When I discovered I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to fully prepare myself for labour by learning about the process and exploring options which would enable me to keep calm and relaxed, reducing my anxiety about what was to come. I came across Sue's website and felt certain that she would be able to assist me to feel calm and in control. After attending a weekend class at Sue's, I listened to the CDs religiously every night - although it was a bit harder to convince my husband to give me those regular massages which I rightly deserved!

I was 41 weeks pregnant when we welcomed Joshua Mark Hilson to the world at 4.11pm on Friday 17 September. All went 'textbook' in the beginning - waters broke at home in the early hours of the morning so I rang the hospital and we were there by 5am. The nurses mentioned inducement but by 7am contractions had started on their own and were increasing regularly. I laboured until 1pm without drugs (just using a tens machine and my CalmBirth skills!) and got to 10cm without too much trouble - we were thrilled!

Unfortunately that's where things fizzled out a little - Joshua had his chin up and I tried to push for 2 hours to no avail. Then contractions started to die down and I never really got the urge to 'push' so wasn't able to progress much further - I was so tired by then too! The obstetrician was starting to get concerned about my pelvic floor so I was taken to theatre to get a spinal block and they considered either a forceps delivery or a c-section.

Got to theatre - the forceps idea was abandoned and I was given a c-section at 4pm. I have to admit I was relieved once the spinal block was in and I couldn't feel the pain anymore! Joshua arrived at 4.11pm and Rohan took him whilst I was in recovery. Joshua was never in distress the entire time - he just didn't want to come out in the end!

He is now 11 weeks old and it's been a whirlwind few months but we are so proud of him and he is growing like you wouldn't believe! Just wanted to say thankyou for your classes - they really helped me through the labour and I was so proud of myself for labouring with focus and progessing so quickly - although hopefully the next bub will play the game by the rules!

Thanks again,
Bianca, Rohan and baby Joshua