Disha’s birth proved a simple fact. Even in her vulnerability, the labouring woman is the most powerful being in the birthing room. Second time parents, Disha and Prashant had decided to come back to birth with us. Disha’s pregnancy journey had a lot of unknowns as she was admitted twice, once at 34 weeks for a threatened preterm labour and again at 36 weeks for decreased fetal movements. Disha was under midwifery care and was very keen to have a waterbirth, something that she had missed the first time.

At 38 weeks she came to the hospital with decreased fetal movements. With midwifery and obstetric collaboration, it was decided that Disha would be better off with admission and a stretch and sweep in view of persistent decreased fetal movements. Disha and Prashant agreed to the plan but during the procedure, Disha was already found to be 3cms open. She soon started with her waves and was supported by Prashant, her doula and her midwife who worked relentlessly to support Disha ensuring she was well hydrated and relaxed. With each wave Disha would instinctively sway and breathe her way through the wave. In between the waves, Disha would laugh and talk with her birth team.

Anshu heard a lot of negative stories about birth. Nearly all her friends had a C-Section, and she was keen on enjoying an unmedicated vaginal birth. She travelled from Kolkata to book with us at 29 wks of her pregnancy.

At 33 weeks, Anshu came for a routine check and complained of a fluid leak. On examination the cervix was found to be 3 cm dilated, but the bag of water seemed to be intact. Anshu had not experienced any waves or discomfort. She was admitted for observation and was administered steroid injections to help her baby’s lungs to function in the event of Anshu birthing prematurely. However, Anshu remained stable so went home.

At 35 wks of pregnancy, Anshu’s waters started to go. Anshu and Abhik remained calm despite the anxiety expressed by her family. The childbirth preparation classes had empowered her with knowledge and confidence. She had a hot water shower, ate her breakfast, packed her bag and came to the hospital.

On examination, the cervix was found 3 cm dilated. Her waves were irregular. A decision was made to augment her labour. Soon she began experiencing stronger waves at a regular pace. Anshu remained calm, sipping on fluids, and enjoying her fruit. She had a hot shower and sat on the birth ball while she read the birth affirmations she had chosen for her labour. She continued with her exercises and her smile!