Faced with an unexpected c-section, Kate McGowan thought her HypnoBirthing training was wasted, but she was wrong.  It was a powerful way to retain an atmosphere of loving calm for the birth of her son Duncan Ronald Thomas McGowan who was born on  March 2nd 2008, 7lb 14oz and 19 ½ inches long.


Following our HypnoBirthing classes Tim and I finalized our birth plan; stay at home as long as possible, burn candles, use the tub, play soothing music, resist unnecessary intervention once we got to hospital and greet the arrival of our firstborn in an atmosphere of loving calm.  But he and our medical practitioners had other ideas.  Four days after my guess date a scan showed reduced amniotic fluid, and we were advised to have this rechecked at the hospital, and to pack our bag.

We called Jennifer, who was also our Doula, who reminded us to eat, stay calm and call her again with news.  She would come whenever we needed her.   Several hours later in maternity triage the low amniotic fluid was confirmed and I was also diagnosed with mild to moderate toxemia.  High blood pressure and uric acid in my blood meant I wasn't leaving there without a little something in a car seat. 

To complicate things, we also discovered that our baby, although completely healthy, was 'transverse' - his head was not engaged, instead his ear was facing the birth canal and he wasn't going anywhere in that position. 

Over the ensuing three days (yes, days) in the hospital we tried everything to keep our natural birth on course.  Jennifer visited daily and stayed with us for several hours.  Her presence was so positive, energizing and calming.  We tried more hypnosis, affirmations, and added acupuncture, homeopathy, exercises, yoga balls, and lunges to our efforts.  These  brought sporadic contractions, but none led to full labour.

Three courses of drugs to ripen the cervix and several attempts to physically push our baby into the correct position still brought no further result.  Snow fell outside our hospital window, trays of hospital food came and went, babies were born in neighbouring rooms, and slowly the tulips Tim had brought into our room opened and bloomed beautifully.  All of them, except one.  We watched the perfectly formed little bud remain tightly shut while all around it burst forth and we had to laugh at this perfect metaphor!

On the third day, we spoke to the OB on duty.  Although my toxemia had stabilised and the baby was fine despite the low fluid, they couldn't tell if or when the situation might become more acute and lead to an emergency c-section.  Over the course of that day, in an atmosphere of flexibility, immense patience and calm, we finally concluded with the OB that a C-section was the safest course of action for our baby and me.  

Once the decision was made I felt a rush of excitement but it was soon banished by panic and disappointment.  Candles were to be replaced with harsh fluorescent lights, music with monitor alarms and warm tubs with cold steel operating tables.  I was scared and I felt cheated out of what I'd come to think of as something of a right; a calm, natural birth.  After all, what application did gentle HypnoBirthing have in these circumstances?  None, I concluded.  But I was wrong.  My affirmations and Jennifer's calming presence helped me control fear and to surrender to this new reality. "I am prepared to meet whatever turn my birthing takes."

After an epidural my husband Tim and Jennifer were suddenly at my side. "I breathe correctly and eliminate tension".   Instead of the gentle, lilting tones that I'd heard in class, Jennifer's voice was louder, stronger and more direct.  It felt as though HypnoBirthing affirmations were being relayed to me over a crystal clear high speed network.  "I put all fear aside as I prepare for the birth of my baby".  The fear and tension that had built inside me started to subside and gradually I felt myself regain some calm and control.  "I am relaxed and happy that my baby is finally coming to me". 

After twenty minutes there was pressure on my chest.  I breathed away the rising fear; "I feel confident, I feel safe, I feel secure".  Suddenly the surgeon lifted our little boy high in the air, pink and squawking.  As soon as I saw him, any fear for my own health disappeared and I felt a rush of love and yearning to hold him. 

He was handed to the nursing team for his APGAR score ("Nine!"), but I wanted him to have familiar sounds around him so I asked Tim to go over and talk to him.   Knowing he was here and in good hands, I finally relaxed and tears of relief flowed freely.  Jennifer stayed with me and gave me a running commentary of what was happening as the surgeon and anaesthesiologist completed the surgery. 

Within 20 seconds, our beautiful, healthy little boy was placed skin to skin on Tim's chest, and enveloped in his hospital gown.  Immediately the wailing stopped and our wee man curled up peacefully.  I was able to see and touch him until he was placed on my bare chest 25 minutes later in the dimly lit recovery room. "I welcome my baby with happiness and joy".   He rooted for the breast almost immediately and made endearing little squeaking noises.  Feelings of love and protection for this little being intensified and tears of joy flowed.

Jennifer stayed with us until we were transferred into our postpartum room, and visited us in the days following.  Her presence was always positive, helpful and supportive and our little boy's life started in an atmosphere of consistent love, calm and peace. 

Duncan is now 15 weeks old, and is healthy and happy.  He smiles, giggles and coos and his curiosity about the world around him captures our hearts daily.   He is a wonderful embodiment of our new purpose in life and we feel privileged to have him. We are so grateful to have found Jennifer.  The training she gave us, and her presence at Duncan's birth, were invaluable to us on this magical and fulfilling new journey.   We wish you the same happiness, "whatever path your birthing takes"!