Birth Story: Kathryn's Positive Birth Story at Leeds General Infirmary

I had the pleasure of supporting Kathryn and Nick with a private 1:1 hypnobirthing course, here Kathryn shares her positive birth story of her daughter at Leeds General Infirmary (LGI). Kathryn talks through the relaxation and breathing tools she used during labour as well as the important decision making tools she used when things went "slightly off plan". Overall Kathryn speaks positively about her birth experience and kindly shares it here.

Here is Kathryn's birth story...

"The birth was loooong (25 hours) but overall, extremely positive! I laboured at home for as long as I could using the breathing techniques and taking a bath. I even managed a short walk around the park in the morning!

When we arrived at the hospital, I asked for an examination where I learned I was 4cm dilated already. This was a big relief and gave me the strength to keep going.

Luckily the Lotus Suite pool was available at the LGI (Leeds General Infirmary) so I spent a lot of my time in there, again using my breathing techniques, positive affirmations, visualisations and gas and air. It was a lovely environment.

It was at the pushing stage where things went slightly off plan. I'd reached full dilation without a strong urge to push. All I could feel was a huge amount of pressure/pain which weren't helping me move forward. My breathing wasn't helping and at that point, my waters hadn't broken either.

So after several hours of no progress, I opted for an examination which showed the baby's head wasn't at the best angle and it may warrant some extra help.

By this point, I had completely lost steam so using my BRAIN, I opted for a forceps delivery and an epidural.

Within 15 mins, I was being prepped in theatre and ready to go. The consultant who gave me the final examination was then surprised to see the baby was already crowning (I did a few big pushes before I was escorted down)- perhaps because my body completely relaxed knowing I'd meet my baby soon.

Within 2 big pushes, she was placed on my chest as Nick calmly told me we'd had a little girl. It was simply magical!

We managed to get some skin to skin for about 5 mins and then Nick cut her cord and watched her being weighed. In hindsight, I would have liked a little longer but at the time, I was so just so happy that we were both ok so it didn't change my experience. It was amazing!

I attribute the wonderful experience to three things;

Nick - as expected, he was amazing! So calm, attentive and supportive of my decisions.

Staff at LGI - utterly wonderful, each and every one of them

And...you and the hypnobirthing course! Having all the tools meant I felt completely in control, even when the final stage went off-piste! If it wasn't for the course, I genuinely don't think I would have been able to experience labour in it's fullest. It's not only brought my beautiful baby into this place but it's made me realise just how I strong I am!"

Want to get prepared like Kathryn and Nick? Find out more about the hypnobirthing antenatal courses availible to you on the Positive Birth Leeds website.

It is always an honour to support parents-to-be preparing for the birth of their baby(s), huge congratulations to this wonderful family and thank you Kathryn for sharing your birth experience. You are indeed an amazing strong woman!!

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I'm Charlotte, a Doula and Hypnobirthing Antenatal Teacher based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. I offer personalised, evidence-based support to help you feel informed, confident, and empowered during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. From group and private Hypnobirthing courses to full pregnancy, birth and postnatal doula support, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Curious about how I can support you? Book a free, no-obligation discovery call to chat through your options and see what feels right for you.

Prep Power Hour sessions to suit your needs.

Visit the Positive Birth Leeds website for more information. or book a FREE discovery call if you have any questions or want to chat about my availability to support you.

Charlotte x