Read all about this mama’s experience with Hypnobirthing and water birth at Abbott. Of Channing McKinley’s Hypnobirthing class, new mama Briana says, “It taught me to trust my body, put fear aside and relax.”

Congratulations, Briana, and a big, hearty welcome to baby Clara!

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma

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Dear Blooma,

After attending Blooma’s Hypnobirthing class with Channing, I am happy to give an update on the beautiful birth of our daughter. We had our baby on Nov. 20 at 1:05 p.m. Clara Serine was 6 oz and 20 inches long.

I am particularly happy to report that we had a fabulous delivery at Abbott and I truly couldn’t be more happy with the care we received. I was the first water-birth delivery for my midwife and the nurse on call. They were both very excited and impressed with the delivery.

I was lucky that my contractions started at 1 a.m. and I was able to sleep on and off until 7 a.m. when they were about 5 minutes apart. I got to the hospital at 9 a.m. and my contractions were about 3 minutes apart and I was dilated to 5 cm.

My blood pressure was a little high so I put on my headphones and listened to my Hypnobirthing birth affirmations CD. My next 3 readings were much lower and the nurse was amazed at the drastic decrease.

Once in our birthing room we used a couple of different essential oils to keep me grounded and played meditation music in the background. I continued to listen to affirmations on my iPod and gave our nurse my birth plan.

I went to the bathroom often and was most relaxed going inward and sitting up. The tub was filled up and I resisted going in until I was further along. I started to feel the urge to poop, but knew that wasn’t what my body was doing, I was instead getting closer to delivery.

My midwife checked me one last time (my request) and I was at a 8-9 cm. At this point I was still up and walking around but my contractions (surges) were stronger.

I got into the tub at 12 p.m. and Clara was born an hour later.

My body took over and I knew the baby was coming. I started birth breathing and was exited that it was very productive breathing, but I must admit I felt scared. I became nauseous, but breathing peppermint essential oil was very helpful and the nausea went away.

It was an intense sensation, but I did my best to relax my body between surges. My nurse and midwife, and above all, my husband, were wonderful in reassuring me that I was doing a great job.

I loved being in the tub and would highly recommend it! Clara came into the world peacefully and we were discharged in 26 hours.

I was extremely impressed with Abbott and their excitement towards natural water birth. They were very supportive and receptive to all of my birth plan requests.   They were happy to give us all the privacy we wanted, but were helpful when I needed extra reassurance.

Above all, I could not have had this experience without Channing’s Hypnobirthing class. It taught me to trust my body, put fear aside and relax. Thank you Channing!

Much Gratitude,

~Briana and Ryan