The Birth of Evan

Jess was absolutely wonderful and provided so many helpful information and advice. I felt more confident this time around with our third baby! Thank you 🫶🏼

A huge pro is that she taught in Auslan so the class was accessible for me and my partner!

Here is our birth story --

We went in for a check up as I had been getting several migraines & there was reduced foetal movements. While we were in there, we also discovered my platelets had dropped yet again - so we all decided I would be induced.

I was already 3cm at that time, so they artificially released my membranes at 6:15pm. I was hoping my body would continue progressing on its own. Surges began, but they were all over the place and with long gaps between each other so we consented to start the drip [Syntocinon] at about 9pm.

I was doing well with breathing techniques, swaying, using the ball and the birth comb. They upped the drip to 2ml, I hopped in bath and that's when it became intense so fast.

Shawn did the acupressure points, and I stayed for as long as I could until my body began bearing down by itself! I hopped out of the bath and put the TENS machine on. Unfortunately my body had same reaction as it did with my second, the anxiety/fear sky-rocketed with transition.

I felt like I couldn't focus to do hypnosis techniques, I had a panic attack. My mouth was so dry from trying to breath and bearing down. Drinking didn't help haha.

Shawn did great job trying to control the TENS machine but I wish we practiced using it before labour haha.

I ended up asking for epidural, and I got it at 11pm. My body relaxed instantly with the epidural and I asked for it to be low dose - I only got 15 ml so I was still able to feel the contractions / pressure / bearing down / stretching etc.

As soon as my next surge came I was able to bear down properly without fighting it - about 4 pushes later Evan was born! 11:06pm.

Our initial plans adjusted with agreeing to the drip, and I birthed on my back which isnt what I had hoped for. I am happy Evan is healthy! Oh and the comb was probably the most helpful item!

Thanks to mama Rena @thedeafmum for sharing!