I had both of my children with a midwife.  My first experience I was so very nervous, I was unprepared and didn't know what to expect.  From first surge to birth was 4 hours 15 minutes, my daughter was born in the water with 7 people in the room!!!

Then I heard about HYPNOBIRTHING....so for my second pregnancy, I studied up on this, lots of videos and listening to relaxation CDs.  Finally the time came, I felt more confident as I was much more prepared. The first surge was at 4 in the morning...I got up started my breathing, had a shower, made some toast....then decided I should wake my husband as surges were 5 minutes apart.  I was so calm, he said "are you sure you are ready!!!!"  Off to the hospital and upon arrival, all I wanted was quite in the room...no talking, dim lights, and the birthing tub FULL!  I remained calm, breathed deeply and continually told myself over and
over again, that I was a strong woman, this baby was ready to be born.  My husband began massaging my head while I quietly relaxed in the tub, the midwife was called (THE NURSE SAID I DIDNT SOUND OR LOOK LIKE SOMEONE WHO WAS READY TO PUSH!!!) and then it began......No pain, no pressures, just pure relaxation in preparation for the arrival of my baby!  The midwife guided me from the other side of the room, and I delivered my son with three pushes, no pain and utter JOY!  In the water!

This was the most unbelievable experience of my life. My son and I have an extremely close bond and I believe it has a lot to do with the way that he came into this world!!!

Written and Submitted by Noreen