Tag Archives: pregnancy

The Calm Birth School

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Towards the end of my pregnancy, I was offered the opportunity to review The Calm Birth School, an online course teaching hypnobirthing techniques.  The course takes four weeks to complete, and I knew there was a chance I wouldn’t manage all of it as I was already about 35 weeks pregnant when I signed up.  In fact, a combination of my lack of organisation and baby boy’s early arrival meant that I didn’t get very far with it, but I have seen enough to know that is something I would definitely recommend.

The course includes video modules, digital handbooks, mp3s and online support from the course leaders and other members of the group.  I only got as far as watching the welcome video, and the first teaching video, so I didn’t get to the point of putting the techniques into practice, but my initial impressions were very positive.

In the welcome video, Suzy Ashworth and Hollie de Cruz, the founders of the Calm Birth School introduce themselves and explain what the course covers.  These are the key points:

  • no such thing as a perfect birth
  • no place for perfectionism
  • focus on creating a positive birth experience
  • trust your body and your baby
  • breathing techniques
  • the science of birth
  • release your fears
  • support from Suzy and Hollie

I also watched Class 1 Module 1 – Physiology and Psychology of Birth, but I was a little distracted as there was a lot of noise in the background from my other children who were needing some attention.  I got to the part where you are supposed to practise the breathing techniques, and I did try, but the noise level rose to the extent that I couldn’t hear the video so I gave up, thinking I would come back to it later.  Of course I didn’t, which is the story of my life, so all I got was a tantalising glimpse of how useful the course could be if I’d managed to devote some time to it.

One of the features of the course which I particularly liked was the online support available, in the form of a facebook group, and direct contact with the Suzy and Hollie if needed.  Again I’ve been somewhat on the sidelines, but I’ve been observing the group and it is lovely and positive, and I believe the support and encouragement could make all the difference particularly to first time mothers who may be getting more negative messages about birth from other sources.  As with the course as a whole, the group clearly promotes the idea that it is possible to achieve a calm birth but it’s not about perfection, and giving birth is not something you can fail at.

baby boy first feed

As for my own experience, I had a lovely calm birth this time round, which I will be writing about separately.  After a difficult birth the first time, and a moderately difficult one the second time, I’ve had three really positive experiences thanks to the support of friends and things I have learnt along the way.  But I do wish I’d had something like the Calm Birth School to help me prepare during my first pregnancy, and I highly recommend it to anyone, particularly first time parents or those who have had a difficult birth before.  I’d like to say thank you to Suzy and Hollie for letting me access the course and join the group.  I’m sorry I didn’t make more use of it but I think you are doing a brilliant job and I will be recommending you to every pregnant person I meet!

I was given free access to The Calm Birth School course materials and support group for the purpose of this review.

 

 

 

Pregnancy Diary: the Last Week

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The last pregnancy diary post I published was at 36 weeks and 2 days.  Just over a week later I went into labour, and baby boy was born at 37 weeks and 4 days.  In the last post I wrote that I was “hoping that the increase in intensity and frequency of the Braxton Hicks contractions doesn’t mean baby is going to come too soon.  A bit early would be okay, but not this early please baby, I am so not organised.”  I never really did get organised, but I think what was most worrying me was the idea of giving birth before 37 weeks.

The first couple of days of the last week of the pregnancy were quite difficult, because the Braxton Hicks were really painful and frequent, and I was just exhausted.  I felt a bit better on the Wednesday as we had the final growth scan which was lovely.  It was very reassuring to see baby boy, and know he was okay, and a very normal weight of approximately 6lbs at that point.

I remember saying to a few people the weekend before that I wouldn’t mind giving birth early, but not before I’d had my pre-baby hair appointment!  That was on the Thursday, and was very relaxing.  It also marked the end of week 36, as I was exactly 37 weeks on the Friday.

Pre-baby hairdo

Hair Done – baby can come now!

37 weeks

37 weeks

I would have been very glad to know, when I took those photos, that I only had to wait four more days before meeting baby boy.  There was just one more obligation that had to be fulfilled first and that was Messy Church, which Paul and I were running on the Saturday.  The theme was the Nativity, and the children were hoping that the baby would be born in time to be Jesus, but I wasn’t quite so keen on that idea!

