Holly & Ethan’s Birth Story

From The Mat To Motherhood:

Finding Calm After Trauma: A Positive Caesarean Birth Story

I’d had a pretty good pregnancy but had been suffering anxiety throughout following a very traumatic ectopic pregnancy the year before which resulted in emergency surgery and serious threat to life. Due to my age and a number of factors I chose a planned Caesarian which did make me feel anxious due to my previous trauma.

I decided to try pregnancy yoga with Katie to help me manage my anxiety and perhaps develop some coping strategies. The class was calm and relaxed which helped me to focus and the breathing techniques definitely came in handy when the c section was delayed. Katie’s expertise and real life experience is also a huge plus! 

In the run up to the birth I felt pretty anxious but a tour of the birth suite definitely helped along with the pre-op too (with a very kind nurse)!  

The birth was a very positive experience with the most wonderful team of doctors and nurses who really put me at ease knowing my anxiety in advance via the reproductive trauma service. I was really surprised how calm the experience was which is something I really wanted and the kindness of the team was just amazing. 

If you’re feeling worried or anxious, definitely try out yoga and prioritise your emotional wellbeing, it gives you time and space away from home and work to breathe and chill. 

We now have a wonderful 7 week old baby boy who is everything we wished for and more and feel very lucky!