at taking my mind off things - they were super conversational and in fact I ended up giving out veterinary advice for most of their pets - so there was really no time for me to concern myself with my own thoughts. 

As the spinal local anaesthetic took hold, I lost all feeling in my feet and legs first, swiftly followed by the effects creeping up to the level of my lower ribs. Both incredibly odd sensations - being able to see our feet but not move them when you try and feel like thee is a compression on your chest when breathing. 

However, having been briefed and knowing this is what should be happened, I was reassured that all was going to plan and I focused on my breathing exercises to keep myself calm and nerves at bay whilst all the surgical drapes and screens were put in place. 

The next thing I know, my husband was shown through all gowned up with the both of us wearing face masks. He held my hand, avoiding all the catheters and monitors. We looked at each other excitedly and smiled with our eyes through fogged up glasses. Here we go...we're ready to meet out daughter, and no sooner had we thought this and she popped out and was being shown to us - a blue-tinged, wrinkly Benjamin Button that only a mother could love was perched on top of my chest with cord still attached to allow for delayed clamping. She clasped my finger and started to cry - something I never thought I would hear myself say but it was such a relief to hear those wails and know she was breathing ok and her lungs were clear. Those were truly magical moments. 

I had planned on having the relaxing album by Ludovico Einaudi playing in theatre but honestly, there wasn't the opportunity to even press play on my iPhone, as once my partner had entered theatre, our beautiful little girl was with us within minutes. It was so quick in fact that I had barely registered the fact surgery had begun, and I do believe she would have been out before the first track was over. Her theatre arrival felt like a controlled whirlwind, so there was little time to stress or think about much else, but I had the tools the Rachel had provided me with should I have needed them or had time for them. 

My husband was allowed to remain with both of us for a couple of hours post-operatively in recovery before he had to head home, only to next see his daughter at discharge, two and a half days later. In between gazing lovingly at my baby girl, it was during this time that I reflected on Rachel's session and top tips for getting my oxytocin ramped up to better gear my body for breastfeeding. 

Overall, I feel I had an exceptionally positive birthing experience and I am sure that this was enhanced by my choice to have an elective c-section, which was carried out to the highest degree of professionalism by our wonderful NHS, in a controlled, calm manner. My recovery was rapid and uneventful (with the exception of a couple of minor superficial infections for the surgical wound). I believe remaining positive and having an active lifestyle both before and after surgery was pivotal in this. 

I find Rachel's voice recordings useful, relaxing and calming in general, but they really came into their own during the waiting game stage leading up to the arrival of my baby and in the early post natal days when new mothers often feel exhausted, drained and overwhelmed. I also felt that the virtual session with Rachel, which my partner and I were both present for, actually helped bond us - especially when the days of attending antenatal classes together in a social setting are obviously a no go during a pandemic - so this was the first real baby prep we had done together. 

My husband and I both have scientific backgrounds and would be quite sceptical, so we particularly liked the way that Rachel reinforced her hypnobirthing tools and advice with the science to support it. Rachel is well articulated and educated, has a soothing voice and takes the time to explain things clearly. We felt her genuine passion for wanting to help make the day you meet your baby, to be one of the most special, memorable days of your life - which ours truly was. Thank you Rachel xx