After Messy Church was over, I went home thoroughly exhausted but feeling that now baby could come when he was ready, and even though we weren’t organised it wouldn’t really matter that much.  So when I had a show that evening, and realised that my instinct was right that he really was coming soon, I felt reasonably calm about it.  I went to church on Sunday in a positive mood, wearing my favourite maternity dress and feeling rather fabulous.  I was also pretty sure I was showing off the bump for the last time, and it turns out I was right.  (I’m not counting the following two days spent in scruffy but comfortable clothes while I was in labour!)  After the service I mentioned to a couple of people that I thought baby was imminent, and later that day I finally got round to packing my hospital bag.  Once that was done I tried to go to bed early, but unfortunately couldn’t sleep at all.  I had contractions on and off throughout the night, and though they weren’t distinctly different from the Braxton Hicks, I had the feeling that they were gradually changing.  At five to six in the morning I had a contraction that was much more intense, and I knew from that point that I was definitely in labour, though still in the early stages.

And now, baby boy is demanding my attention so I will have to save his birth story for another day.

Pregnancy Diary : 29 Weeks

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Today I am 29 weeks and 6 days pregnant.

29 weeks

Baby is: the size of a small cabbage!  He is still very active which is reassuring, and I’m finding that watching my bump move is at least as entertaining as watching the television in the evening.

I am: still not sleeping much.  I’ve been using the sleeping pills a bit, but I don’t want to take them every night.  They work to some extent, but they can’t stop me being woken up by children in small hours, so short of moving out for a while I’m not sure what I can do about it!  I’m a bit stressed, but also feeling very blessed by my lovely family, including the smallest one who is making his presence felt with all the kicking and wriggling.  I’m really getting impatient to meet him now.

Pregnancy Diary: 23 Weeks

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Today, I am 23 weeks and one day pregnant.  I’m more behind with this diary than usual, having missed two weeks, but I did take photos each week.

21 weeks

Week 21

Baby is: about the size of a large banana!  His brain is developing rapidly and constantly producing lots of new brain cells.  I know this is a cliche but it definitely feels as if I am losing mine at the same rate.  I am definitely suffering from baby brain, and really struggling to concentrate now.

I am: fine (apart from the baby brain) though I have several annoying symptoms – dizziness (still), leg cramps and quite severe lower back pain which is making everything more difficult.  As a result I am feeling frustrated about not getting much done.

22 weeks

Week 22

Baby is: the size of a papaya.

I am: finding it increasingly difficult to do anything at all because of the back pain.  Trying not to let it get me down but not entirely succeeding.

23 weeks

Week 23

Baby is: the size of a grapefruit.

I am: hanging in there.  Mainly just tired and grumpy because of the pain, but occasionally snapping out of it and remembering how incredibly lucky I am.  And feeling very thankful for my lovely husband.  As I am writing this, at 10pm on a Saturday evening, he is cleaning the dining room floor – he knows the way to my heart!

 

 

Pregnancy Diary: 20 Weeks

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Today I am 20 weeks and 6 days pregnant.  I had my scan yesterday which was lovely.  Everything is fine and the baby is a boy.  It suddenly seems more real now.

20 weeks

Baby is: the size of a mango.  He is moving around a lot and the kicks are getting stronger.

I am: still struggling with insomnia, and the dizziness is worse when I haven’t slept.  Being half way through the pregnancy feels good though and I’m letting myself get a little bit excited about meeting the boy.

 

Pregnancy Diary: 19 Weeks

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Today I am 19 weeks and 6 days pregnant, and behind schedule with this post again.  The photos were taken last Saturday before a garden party.  I was quite pleased to be able to fit into my size 10 East dress (last year’s eBay bargain) at 19 weeks pregnant – I wasn’t sure that I was going to get much wear out of it this summer.

19 weeks

Baby is: the size of a mango.  All the senses are developing now, and baby recognises my voice.

I am: feeling a bit rubbish.  It’s been a bad week, apart from the high spot of fitting into the dress.  Oh and I managed to make a rather good coffee cake for Paul’s birthday yesterday.  Other than that, I think I will draw a veil over it and hope that next week will be better.

