“I had some nervous energy on Sunday which was around the same time that my birthing time (Hypnobabies term for labor) had started with my other two kids and spent the day doing errands with my kids, making freezer meals, and taking a walk. I knew I would be listening to the Fear Clearing track (Hypnobabies track to release fear) that night and I was looking forward to addressing a few remaining worries. The night before, I had listened to Visualize Your Hypnotic Birth (Hypnobabies track for mentally creating the birth you want) and pictured a smooth, calm experience. In my visualization, I arrived at the hospital with ease and imagined about four hours of active birthing time.
Around 1:00 a.m., my birthing time quietly began. I had noticed some mild early birthing sensations earlier in the evening and overnight, but I continued with my night as usual. I trusted my body completely and allowed everything to unfold naturally. As the birthing waves (Hypnobabies term for contractions) became more clear and purposeful around 2 AM, I rested, hydrated, and began listening to my Hypnobabies tracks, allowing my body to move gently and smoothly into active birthing. I quickly moved to Easy First Stage (Hypnobabies main birthing time track) and then to Deepening my hypnosis (Hypnobabies track for deepening the level of hypnosis) when (2:30 AM) my birthing waves were becoming rhythmic and productive. I remained calm and focused, sitting on the yoga ball and welcoming each wave as it came and went. I felt grounded, confident, and deeply relaxed. About an hour later, my waters released naturally. Then, I completely lost track of time. Hypnobabies allowed me to stay fully focused on my birthing time, and the suggestion that every 20 minutes would feel like 5 minutes was exactly my experience for the next 3.5 hours.
We had a feeling that things would continue progressing quickly similar to previous births, so we headed to the hospital with the plan for a calm, unmedicated hospital birth. I arrived at the hospital close to 4:00 a.m. and stayed in eyes open hypnosis so I could walk into OB triage. Counter pressure was used during waves, and I paused and breathed calmly through each one. At 4:15 a.m., I declined a cervical exam and consented only to a brief check to confirm that my waters had released. Although some interactions with hospital staff were challenging, I remained deeply in hypnosis, moving through each wave with calm control and confidence. I remained in OB triage for nearly an hour and a half because I was so calm and composed that it was difficult for staff to believe I was in active birthing time. When my birth preferences were questioned, I used Bubble of Peace (Hypnobabies protective mental bubble) multiple times. I remained calm, confident, and clear, trusting myself and making the choices that felt right for me and my baby.
By 4:23 a.m., I had been standing for some time, so I moved into a hands and knees position on the bed. With each wave, I received steady counter pressure and hip squeezes. I repeated my cue words, ‘peace’ (hypnosis cue for instant physical comfort) and ‘release’ (hypnosis cue for instant, deepest hypnosis), allowing my shoulders to soften and my body to open easily. When I said ‘peace’, my support person reminded me to ‘relax’ (hypnosis cue to refocus deep hypnosis), and gentle touch along my back reinforced that relaxation. During stronger waves, I used low, relaxed moaning and finger drop (technique for changing hypnosis techniques), allowing my body to stay loose and deeply relaxed. Between waves, gentle movement and relaxation techniques helped keep my body loose and encouraged my baby to move lower. My birthing space was protected, with minimal interruptions, allowing me to stay inward and focused. The Hypnobabies scripts played clearly in my mind, especially those guiding me back to my special safe place (Hypnobabies visualization to go to a special place where you feel safe). I visualized a bright orange sunset in Maui from a recent family trip during pregnancy, imagining myself holding my baby and watching the sun set together.
At 5:09 a.m., I chose to walk to the delivery room, moving slowly with my eyes closed, deeply relaxed in the special safe place I had practiced throughout pregnancy. We paused for waves as needed and continued steadily and confidently. By 5:20 a.m., I was in transformation (Hypnobabies word for transition). I experienced chills, some sweating, and more intense waves while walking in the hallway. I recognized that birth was very close and felt filled with peace, calm, and confidence. We arrived in the birthing room around 5:30 a.m.
At 5:58 a.m., I consented to a cervical check knowing in my mind that my baby would be here soon and learned that I was already eight centimeters dilated. Shortly afterward, my body naturally began bearing down, and I let my support team know that my baby was coming. I moved into a side lying position on the bed, choosing a position that felt comfortable and instinctive for my body. This phase was completely spontaneous and mother directed. I followed my body’s guidance exactly, remaining calm, focused, and fully in control.
By 6:05 a.m., I was actively birthing, holding my support person’s hand while a cool cloth refreshed my neck. My body worked powerfully and efficiently, and I trusted every sensation. At 6:08 a.m., crowning began, and moments later at 6:09 a.m., with one final instinctive push, Noemie was gently born. She was passed through my legs and placed immediately in my arms. She was warm, peaceful, and perfect. I had done it calmly and confidently, exactly as my body was designed to do.”
Photo credit: Missy Kent (@a.graceful.birth) and Sunshine Doula Services
