Birth story - Amy and baby Edee

We had a planned c-section due to short umbilical cord and breech position.

I should say that my procedure was done outside of the UK as I'm a British citizen living over seas in France. My c-section was done in neighbouring Luxembourg though so some parts of my experience may not be exactly the same as what you might experience.

My c-section was planned for 38 weeks exactly as I'd been having contractions and was dilating slightly.

I was in hospital the night before my c-section was planned, for monitoring. This wasn’t the most restful place but was necessary as my c-section was scheduled for 9am and I live far from the hospital.

I was prepared for surgery, shaved and put in surgical gear, then wheeled down to the theatre. They were keeping me calm and once inside they prepped me for the epidural and played me music which isn't always possible. But the surgeon played from her own phone to relax me.

They gave me constant support and guidance. The actual procedure was well done. It was a strange feeling but not painful. Once my baby was placed on me all other things were irrelevant.

I used my up breathing to stay calm as they found I had less amniotic fluid and small umbilical cord. I used the smart way of thinking to know I'd made the right choice for me and my baby.

So my birth experience turned out to be a lot different to what I had planned/hoped for, as I originally wanted a drug free water birth, but overall I am just thankful to have my baby girl here safe and healthy.