I had practiced yoga prior to pregnancy but still classed myself as a beginner. When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted to take part in Tessa's classes. I started when I was 14 weeks and managed every week until the week my little boy arrived. Not only was the practice a great way to relax, stretch and strengthen my body, but they helped set a good string positive mindset for my pregnancy, birth and beyond. It was also great having a little group of expectant mums to meet and chat to.
I had always planned on going to Burnley Birth Centre for a natural birth, however at my growth scan at 38 weeks I was told I was going to have to be induced on Friday afternoon, my waters broke at 4am Saturday morning and my contractions started to steadily build.
However, by Saturday night my contractions started to slow and I was moved to the birth suite. I was put on a drip to speed up my contractions and after more observations, it was decided that I would be having an emergency c-section.
I know a lot of people may not think my birth story is a positive one, but to me it definitely is. I wanted to have a natural birth, I was actually excited and I couldn't wait to see what my body could do. Everything I had practiced throughout my entire pregnancy ensured I was open and accepting of any changes, so I never got stressed or upset about it.
Throughout I concentrated fully on my breathing techniques learnt in my yoga practice. I managed my contractions without the need for any pain relief and I trusted my body. The section was decided to be done very quickly after I got to the birth suite as his heart rate was dropping too much. Within half an hour my little boy was on my chest.
I had gone through my breathing with my husband and he fully endorsed it, being my biggest cheerleader throughout pregnancy and birth. It could have felt scary in theatre as everyone was working at 100mph but Josh happily talked over people to remind me of my counting - kept me calm and focused on the end result.
Zac was born and we had skin to skin. All three of us relaxed and not stressed.
All the decisions made were 100% the right thing to do, as his cord was around his neck twice. I know people dread having an induction, but that again was the right thing to do as my midwife explained afterwards that my placenta was 'scraggy' and the cord was attached to it on the side, not in the centre. This is why he had slow growth, so from 35 weeks he was getting less and less from me.
My recovery has been great, the midwife commented on my mobility on day 3. By 2 weeks I had complete freedom of movement again and wasn't on any pain killers. I would definitely say this is all thanks to the practices Tessa taught me. My mind and body are strong, confident and relaxed.
The decisions made were all right for my little boy and what he needed. I'm so grateful and thankful for the birth we had. And if I hadn't done yoga before I may have been upset, stressed or scared that I wasn't getting the birth I had wanted.
Everyone says not to make a birth plan as births are so unpredictable, which for me was true.
However, Tessa gave me the tools of breathing and meditation to feel empowered, even when I was getting the complete opposite birth than I'd hoped for.
“Tessa Clemson Yoga - your yoga studio in Great Harwood, serving Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, Ribble Valley & Burnley”
Комментарии