Ben’s Birth Story

Alexis Josh Ben

Ben’s Birth Story

“I was surprised at how the reality of the birth experience differed from what I imagined, even with all of my preparation. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better birth.”

Thank you to Hypno-Mom Alexis for sharing her birth story!

Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis really does help you enjoy a much easier and more comfortable birthing! Use code hypno1528 for 10% off our Hypnobabies Home Study Courses.

Alexis Josh Ben
I woke up at 1:30 am on Tuesday, October 29 and didn’t think it was possible. I was two days past my due date, but as of Monday evening, it felt like Baby Ben would never arrive. My mom arrived from Tucson on Saturday. After two days together, exploring the area and indulging in delicious barbecue, she was ready to meet her grandson.

I scheduled a reflexology appointment for Monday afternoon. The midwife said that it would encourage contractions, and I’ve never been one to turn down a massage. The masseuse showed me some key pressure points and sent me on my way. Later that afternoon, we went for a good walk around our hilly neighborhood, in another effort to get things started. When we went to bed that evening, though, I didn’t see an end to my pregnancy in the foreseeable future.

Yet at 1:30 am, something felt different. I climbed into the bath for the first of many times that night and tried to relax. This must be early labor, maybe even pre-labor.

At 3:00 am, I wandered into the kitchen and poured myself the first of many glasses of water. I decided to wake up Josh and tell him that I was having contractions, but it felt really early, so there was no reason to worry. Ever the faithful partner, he got up anyway and started timing. They were five minutes apart.

At 6:00 am, I’d sufficiently run up our water bill and Josh decided to phone the on-call midwife. She said it sounded like I was in early labor. She told me to try to sleep as I was already behind the curve from waking up in the middle of the night. I kept trying to meditate deeply, but the contractions were distracting. In that moment, I panicked – If this is early labor, what is transition going to be like? What about the second stage?

The contractions continued, gradually getting closer and closer together. Josh and I went through them all, using the cues that we’d learned in our Hynobabies class. Peace. Relax. I tried to doze off in between but was just uncomfortable enough not to sleep.

Finally, at 1:15 pm, Josh declared that they seemed to be more intense and he was going to call the birth center again. I told him not to, that it didn’t seem like it was time. For once, he ignored me and called anyway. This time, the midwife on call told us to go ahead and come in, though I could tell by her tone that I wasn’t alone in thinking that we’d end up back at home that afternoon, sans baby. I climbed into the car with my mother and my husband, snugly positioned next to an empty car seat

We arrived at the birth center at 2:00 pm. To everyone’s surprise, I was already 8 centimeters dilated. Well, this isn’t so bad.

I climbed into the birthing tub until around 3:45 pm when the midwife suggested we forego a water birth. Ben’s heart rate lowered slightly during my contractions. It would be easier to monitor him out of the tub. I didn’t realize it then, but she was a bit concerned. She called in another midwife to assist.

Up until about a month ago, I thought I would have a water birth. Then one day, I declared that I had a feeling I wouldn’t actually have Ben in the water. I didn’t feel disappointed about it – it just struck me as a reality. When she asked me to move to the bed, I wasn’t surprised. We dried off and changed locations. They gave me some oxygen and Ben’s heartbeat quickly picked back up.

The next 30 minutes went by quickly. At 4:20 pm, Benjamin Alexander came into our world, healthy, perfect, and safe.

I’m so grateful that my mom was able to be there, a calm, reassuring presence in the room. She stayed with us for a week after Ben arrived which was invaluable. I will treasure that time for the rest of my life.

Josh was incredible throughout the entire process. Whenever my attempts to relax faltered, he brought be back to it. That day and the days since have reaffirmed his position in my life as my sense of calm, support, and my partner.

I was surprised at how the reality of the birth experience differed from what I imagined, even with all of my preparation. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better birth.

Comments
  • Hi, Kimberly! Just read your birth story & really appreciated it. I am due with my first baby at the end of January. I can get really anxious & discouraged easily. I’m afraid of getting panicky during labor & delivery. Any particular hypnobabies teaching that kept you calm in your childbirth?

  • Hi Brena,
    Congratulations on your upcoming birth. One of the best things about Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis classes is the confidence it builds within you each week. In Hypnobabies classes, you are taught to surround yourself with only positive people and messages during your pregnancy, to create a positive view of childbirth and the expectation that your birthing will be a beautiful, peaceful experience. Hypnobabies “Fear Clearing” hypnosis sessions are integral to this process, since they allow you to address fears, work through possible solutions and then release them. The classes can be taken with an instructor or if that is not an option there is also a Home-Study course. You can go to the classes page on the website to find an instructor near you or you can learn more about and order the Home-Study option on the Self-Study page. I know you will have a beautiful birth.

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