Birth story - Jen and baby Edward

Thanks to the Positive Birthday company for enabling me to have a wonderful birthing experience.
I gave birth to my second baby boy on 23rd October 2020 in the Lotus suite at Leeds General Infirmary.

My first baby was born after a long labour, after going into labour naturally. I had high blood pressure and was given the hormone drip to help me progress. Eventually I needed a spinal injection for an emergency forceps delivery with an episiotomy. I felt out of control, was in so much pain and exhausted.

I loved both my pregnancies but was worried about this birth after the trauma from last time.

I bought the PBC book and read from cover to cover. It just made sense! I was able to change my way of thinking, take control and trust my body. It worked!

I started to have surges at 8.30pm and managed these at home using the Freya App to help me focus and track my breathing. I put my fairy lights on and was actually excited because I knew our baby would arrive soon.

We waited for my mother in law to come as our toddler was in bed then left for the hospital and arrived just before 11pm. Due to Covid restrictions my husband couldn’t come in to the MAC but I felt in control and continued to use my Up Breathing to manage the ever increasing surges.

By midnight, I was transferred to the Lotus Suite and my husband could join me again. My blood pressure was a bit high but they kept monitoring this as I insisted it was due to me being in hospital. Eventually it dropped and I was able to get in to the pool. We had our own music on and I felt so relaxed. I used gas and air to help control my Down Breathing and got into a comfortable position.

Edward was born at 1.23am and I was able to put him straight on my chest in the pool.

I couldn’t believe how quick it was and how I actually enjoyed the experience.

I can’t thank PBC enough for my changing my birthing experience.