Natural Birth with GDM & Anaemia
Diagnosed with gestational diabetes and anaemia, Su Yin was treated like a patient rather than a mother-to-be. She changed care providers, avoided a premature induction, and birthed her daughter naturally after 48 hours of labour.
Chua Su Yin's story
8 July 2017 · Seri Kembangan · Labour: 48 hours · Baby: Emma Beh · 3.2kg
“Each interaction and class really empowered me to learn my body's ability.”
My pregnancy was especially challenging as I was diagnosed with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and anaemia. Rather than enjoying my pregnancy journey, I felt like a sick patient that needed constant medical treatment and monitoring. I am also working and the stress from work plus the pregnancy really took a toll on me.
Discovering HypnoBirthing
I came to know about HypnoBirthing from a colleague. After attending a HypnoBirthing Introductory workshop and listening to other HypnoBirthing mother''s birth experience, my husband and I signed up for the classes. It was one of the best decisions we made.
Each of the 5 sessions was interactive. We learnt about how amazing a woman''s body is and how capable women are to give birth in a calm peaceful manner. As first-time parents, we had a lot of questions about birth, and Ruzanna answered all of them patiently and insightfully.
Finding Confidence
She gave me a lot of positive moral support and a lending ear. Even when I had concerns about my pregnancy risk status, Ruzanna gave me deep insights into what I could do to help myself during pregnancy, and how to navigate our discussions with our doctor during prenatal visits.
Each interaction and class really empowered me to learn my body''s ability. I began to trust myself and have confidence that I could give birth to my baby naturally with minimal medical intervention.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was to lean in and listen to my body, to use my innate wisdom to understand what was going on, and to use positive words when communicating with my baby and myself.
Preparation & Practice
I listened to the Rainbow Relaxation audio, which helped me relax and sleep every night. Daily relaxation helped frame my body to make birth easier and smoother. I trusted my body and practised the breathing, exercises and techniques as taught.
We sought a different doctor who would support our birth plan and did not rush us into an unnecessary induction. Our previous doctor wanted to induce at 38 weeks even though I had kept my pregnancy risk low with all the efforts I made during pregnancy.
The Birth
We followed my birth plan and after 48 hours of labour, I delivered my baby girl, Emma Beh, on 8 July 2017 at 39 weeks and 4 days. We had our natural birth without an epidural or any other pain relief drugs, followed by one hour of skin-to-skin with baby Emma.