19/01/2025
Carmen and Shayne joined my group class a few months ago and loved what they learnt. So when Carmen messaged to say she was in labour just before NYE I was so excited for them!
These two are the perfect example of meeting whatever turns your birthing takes and making decisions that allow you to have the best birth possible.
And after baby Soleil needed to spend some time in the NICU, there is nothing sweeter than hearing about how much they are absolutely loving being home as a little family of three 💜
"I sit and write this as my angel lays on my chest. Gently resting my head on hers, listening to the sweet sound of her little breaths - each one I am eternally grateful for. Finally, a chance to reflect on the week that has been. Honouring the birth we had, despite its twists and turns.
As labour approached, the excitement continued to build. Whilst I was quietly nervous, I was predominantly filled with so much joy and anticipation, excited for the moment I'd finally get to meet my little girl. Starting sooner than expected, I experienced 2 days of pre-labour at 39 weeks.
Utilising the beautiful tools of hypnobirthing that I'd learnt (thank you so much ), I breathed my way through each surge that kept me up for 2 sleepless nights. On Monday the 30th of December at 11:30am, surges were inconsistent, about 15 minutes apart. I learnt I was 2-3 centimetres dilated and fully effaced. Relieved, knowing that the sensations I'd been experiencing were a promising sign of progression. By 3pm, surges were 3 minutes apart and steadily building in intensity. Not knowing how quickly or slowly things would progress, Shayne and I decided to make our way to the hospital. Once we arrived, we quickly got ourselves settled - setting up our room with beautiful lights, the relaxing scent I'd loved during my pregnancy and most importantly, a comforting photo of my Pa. The next 7 hours were a blur, spent with my eyes softly shut and my hips continually swaying as I tried to centre myself through my breath. I moved between tools, finding so much relief and comfort in visualisation, hip squeezes from Shayne (a godsend), time spent in water, a tens machine, squeezing a birth comb and finally, gas & air. Once my waters broke, everything quickly intensified. A check confirmed that whilst I had positively continued to progress in dilation, baby wasn't in the ideal position. In an attempt to rotate Soleil, I was set up on my side with a peanut ball.
However, this was short lived as my body began to involuntarily bear down with each surge. At this point, it was decided that an epidural was needed to allow my body to relax and dilate. The energy in the room changed, with a sense of calm filling the space - a welcomed energy after what had just transpired. After 2 hours of blissful sleep, it was time to push. With baby still firmly positioned posterior full OP, I was dealt a hard hand, but one I was ready to tackle under the guidance and support of my wonderful obstetrician. After 20 minutes of assisted pushing, Soleil entered the world. Stunned, but so beautiful. We were given 5 short minutes of skin-to-skin before she was whisked away to NICU with a subgaleal hemorrhage.
The next three days were a blur of
intense monitoring, countless blood tests and a blood transfusion for our little girl. On day three, Daddy was finally able to have his first hold... a much needed moment of joy that allowed us to momentarily detach
from the feelings of fear and sadness we'd experienced until this point. Our little fighter finally graduated from NICU and joined us in our room. That first night together was bliss – waking every 3 hours to feed, cuddle and stare in awe at the perfect little person we'd somehow created. Whilst it wasn't the start we'd hoped for & whilst I wish I could take away the pain from our angel, I am eternally grateful that it all led us to her. Being her mum is the biggest privilege. Beyond grateful to be home, in the loving space we created for Soleil. Our beautiful life starts now darling 🤍
📷 courtesy of
