The Birth of Baby Mars: an Unmedicated Hypnobirthing Experience at QEH

At 40 + 5, I had a midwife appointment where we discussed doing a membrane sweep. During the examination, I wasnʼt yet dilated, so we agreed to book another appointment at 41 weeks, just a week before my scheduled induction. I really wanted to give my body a chance to go into labour naturally.

At 41 weeks, we returned to hospital, and I was already 2 cm dilated, a little moment of encouragement. The midwife performed the membrane sweep and told me I might begin surges later that day or night. If not, we had another sweep planned a few days later.

Luckily, by 8 pm that evening, I started feeling some early sensations. I gently tracked them, and by 1 am, the surges became stronger and more regular. I turned to my hypnobirthing tools, breathwork, visualisations, holding a comb, and surrounding myself with familiar smells like lavender, clary sage, and jasmine, and used pebble.

In the final two months before birth, I had been listening to hypnobirthing tracks almost daily. Alongside this, I had also been practicing Vipassana meditation for the past four months, which I truly believe helped me stay calm, aware, and relaxed throughout early and active labours.

From 1 am to 7 am, I stayed in bed, breathing through each wave. Thanks to the breathing, affirmations, and meditation techniques, I was even able to rest and sleep between surges. It was such a gentle, focused experience.

When my waters broke at 7 am, everything intensified. I supported with gentle back massages, and my partner Mert calmly got everything ready and contacted the hospital.

By the time we arrived at 8 am, I was already 8 cm dilated. I was brought into the birth centre, just as Iʼd hoped. I couldnʼt hand over my birth preferences document, and we didnʼt set up any preferred music—but the random playlist playing in the room actually felt fine in the moment. There were calming lights in the room, which helped create a peaceful space, but I didnʼt get to use the birthing pool and ball because the baby was already so close to being born.

The midwife told us the baby might arrive very soon, so I began pushing right away. In the rush, I completely forgot about pain relief or gas and air. It ended up being an unmedicated birth, just with breathing and support.

However, during the pushing phase, things became a bit more challenging. I struggled to feel my bladder and had difficulty pushing effectively. I had been fully dilated for almost two hours, it became clear that the baby had spent a prolonged time in the birth canal. When traces of meconium were observed, we were informed that a transfer to the delivery ward was necessary for closer monitoring.

The moment we were transferred, the atmosphere shifted. The calm environment of the birth centre gave way to a more clinical space filled with medical equipment and a team of professionals. Monitors were attached to track the babyʼs heart rate, and several doctors joined to assess the situation.

This change could have been overwhelming, but I stayed focused. My hypnobirthing training helped me remain centred and responsive as I continued to work through each wave. I followed the guidance of the midwife and stayed connected with my partner, who supported me throughout.

From my partnerʼs perspective, this stage felt more intense. While I was focused on breathing and listening to the midwife, he watched the monitors closely. He later told me the babyʼs heart rate had dropped significantly for a moment, and he could see the concern in the teamʼs faces. It felt like time slowed down.

Fortunately, the babyʼs heart rate stabilised quickly, and we were given the opportunity to continue with the birth without further intervention. Then, as I pushed with support, my partner noticed the head crowning, full of beautiful hair. In that moment, the shift from uncertainty to relief was immense.

The team suggested an episiotomy, and we agreed. The moment it was done, baby was born. Midwife informed us baby is a big boy, I was over the moon because the pushing phase was finally done.

We immediately had our golden hour, skin-to-skin, cuddles, and calm. Because of the babyʼs position and the prolonged pushing phase, they gave me an injection to help deliver the placenta safely. After that, we were left in peace in the room.

We stayed together, me, Mert, and our beautiful baby boy, for over three hours. It was a magical time, full of cuddles, awe, and quiet joy. Baby Mars latched well, and we began our breastfeeding journey surrounded by love and calm.

Final Thoughts

Although there were unexpected turns, I look back on my birth with gratitude and strength. Hypnobirthing and Vipassana helped me trust my body, stay centred, and make informed, peaceful choices. The support from my partner, and the team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital made all the difference. And the moment we met our baby, gender surprise and all, was more beautiful than we ever imagined.

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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.

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