My Second Birth Story: How it Redeemed My First Birth
My second pregnancy came sooner than I expected. After weaning my first baby around sixteen months, I had one menstrual cycle—and then I was pregnant again. I was amazed by how quickly the body can return to the pregnancy journey, even when the heart and mind are still catching up. This pregnancy felt different from the beginning. Having a toddler meant my energy was constantly being divided, and I had to learn—again and again—to give myself grace. Some days that meant more rest, more stillness, and yes, sometimes more screen time than I had planned. I reminded myself that this season required flexibility and compassion.
From the start, I knew I wanted this pregnancy and birth to feel different from my first. I wanted to move forward with more confidence, more joy, and a deeper trust in my body. I wanted to feel aligned—physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also wanted to support my baby in finding an optimal position for birth. With that intention, I chose to switch hospitals so I could continue care with the midwife I trusted and birth in a space that better aligned with my values surrounding physiological birth.
My partner and I enrolled in an evidence-based childbirth education course that helped clarify what I truly wanted for this birth. I also hired a new doula who fully honored my preferences and autonomy. Although there was no longer a Hypnobabies instructor in my area, I leaned fully into the program on my own. I immersed myself in the materials and hypnosis tracks I already had, intentionally saturating my mind with calm, confidence, and trust. This time, I felt equipped—I had the tools I needed to pursue the unmedicated birth I desired.
Physically, my pregnancy progressed well overall, though I faced familiar challenges. I worked diligently to maintain pelvic alignment, especially as tightness in my left pelvis returned earlier than it had during my first pregnancy. I again sought care from a pelvic floor specialist who helped me preserve mobility and comfort. Balancing pregnancy with a full-time job as a dental hygienist added strain; the repetitive positioning and ergonomics demanded extra awareness and care. I was also navigating hypertension, something that runs in my family and still brings up anxiety for me. Each blood pressure reading felt like a test I hadn’t studied for—something I couldn’t fully control, but had to learn to meet with steadiness.
My estimated due date came and went, landing at the end of February. As I passed forty weeks, my blood pressure stabilized, and a non-stress test showed my baby practicing gentle waves—my body was preparing. I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but underneath it all was a quiet confidence. I had practiced, prepared, and trusted my Hypnobabies tools. I knew I could meet this birth with calm and presence.
At forty-one weeks, we scheduled an induction with my midwife. The night before, I tried the midwives brew, following the recipe as closely as possible—a castor oil drink intended to stimulate labor naturally. While it may have helped somewhat, spontaneous labor didn’t begin. The next morning, the hospital called to say all the beds were full. A drop in barometric pressure and cold weather had brought many babies earthside at once. I felt both relieved and disappointed—grateful for more time, yet eager to finally meet my baby.
When we were finally admitted, I was dilated to three centimeters—a small but meaningful start. We chose to sweep the membranes and continued encouraging labor through movement, positioning, and pelvic alignment exercises. I eventually chose to have my waters released, but after a few more hours, my dilation remained unchanged. With thoughtful discussion, we decided to introduce a low, incremental dose of Pitocin to help things progress.
As labor intensified, I turned inward. I used my Hypnobabies techniques to remain calm, relaxed, and present. I labored on the birth ball, leaned over the toilet in deep relaxation, and followed my body’s cues. Eventually, I entered the birthing tub, and the warm water brought profound relief. Time seemed to soften. My mind slipped into that familiar hypnotic state—alpha and theta waves guiding me as energy pulsed rhythmically through my body. Though my husband and doula were nearby, it felt like it was just me and my baby, working together.
When my midwife sensed that birth was nearing, she suggested a position change. I was so deeply relaxed that I hadn’t realized how intense things had become. I moved onto the bed on all fours, swaying my hips instinctively. As the surges grew stronger, I noticed myself tensing. My doula climbed onto the bed with me and applied strong hip squeezes that eased the intensity in my lower back. My midwife gently encouraged me to let go.
Then I felt it—the stretching, the powerful opening I had heard described as the “ring of fire.” In that moment, clarity washed over me. I said out loud, “I’m ready to get this baby out.” My midwife smiled and told me she could see my baby’s head. That affirmation gave me exactly what I needed. I surrendered fully, allowed my body to take over, and with the next wave, I birthed my daughter into the world.
The joy that followed was indescribable. I felt calm, powerful, and deeply fulfilled. I held my baby during our golden hour without interruption, soaking in the moment. My husband cut the cord once it had finished pulsating, and we bonded as a new family. I felt an overwhelming sense of autonomy and healing. This birth redeemed parts of my first experience that had left me questioning myself. I proved—to myself—that I was capable, strong, and worthy of trust.
This is the gift of birth: knowing you did the best you could to bring your baby into the world with intention and love. I met my goals. My baby was healthy. Everything else faded into the background. Holding her, I felt nothing but gratitude.
Birth is a journey filled with emotion—every feeling has its place. The preparation, the practice, and the willingness to go inward are essential. Hypnobabies gave me the tools to trust my body, quiet my mind, and meet birth with confidence. This experience will stay with me forever, a reminder of the power we carry within us.
