#vrikshambirthstory,

Hi Anuka, I wanted to share my birth experience with you. I am Praveena, your pre-pregnancy, early pregnancy, labor management, and breastfeeding class student.

I am very happy to inform you that I had a baby girl vaginally on December 18th at 12.48 AM. The labor was short, and throughout my pregnancy, I was diligently following all the exercises that were taught in class -butterfly exercise, duck walks, squats, and ball exercises During the last trimester, I was doing these exercises for 45 minutes every day and walking for an hour.

On December 16th, I had a mucous plug discharge with brown stains, and by the next morning, the discharge increased, and the pain felt like period cramps. I continued with my walking routine, waiting for the contractions to get more intense before going to the hospital.

However, I received a call from the hospital asking me to come for a checkup as I had a mucous discharge. I was mentally prepared for the labor to start anytime, but the pain became intense after reaching the hospital.

I was admitted, and the contractions were coming in 2-minute intervals and were so intense that I couldn’t walk during them. I did breathing exercises while sitting in a chair during the contractions. My doctor didn’t believe me that I was having pain as I was calmly sitting in the chair and eating food fed by my mom.

I was 4 cm dilated, and my amniotic fluid started leaking. I was given an enema and put on drips. Within 5 minutes, the contractions became unbearable, and I kept doing fast breathing. My husband supported me throughout the labor, walking with me and holding my hands during the pain.

I couldn’t bear the pain, so I talked to my baby, asking her to come out soon, and to my surprise, she actually started descending down. In another 5 minutes, I had the pushing sensation and asked to call the nurse, I even remember saying “I feel like you are not believing me that the pain is severe because I am not shouting”.

 In less than 20 minutes, from 4 cm dilation, I was fully dilated, and the baby’s head was visible. The doctor and nurses didn’t expect the labor to progress so quickly, so they rushed me to the labor ward. After 40 minutes of pushing, my baby girl arrived ❤️, weighing 3.1 kg.

I was shifted to the ward after an episiotomy and breastfed my baby. Even though the hospital insisted on giving formula for the first two days, I was able to breastfeed my baby with the knowledge I gained from class and the support of my sister and mom. Throughout the labor, I stayed calm and didn’t shout or cry, and everyone appreciated me for the efforts I took during my pregnancy to have a vaginal delivery.

Breathing techniques and sipper bottles were my saviors, and I trusted myself and my baby. ❤️ I am very grateful to you for your classes and support. You made me stronger, Thank you so much, Anu Akka, and lots of hugs to you.🤗❤️