From Fear to Confidence: Helen's Birth Story

When Helen and Morgan began their hypnobirthing journey, they had a clear vision of birthing at the John Radcliffe Hospital. Like many first-time parents, they started with what felt most familiar and secure. However, as they progressed through their classes, they discovered new possibilities that would ultimately lead them down a different path - one that perfectly suited their evolving preferences and growing confidence.

"I'd always thought of birth as something that would require total sensory deprivation and lots of drugs," Helen reflects. However, as she and Morgan progressed through their hypnobirthing course, their perspective began to transform. After just the first class, they found themselves opening up to different options, first considering the midwife-led unit. As their confidence grew and they learned more about their choices, they felt drawn to the idea of home birth. Their journey shows how education and self-discovery can help parents find the right path for their unique circumstances.

The Big Day Arrives

Helen's labour began in the early hours of the morning, when her waters broke around 1:30 am. Despite some initial concern when they learned their regular midwife wouldn't be available, they were blessed with a supportive midwife who was already trained in hypnotherapy and intuitively understood Helen's needs during contractions.

Morgan took charge of creating the perfect birthing environment, filling the birth pool and helping to set the scene. The room was transformed with dimmed lights and gentle music playing in the background - the same calming tracks they had used during their hypnobirthing classes.

A Peaceful Progress

The entire labor progressed quickly, lasting only about four hours from start to finish. Helen found herself surprisingly calm when contractions began, free from the fear she had once expected to feel. "Your body just does kind of take over and you just have to go with it," she explains. "You just have to trust what your body's doing."

The only challenging moment came during crowning, when Helen briefly tensed up against the sensations. However, with gentle reminder from her midwife to relax, she was able to return to her calm state and work with her body.

A Gentle Welcome

Baby Phoebe was born directly into her mother's arms in the warm water of the birth pool. "She just coughed once, opened her eyes and looked around," Helen remembers fondly. The peaceful nature of Phoebe's arrival seemed to set the tone for her temperament - she has been, in Helen's words, "the most chilled out baby ever since."

What followed was a remarkably relaxed morning of celebration. The midwives helped tidy up, and everyone enjoyed bacon sandwiches and cups of tea. A breastfeeding counselor arrived to offer support, staying until lunchtime. Helen was able to shower in the comfort of her own home and climb into her own bed. "I can remember just the morning that she was born, we were just laughing, it was relaxed... it was just lovely, just an amazing experience really."

Looking Back

For Helen, the key transformation was the release of fear around birth. She reflects that as a young first-time mother, birth can seem like a scary prospect - something to avoid thinking about. However, through hypnobirthing, she discovered the power and capability of her own body.

The experience was positive for Morgan too, who found an active role in supporting the birth by managing the practical aspects of the birth pool and environment, rather than feeling like a "spare part" in a hospital corner.

Their story beautifully demonstrates how education and preparation can transform fear into confidence, helping parents achieve the right birth on the day. While Helen and Morgan's journey led them to a home water birth, what matters most is that they felt informed, supported, and confident in their choices throughout. This empowering birth experience set the stage for a positive start to parenthood. As Helen says with conviction, "It's something we'll definitely, definitely do again."

If you're pregnant and interested in exploring how hypnobirthing could help you prepare for your own positive birth experience, whether at home or in hospital, learn more about upcoming courses here.

Home Birth | Fear Release | First Baby| Natural Birth | Water Birth