"Positive C-Section and the tools that helped get through it"

I was super reluctant ahead of my second C section, as the first experience wasn’t overly positive for me, and I have an extreme needle phobia. I heard about the positive C Section workshop the morning of - and we decided (2 days ahead of the actual surgery due to a breech baby) that any help would be good help. 

I was sceptical. But, the visualisation tools, the breathing and meditations (not typically my thing), the information about options and some of the things we may like to consider (like bringing headphones into the surgery to distract during the scary needles, and delayed cord clamping, skin to skin) really felt like it put control back in my hands. I felt better equipped. 

Ahead of the surgery, I used my music, and breathing techniques got through the scary spinal block without ANY tears and had a gorgeous baby girl- with ALL the things I wanted out of my birth, albeit not that natural birth I’d dreamt of.

 During and then after the surgery, I had massive blood loss - not something I’d actually considered could happen. The situation escalated, more needles, more very serious discussions and eventually an ambulance ride to the airport where I was rushed to Perth via RFDS. The visualisations, the fear meditations (walking down the stairs, heading to my happy place, music as a distraction)- I honestly don’t know how, without these tools, I would have stayed calm. 

I’m stable now, and after close to 30 needles, infusions, IVs, blood thinners, coagulants, you name it, I am recovering with my beautiful baby girl. 

I can not recommend this workshop enough. I was hesitant - and I instantly felt supported. The delivery was flexible enough for me to attend while still parenting a toddler. The resources- although they didn’t arrive pre-birth, gave me skills I needed (and I was able to access some of them on Spotify - meditation music-wise). And Kasey (workshop presenter) was approachable, accessible and very knowledgeable. The email examples she sent after the workshop were invaluable to me.

Having someone based in a country hospital with knowledge of some of the limitations also made a big difference. 

I’m beyond grateful. Thank you for reaching out to offer me access to the free course. I didn’t know there was any such thing as hypnobirthing for C-Sections. I hope more people have the opportunity in future, particularly for regional patients.