Birth story - Helen and baby Dustin

My plan all through pregnancy was a Homebirth. I had the birthing pool ready to go, an amazing home midwife from Kingston Hospital, and both myself and my husband attended the PBC online course which was incredibly helpful. I also read Siobhan’s book which was super calming and made so much sense to me, and listened to the Freya tracks every night before bed.

I was 41+3 and was advised to go for a routine scan in order for the Homebirth team to get sign off to support me ‘post term’. So I did on the 23rd. I thought it would be straightforward but the scan showed dramatically reduced fluid in the amniotic sack. Because of this I would have to be induced and the baby needed to come soon. I was devastated about not being able to have my Homebirth but I asked them if I could go home before coming back that evening. They agreed. In this time I used my BRAIN and did some research on the condition of low fluid which showed most babies get stressed in labour without fluid and result in a higher number of C sections. I spoke to a midwife friend who said elective C section could be a good option to avoid the stress to the baby and to get him into the world as soon as possible. I agreed. Using this information I went back to the hospital and told them my decision.

I was making my own decision and taking back control. I felt confident and happy with this. I was booked in for the next morning (Christmas Eve).

During the procedure I was able to use my up breathing techniques to calm myself and stay happy throughout. The team at Kingston were amazing, we were able to play our own music and have skin to skin afterwards.

All in all, although this was a total 180 from what I wanted, it was the right decision for the situation and I was able to own that and be happy with the outcome. I had a very positive birth experience thanks to the Positive Birth Company and their online course.