 

 

Pregnancy Diary: 18 Weeks

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It’s been a very busy week and I’ve suddenly realised that I’m 18 weeks and 6 days pregnant, so I’d better try and get this post published tonight.

18 weeks

Baby is: the size of a sweet potato – these vegetable comparisons are getting weirder I think!  I’m feeling lots of strong kicks now and seeing some of the movements too which is bizarre and quite compelling to watch.

I am: struggling with insomnia again – it’s now been over a week since I had a proper sleep and it’s just so hard to get anything done.  I’m also being bothered a bit by leg cramps, but otherwise physically everything is fine.  I started pregnancy yoga last Friday and I’m looking forward to my next class tomorrow.  It’s complicated to make the time to go to it, and sometimes feels stressful to make it happen, but I know it will be worth it.

Pregnancy Diary: 17 Weeks

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Today I am 17 weeks and one day pregnant.

17 weeks

Baby is: the size of a turnip.  Long pause here while I wonder if that’s a Scottish turnip or an English one.  And google it.  Not sure I found the answer, but at least on the way round the internet I was reminded of this useful Scots word – must use it in conversation more.  Anyway I digress…  Baby is very active so I can feel the movements much more clearly, and even see my tummy moving quite often.

I am: still very tired, and not liking the heat – I think it is the reason I’m feeling more dizzy and faint again.  I’m starting to enjoy being pregnant though.  I love feeling (and seeing!) the baby move and it’s beginning to seem a bit more real.

I am getting a bit fed up about people making rude remarks about us having five children, but some people are lovely about it, and actually the “I wish I could have had more” comments are almost as frequent as the negative ones.  I spoke to a lady today who has two children, but wanted to have four or five.  She lost a baby when she was 40 and decided she couldn’t go through it again.  It’ s one of those brief conversations that really touched me and I will probably never forget it.  So today, despite all the minor reasons I am a bit stressed, most of all I am feeling very lucky.

Pregnancy Diary: 16 Weeks

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I am 16 weeks and one day pregnant.  I was really trying to get back on track and planned to write this post last night, but it was such a busy day.  By the time I took the photos it was late at night, in electric light, and I looked terrible.  So I deleted the photos, and took some more today which I think are slightly better (though rather blurry – I was in a hurry!) , and were at least taken in daylight.

16 weeks

Baby is: the size of an avocado, and can now probably hear. I should mention this to Paul, as he will want to start introducing the baby to a wide selection of classical and choral works as soon as possible.  Not sure I’m ready to unleash that just yet.  I might get Tiddler to sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to my tummy though!

I am: completely exhausted but generally feeling a bit better than I have been.  That’s about as positive as I can be at quarter to midnight.  Hoping for a good night’s sleep, but it might be difficult in this heat.

 

Pregnancy Diary: 15 Weeks

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I am 15 weeks and one day pregnant today.  I am probably too tired to be coherent, but I’m determined to get this post up tonight!

15 weeks

Baby is: the size of an orange, and can now control his/her own movements.  I’m still feeling them when I remember to pay attention and I’m trying to do that as much as I can, though I’ve been so busy it’s hard to do, but at night I can feel it and it’s nice.

I am: very tired – I know I have said that every week, but it’s still the only thing I can think of to say when people ask me how I am.  Really all I want to do is sleep, and if I ever lie down in the daytime I can fall asleep easily.  Not so much at night, unfortunately.

I have now seen the diabetic nurse, and got my blood testing kit, because I had gestational diabetes in my last pregnancy.  So far my levels have been fine, but the testing is a real nuisance and quite unpleasant.  It’s also quite difficult being organised with snacks when I am out, and I’m feeling a bit more sick again because I’m trying to eat fewer carbs and fruit which are often the things I am craving to deal with the sickness.  It’s a very tricky balance, but I’m going to try really hard to manage the diabetes with my diet as I did last time.  I really don’t want to have to take the medication which may make it less likely that I will be able to have a natural birth.  I know it’s early to be worrying about that but I can’t help it.  I have had lovely natural births with my last two babies, and felt completely normal straight afterwards instead of feeling like I’ve been in a car crash.  I can only hope I will be so lucky again.