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Claire Newns’ Story

I am writing to let you know that on Tuesday 30th October I gave birth to Charlotte Louise Newns at 12.52 and she weighed in at 6lb 3oz. She was 9 days early.

I began to notice contractions on Monday evening and spent a lot of time on my gym ball as it was the only place i felt comfortable. By around 10pm I was sure it was contractions that i was feeling. I felt them on and off throughout the night but managed to still get a few hours sleep. By 6am I was having contractions every 8-10 mins and got in the bath to relieve some of the pain. While in there I practiced deep breathing techniques to keep me relaxed and focused, and took some paracetamol.

Over the next few hours i relied on my tens machine and used deep breathing to aid during contractions. I sent my husband off to work, sure that I was in for a day at home on my gym ball.

By 10am I was finding it difficult to time contractions, concentrate on tens and on my breathing. I decided I felt I needed to go to the hospital for an examination just to see how I was progressing and for some reassurance. My husband came home and took me to the hospital.

I was examined and told at 11.30am that although I was 5cm dilated unfortunately the baby had turned breach and I would have to go for an emergency c-section. Obviously this was a shock as the baby had been engaged in the pelvis, and I realised I wouldn’t have the water birth I had hoped for. As I was being prepped for surgery and administered with the epidural I concentrated hard on my breathing to get me through the contractions and stress of being prepared for surgery.

All was well in the end, and although I really hadn’t wanted a c-section ultimately the most important thing was the safe arrival of my daughter.

I just want to say a huge thank you for teaching me the breathing techniques. A few people in the theatre commented on how calm I was during the prep for surgery and I told them I was practicing my breathing techniques from my yoga class, which helped me stay calm and collected.

I have really enjoyed my time at yoga as it gave me 1 hour a week to focus just on me and my baby which really was a special time. I hope to return again one day in the future for number 2!

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