By 
On a typical Wednesday in early September, I went through my usual day without a hint that it would be the beginning of something monumental. Although my due date was still two weeks away, thoughts of my baby were a regular yet secondary part of my routine. Since we had just moved from New York to London three weeks earlier, I was focused on unpacking, arranging the apartment, and setting up everything for our new life. Coincidentally, that was also the day I organized all the resources we had prepared for the birth, like our Hypnobirthing meditations, and even reviewed my hospital bag and birthing plan. Perhaps, without realizing it, I was sensing what was to come.
The day was beautifully sunny, so I took the bus to Richmond Park for a relaxing walk to the Isabella Plantation. Although I felt some weight in my lower belly, it was a peaceful experience. I sat under a tree, enjoying a calm moment.
That evening, just before 7 p.m., my water broke—right in the kitchen. I immediately called my husband, who was surprised and rushed to get home. Excitement and nervousness washed over me as I paced around, messaging friends who had eagerly been waiting for any updates.
We had planned a calm hypnobirthing experience, focusing on reframing terms like “contractions” into “surges.” The techniques we had practiced in guided meditation and breathing were invaluable, empowering me with tools to remain calm and grounded during labor.
After a visit to the birth center to confirm that my waters had broken, we returned home with instructions to come back in 24 hours if labor hadn’t started. We decided to rest as much as possible, not knowing how long it would take for our little one to arrive.
Through the night, I experienced light surges and remained focused on staying calm and embracing each stage as it came. By 8 a.m., the surges had become more regular and intense, lasting around 50 seconds every 12 minutes. Using slow breathing techniques, guided by my husband’s support, I felt in control, and in between each surge, it was as though nothing had happened.
Later that morning, I soaked in a warm bath, finding it immensely soothing. By then, the surges were stronger, bringing a noticeable pressure, and I found that the hypnobirthing techniques really helped me enter a tranquil, meditative state.
After about 40 minutes, we decided it was time to head back to the Birth Centre. The surges were nearly constant by this point, and I was relieved to be in the place where our baby would soon be born.
Upon arrival, I was already 8 cm dilated, much to my surprise. The staff was calm and supportive, guiding us to a softly lit room with a birthing pool. I had initially planned to use the pool, but the surges were coming so rapidly that there wasn’t time. I followed the midwife’s guidance, and within a couple of intense pushes, our baby girl was born—alert, calm, and gazing around with wide eyes.
We cherished the first precious moments together, delaying cord cutting and bonding with her. Our experience at the Birth Centre was beautiful and peaceful, just as we had hoped for our unmedicated, natural birth. Hypnobirthing classes were an incredible resource, helping me stay present, relaxed, and confident throughout the process.
For more details on my experience, please feel free to reach out at [email protected].
