The Birth of Giorgia: Hypnobirthing at Lewisham birth Centre

✨“Estrela” was playing when you were born.

When we found out you were coming, not even in my wildest and most beautiful dreams did I imagine it would be like this - that this would be the way you’d arrive.

My “painful” contractions began at 3:30 a.m. on June 23rd, although in the days leading up to it, I had already been dancing with Braxton Hicks. I started timing them to try and understand where we were - whether labour had truly begun.

We spent the night drifting between naps, contractions, breathing exercises, my birth playlist, a few comfort songs, my hypnobirthing playlist with affirmations, and lots of movement to encourage labour to keep progressing.

As the hours passed, my body sent me clear signs, and I knew you were on your way.

At 5:49 a.m., I texted my doulas about what I was feeling. Throughout the day, I created my little oxytocin bubble in the living room - I hung the affirmations I had written in Portuguese on the walls, Marcus was in charge of the snack playlist, giving me massages, and lighting my favorite incense. (By that point, I couldn’t eat anymore.)

Clary Sage and my birth ball became my best friends ✨

I also fully embraced all the hypnobirthing techniques I learned in Laura’s course (@riseandglowbirths), which were absolutely essential in helping me understand the stages of labour and stay calm, grounded, and in motion as much as I could. 💛🌻

At 4:30 p.m., I felt like my waters might have broken - there was no “splash,” but I noticed an increase in clear fluid. So we went to Lewisham Birth Centre to check: it was a false alarm.

In truth, we were still at the very beginning of the journey. I knew we weren’t even close to active labour. I had planned not to have any cervical checks for many reasons, but at that moment, I agreed to one - just to reassure Marcus - and we went back home so I could return to my bubble.

My doula Marissa arrived at 12:11 a.m. on June 24th, and Marcus went to rest. I spent the night with more rhythmic contractions. We went into the garden, and the moon was shifting into its waxing phase 🌙

 “There will rise

A star in the sky

Every time you smile

And one will fade

Every time you cry.

But maybe, too,

A star will shine

When a tear rolls down your cheek

Or a shooting star will fall

Just to see

The flower of your smile bloom.”

I could feel my spirit guides and every being of light with me through each moment of labour. 🕊️ My faith was ever-present. I felt the loving energy being sent by my family and friends… I felt it. I saw God, the Orixás, and all the divine forces I believe in - those I trust to protect me, and now, to protect my daughter too. 🤍

To my left, through every wave, Our Lady held my hand, just like she always has throughout my life. 🙏🏻

The sun rose, and it was so hot - I almost felt like I was back in Tocantins. 😄 The contractions rolled in like towering waves, and instead of fighting them, I surrendered, like someone diving deep and letting the current carry her. 💗

Mita (my other doula) arrived that morning and brought with her a beautiful energy. Remember I still couldn’t eat? I tried, but couldn’t keep anything down - I vomited once, and then she made fish with vegetables for me and Marcus. Between contractions, I managed to eat a little. My mucus plug had also started to come away in bits.

Our mantra became: “I have all the strength I need.”

That afternoon it was over 30°C, and inside the house it was a little too uncomfortable. So Marissa suggested we go to a park just around the corner. We brought my yoga mat and birth ball and settled under a big tree, surrounded by nature. I kept doing my breathing exercises and deepening my connection with my daughter. Ps: little caterpillars started appearing - one of them seemed to be giving birth too. They crawled over to me, climbing onto my skin. I truly believe everything was connected. 🐛

Around 7:30 p.m., I decided I wanted to go to the hospital. My contractions had been regular (every 3 minutes, lasting at least a minute) since 4 p.m., but I wanted to stay home until the very last moment, knowing the transition could interrupt my rhythm.

Once we arrived at the Lewisham Birth Centre, everything became a blur. I remember feeling your surges while walking to the room, focusing intensely to stay in my bubble. I vaguely recall responding to the midwife, and then - my waters broke at Marcus’ feet. With each contraction, I received massage, sometimes from my husband, sometimes from my doula.

I then entered the birth pool, where I stayed for what felt like a few hours. The contractions fused together, feeling like one long wave. At that point, I asked for something to stop the pain (I meant epidural, but couldn’t remember the word in any language). They told me I couldn’t receive any analgesia without knowing my dilation. So I agreed to a second cervical check, but didn’t want to know how far along I was.

The midwife spoke to Mah, and she told me that the only option available was gas - and I said yes.

I had prepared deeply for this birth - I took Laura’s course, read countless books, and equipped myself with the most up-to-date knowledge about every procedure and stage. I knew what each external intervention could mean for Giorgia. Every decision I made was deeply informed.

So the moment they told me I couldn’t have the epidural, I knew that meant I was very close to pushing.

And I was. Not long after, I asked to go to the toilet. I was there with Marcus for a while - though I don’t really remember it. Then I moved to the bed and leaned forward onto a huge floor cushion - the perfect position to rest between the waves that now seemed endless. I was exhausted, but as they say: your body knows exactly what to do.

There, I received total support from the midwives, from Marissa, and from my partner - who made all the difference.

I felt an overwhelming urge to push, and a burning sensation - I was so close. There was no going back. I began vocalizing loudly, intensely, with powerful emotion. A force moved through me. A portal had opened, and on the other side, I could see the most beautiful place - it felt like I was about to enter paradise.

And then, slowly, you came. First your head, then, a few contractions later, your shoulders, your body.

I turned around and received you in my arms.

✨

Do you want a Positive Birth too? 

My antenatal Hypnobirthing courses are available both in-person and online, and are designed to be a fun and relaxing experience for you and your birth partner - a real highlight of your pregnancy.

I offer different formats suitable for every budget as it is important that Hypnobirthing is accessible and affordable for everyone.

 Find the perfect class for you below:

• Group Hypnobirthing Courses (South-East London & Kent)
• Private 1:1 Birth Prep Coaching
• The Complete Online Hypnobirthing Course

Or you can get started today with our FREE 5-Day Hypnobirthing Challenge!