Gursharon and Dennis’s Birth Story - Gestational Diabetes and a Positive Birth.

“Our beautiful little miracle, Rian, arrived safely on Sunday 4 January at 7:16am, weighing 7 lb 7 oz, and we couldn’t be more in love.

After being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension, I was advised to be induced. Although the induction began on Friday, Rian had his own plans and I later went into labour naturally.

The birth didn’t unfold as expected, but it was incredibly powerful. Early on Sunday morning I was told I wasn’t dilated enough and that my waters would be broken later that day — yet just 30 minutes later, at 3:30am, labour began suddenly and progressed fast.

Everything happened very quickly. The epidural machine was faulty, and I was effectively labouring while Rian was still in the sac. Throughout it all, my husband was by my side, grounding and supporting me, using hypnobirthing techniques to keep me calm, focused, and breathing through each moment. Once my waters were broken and the epidural was manually topped up, I could no longer feel the contractions. With his continued support, I pushed Rian’s head out and gently breathed the rest of him into the world.

Having experienced a third-degree tear with my previous birth, I was determined to protect my body this time. Although I had a second-degree tear, my recovery has been so much better, and I’m incredibly grateful for how strong my body has been.

We were discharged on Monday 5 January, and bringing Rian home has been nothing short of magical. I’m recovering well, feeling strong, and soaking up every precious moment with our beautiful baby boy.”

Gestational diabetes doesn’t mean giving up on a positive birth.

Inside my antenatal and hypnobirthing classes in East Surrey, we prepare parents for induction conversations, medical diagnoses and keeping calm when plans change.

If you are expecting and want realistic, evidence-based preparation for birth and beyond, view upcoming course dates here.