Birth story - Emma and baby girl

*Trigger warnings* - Failed induction, Contractions/ pain- no negation association for me, Assisted delivery.

I had my first baby in March 2020. I was induced at 12 days over and ended up having an unplanned c-section. He was back to back and I got stuck at 6cm for 7 hours. Although this wasn't the birth that I had hoped for as I had had 2 failed inductions (balloon and pessary - hormone drip got things moving), I didn't find the experience traumatising in anyway, as I had completed the online course and felt calm and in control throughout the whole process.

Fast forward 2.5 years and pregnant with number 2. I had consultant led care due to previous section. I felt listened to and supported throughout the whole decision making process, alhtough my B.R.A.I.N really did help me throughout these conversations. Eventually at about 25 weeks we came up with a plan of me having a scheduled section at 13 days over as I didn't want to be induced again, but that this would give me the time to go into labour naturally.

At 36 weeks I began having regular tightening and pain. It could be quite regular for a few hours then fade off. This happened all the way up to and passing my due date. I had x2 sweeps. For me this was useful as I wanted the internal examination to know what was happening with my body. At my second sweep at 41 weeks I was 2cm dilated. It was really useful for me to know that.

On the day of 9 days over I woke up and just felt different. My husband asked me how I was and I said "I feel like I'm going to go into labour". I had my usual regular pains intermittently throughout the day but didn't think anything of it as it had been happening for so long. At teatime I began to have regular strong contraction type pains. I went upstairs and started to time things. Again I didn't get too excited as this had happened quite a few times, however as the evening went on things became more regular and I knew I was going into labour. I took myself off to my bedroom, dimmed the lights and put the telly on in the back ground. I put my tens machine on and used the Freya app to time my contractions and guide me through each one with up breathing. I rang the labour unit to inform them things had started. They said they would get my notes out and to ring back when I was having 3 contractions in 10 mins. At about 2.30am I made my way to the labour unit. I can't lie I was absolutely desperate for gas and air at this point 😅 . I was examined and was 4cm and taken to my own room.

At this point I felt I didn't need to use my Freya app. I felt calm and relaxed (gas and air certainly helped 😅). My husband put on some music and rubbed my back through each contraction. The room was dark and quiet. I was part of a continuity midwife team, so the midwife present throughout my birth already knew all my birth preference. I breathed through each contraction and rested between.

The night flew by. At about 9am I was fully dilated I had the natural urge to push. The midwives left me to it and to follow my own instincts. After an hour they advised coached pushing may be necessary as baby had still not come. I have to admit this was not an easy hour, and in hindsite I might have had more of a discussion about. I was free to be in whatever position felt most comfortable to me, so was on my knees leaning over the back of the bed moat of the time. This hour did help baby to come right down, despite this her head was turned to the side so she was not coming out. After an hour of this I was reviewed and discussion with Dr about an assisted delivery (ventouse). He gave me the option of that or a section so I agreed to try. The room changed from been very calm dark and quiet, to bright and busy. Whilst things were getting prepped the midwife explained who everyone was and why they were here.

Once we were set to go it was one push and my baby girls head was born.

I felt like an Olympic athlete after giving birth. For anyone considering a VBAC or unsure, there is of course no right or wrong, but know what it is completely possible, and your body is fully capable of it (even if you need a little help with the last push). The Positive Birth Company gave me the power and belief that this was possible and all the tools to do it.