Let's start from the very beginning.

When my dear hubby and I knew about my pregnancy, we were elated. As we are first time parents, the 2 of us started to do research and read magazines and books. I chanced upon a short article on doula and Four Trimesters in one of the parenting magazine. However, then, I did not really think of having a doula even though I was very impressed with what a doula does.

In the mean time, I have already decided on a natural and unassisted birth which I strongly believe that it will benefit my baby. However, I was unsure if both my DH and I were able to do so all by ourselves. Thus, so happen that I was looking around for someone who can do prenatal massage on Google and came across Four Trimesters' website again as Dianne was previously with Four Trimesters. I emailed her and she invited me to BirthTalk. This was the turning point as most of them are pro-natural birth and I reinvestigate the possibility of having a doula.

However, at that point in time, my gynae was located in KKH which was not doula friendly. I emailed Ginny and met up with her. I was very comfortable with her and was impressed that she is really knowledgable. Thus, I made up my mind to switch gynae and hospital in order to have Ginny as my doula. That was a frustrating 2 weeks, as I have to consider monetary matters as well as getting my test results etc back from my previous gynae. However, once I have set my mind on having a doula to help me achieve my aim, the rest of the matters just fall in place.

But, alas, one more obstacle! My DH. He is someone who needs to get value for money and can be really skeptical at times. As I was afraid that he may stop me from engaging Ginny, I signed up with Ginny without his knowledge. Hmm, on second thoughts, this is very typical of me to do things before telling him. Ginny asked if I would like to normal package or the Hypnobirthing one. To be honest, I was extremely skeptical about Hypnobirthing (as most of those who heard of it the first time). However, I decided to go with it after reading articles on the topic online.

After the first class conducted by Ginny, both of us are convinced that Hypnobirthing is for us.

Baby's EDD is on the 8th of February. But guess he is just too romantic and chose to be born on the 14 th of February 2006 instead. Thank goodness, Dr Paul Tseng is alright with baby being past his EDD for I have heard numerous stories on how mothers are being forced to have induction when EDD is past.

As baby is late, I have chosen to return to work instead of taking leave off work after Chinese New Year. On the 13 th of Feb, I attended the Breastfeeding Support Group started by Ginny at Forum. On that day, I felt more Braxton Hicks and thought that baby is coming soon. At the support group, I heard mothers who had Hypnobirths themselves and this boosted my confidence.

13th Feb evening

Washed hair, slept early as I have the feeling that baby is coming soon.

1.30am - 2.30am

I woke up feeling hungry and woke DH up. He made me a sandwich. Argued with him over work. I wanted to return back to work that day as baby is not out yet. Once I insisted on returning to work and stood up to go to the toilet, my water bag burst. My reaction was 'Win liao, don't have to go to work already!'

2.30am - 6am

Well, as first time parents with no experience and too 'kan-cheong' for nuts, we decided to go to the hospital at 5.20am. Misjudgment on my part as I misinterpreted the intervals of my contractions.

6am - 7.20am

Ginny arrived at the hospital. Thank goodness for the prenatal classes we had with Ginny. I know more of my rights on hospital procedures. Nurse wanted me to wear the hospital gown but I refused to, don't wish to reveal my back to anyone =P. Just kidding! Felt more comfy in my own clothes.

Gosh, have never vomited throughout my entire pregnancy. No morning sickness before. However, vomited the sandwich and ginseng soup I had. =(

7.20am - 12pm

Dr Paul came and checked on me. He wanted me to do a VE to feel the umbilical cord because of slight decelerations during the surges. He suspected that the cord is around baby's neck.

My back started to ache. Ginny and hubby took turns to rub my lower back.

Nurse came in and out to check baby's heart rate with a Doppler. I can tell you that I hated this tremendously throughout as the nurse always does so at the wrong time, ie when I am having surges. Because they tend to press the Doppler a little too hard on my tummy. Guess I pissed them off as each time they wanted to do so, I would ask them to wait till surge is over.

12pm - 2pm

Dr Paul came in to check on me again and did another CTG. The surges intensified and I made trips to the toilet. The need to push gets stronger.

2pm - 3pm

Ginny asked if I wanted to try the tub as my back continues to ache. She filled up the tub.

Nurse wanted me to do another VE which I hated tremendously. I kept quiet and didn't answer her, silently wishing in my heart that she will go away and leave me alone! Wish came true and she left without doing the VE. Hehe =P

3pm - 5pm

More waters leaking. Have actually started to breathe and push while on the birth stool. However, the birth stool was not working for me.

A Sister Grace came in and checked on me. She was the nicest among all nurses and encouraged me.

5pm onwards

I was feeling very tired as I have started to breath and push for a couple of hours now. Was feeling very dejected and thought that I would not be able to have the natural birth that I wanted so much.

No choice. Another VE was done by Sister Grace to see how far I have gone so that I would know if I should continue to breathe and push baby out. I was fully dilated by then.

By then, I was on the bed, on the lateral position as the birth stool was not working. Things happened very quickly from here. This position was it! The urge to breathe and push the baby out was so strong.

However, nurse told me not to push as Dr Paul was not here as yet. Can you believe it? I was already almost there and was told to stop! Ergggg. Nurse told me he will arrive in 10 minutes. =P Apparently, either her sense of timing is wrong or her watch is spoilt. The wait for Dr Paul was the worse part of the labour. Was so relief when Dr Paul arrived.

5.58pm

Baby Ross arrived!

Throughout the entire labour, when my surges and backaches intensify, Ginny would do deepening relaxation with me. This really helped me to relax and focus on my breathing. The breathing techniques such as the J-breathing really help me in my labour. The length of time I spent in the hospital is not a measure of the effectiveness of Hypnobirthing. For honestly, I only listened to the CD on MRT trains during the trip to work and occasionally at night. Moreover, I didn't practice visualization of the birth which I regretted for I am sure it will help me to speed up the birth.

Looking back, enrolling for the Hypnobirthing package and engaging Ginny as my doula are the best things that can happen for us. Even my dear hubby is spreading the effectiveness of Hypnobirthing to his colleagues and friends and all those who cares to hear him out. =P

To those mother-to-bes out there, hesitate no longer. As Ginny puts it, 'Hypnobirthing - Taking the world by calm.'