Birth story - Lucy and baby Thea

For those who are facing induction who were hoping to avoid it. It can still be the most positive experience!

Labour with my first born in 2015 was difficult and that stayed with me right up to becoming pregnant 3 years later with Thea. I was induced and my labour ended with my son being rushed to NICU with breathing problems, and me left alone in a room, still feeling weird after pethidine and waiting to go to theatre after sustaining a third degree tear. I was scared and upset and felt really unsupported by the professionals around me, so much so that I made a formal complaint once I’d had time to reflect on the labour.

When I became pregnant for the second time I was still really emotional about the idea of labour. It was suggested by my community midwife that I see a consultant and discuss the possibility of an elective C-section- something that I didn’t really want but felt scared about all other options. I gave it a lot of thought and realised that I didn’t want a C-section, but I needed to change my mind-set and I was determined for this birth experience to be a more positive one. I had heard about hypnobirthing but didn’t fully understand what it was. Both my husband and I were sceptical, so purchased the online pack thinking that we had nothing to lose if it didn’t help.

I watched the first module alone and this was the first point that I really believed that labour did not need to be a traumatic and upsetting experience and that I had more control than I realised over what happens to me during the birth. Together, my husband and I made our way through the rest of the videos and by the end both felt really sure that this time the birth would be different.

Fast forward to 40+1 weeks and I began to be concerned about reduced foetal movements. I was offered induction at 38 weeks for this reason but had declined as wanted to give my body the best chance of going in to labour naturally and desperately wanted to avoid induction.

We arrived at assessment, were monitored and following this a doctor came to speak to us to discuss options as this was the second episode of reduced movements. The doctor said that, given I was over 40 weeks now and had another episode of RFM, induction could be offered. She gave my husband and I time to think, after we discussed the experience we had last time, but we used our BRAIN and decided to accept. I felt upset and worried that my first experience of labour would be repeated so began reading as many positive induction stories I could find on this group to try and change my mind set.

The induction began with the pessary and surges quickly built and became every 3 minutes and became stronger. After a few hours the midwife decided to take it out as in my last induction it over stimulated me and they were concerned this would happen again. We were encouraged to keep as mobile as possible so we kept walking as much as we could while on the ward. These surges began to die down but my cervix had changed and dilated so they were now able to break my waters. There was a wait for this as the hospital was so busy, but I was not allowed home as was being monitored twice per day. So during this time we went for walks close by the hospital, I used the birthing ball to bounce on by my bed and tried to rest as much as possible during the nights.

At 40+5 I was taken down to the labour ward and introduced to my midwife. She gave me time to discuss my birth preferences and my previous labour experience. I explained to her that if it was at all possible I wanted a water birth but acknowledged this may not be possible as there was only one pool on a very busy labour ward. My midwife said that as long as I didn’t need the drip there was no reason why I couldn’t use the pool.

At around 3pm they broke my waters and then suggested that we keep mobile, so we went for another walk of the hospital grounds. After a few laps I realised that my surges were happening at around the same points in our walk and we then began timing them. They got stronger and I knew I needed to go back to my room. My husband set up our tea lights, music, and got me a birthing ball, I bounced on this and using my up breathing managed each contraction. After two hours my midwife came in and agreed things looked like they were progressing, she said I had a choice, to either use the drip or to give it another hour and move to the pool room. I chose to move to the pool room and see if things progress so we moved there- my midwife had already set up tea lights and made the room feel really homely, after about half an hour it was clear that my labour was picking up and I began to need gas and air.

I requested another examination shortly after this as I felt the baby wasn’t far away and wanted to get in the pool. My midwife began getting the pool ready and agreed to examine me. She said I was 6cm and could use the pool if I wanted and if things slow down can always get out. As soon as I got in to pool I felt more relaxed, I wasn’t so hot and just felt at peace knowing that in some way I had got something that I really wanted- I got in the pool! Shortly after I felt the transition and knew that I needed to push, I remember saying that this surely can’t be right as I’m only 6cm! My midwife said that these are just numbers and to trust my body- if I need to push then push, if I don’t then that’s fine. So I followed my body, trusted every instinct. I had some wobbles where I needed reassurance from my husband and the midwife. They both held my hands and encouraged me through each of my surges and reminded me of my down breathing. 40 minutes later, (at 9pm, 6hrs after my waters were broken) and in the water like I’d always wanted, Thea was born. My midwife asked if I wanted her to come straight to me, which I did- so as she was born she was passed under my legs and I scooped her up out of the water and held her- probably the most incredible thing I have ever seen and done!

We stayed in the pool and had delayed cord clamping and afterwards my husband cut the cord. I then got out of the pool to deliver the placenta while having skin to skin with Thea. Our midwife then left us to have some family time where I breast-fed while having skin to skin with her. I sustained a 2nd degree tear so after about an hour we moved rooms so that I could have stitches, followed by a shower and the best tea and toast of my life!

I am so thankful to have had this positive birth and so much of that I owe to the positive birth company and the knowledge and power it gave us to be able to achieve the birth we wanted. Four years ago when I had my son I would never have believed I could feel this way about labour, but it was the most incredible experience! I certainly had moments of ‘I can’t do this’ during labour, but with reminders from my husband, particularly around breathing, I was able to make it through!

Thankyou positive birth company- It’s so nice to be able to have and share a positive birth story. There’s so much negativity and trauma shared about birth. I’m forever grateful to be able to share a birth experience that was no less than amazing!