Birth story - Natalia and baby Frank

It was Wednesday 11pm when my waters broke. I couldn't be more excited as I knew I'd meet my baby soon! I shouted to my husband to announce it started! We phoned the maternity unit to let them know about that, but we were told to stay at home until I have a regular contractions that come in every 5 minutes (which I knew anyway). So we waited.

We watched two movies, I got a really nice feet massage, had something to eat and eventually fell asleep. We phoned the unit in the morning to let them know there were still no surges, so we were told to come for a check after 24 hours from when my waters broke. So we did, we grabbed the hospital bag (packed and ready since 2 months), and went to the hospital at 11pm on Thursday. My baby and I were checked, and we were told that we're both safe and healthy. The midwife informed us that we could either proceed with an induction now, or wait for the surges to start on their own. If no contractions next day, we would need to come for another check at 11pm. That was a tough choice!

On one hand, I just couldn't wait any longer to meet my baby boy! On the other, I dreamed about a natural birth in the water, and I knew that inducing the labour would mean I would be on the labour ward rather than in a pool, being monitored and attached to the machines and wires... Because there were no concerns from the midwife, we decided to wait.

We came back home and we went to bed. When I woke up the next morning to find there were still no contractions yet, I got a little bit disappointed but I knew I'd meet my baby soon anyway! So I decided to relax, and enjoy the day. However, when an evening came and there were still no contractions, I got a little stressed as the clock was ticking and I knew the longer we waited, the bigger chance of inducing the labour... At 6pm on Friday I told my husband I'd go for a nap, just in case the labour started soon, so I would have the actual energy to give birth! I went upstairs to our bedroom and fell asleep... And then BOOM! I was waken up by an enormous surge, something that felt like a period cramp but 1000x stronger. But better at the same time. That pain was amazing. I couldn't believe it was happening, we really would meet our baby soon!

My first surge started at 9pm, but the second one came very soon after, and the third, and fourth... Actually my surges lasted longer than the breaks between them, from the very beginning! I couldn't think anymore, and I don't remember much from that part. It was like being in a trance... I only remember that breathing was my best friend at this point, and that it was the only thing I could focus on. UP BREATHING. Slow, calm, inhaling, exhaling... It was my way to deal with the pain.

At 10pm (I know this from my hubby) he phoned the maternity unit and told them my contractions were regular and strong, but we were told to wait until 11pm as we were meant to go to the hospital at that time for the check anyway, but I just couldn't wait anymore. I knew I couldn’t wait until 11! So we decided to drive there anyway and it was a great decision, because by the time we arrived at the hospital, I was already 9cm dilated. I was exhausted. I wasn't prepared for such an intensity. I thought the breaks between the surges would be a little bit longer if I'm to be honest!

At this point, I wanted to give up and I was asking for an epidural. At the same time I was told the pool was getting ready, with warm water in it, fairy lights hanging around and our playlist playing. Midwife said that I'd have to decide now - proceed with my dream birth scenario or labour ward. I must have been 10cm dilated then, but I remember thinking that a transition is just a stage (which I read about in your book), and thankfully I decided to follow my heart and a few minutes after I found myself in a pool! Finally!

And then it started... The most magical, amazing and beautiful experience of our lives. Just like I imagined it. Warm pool, fairy lights, Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles songs in the background and us. Me - squatting in the pool, down breathing with each surge, and then relaxing during the breaks, my lovely husband holding my hand and the amazing midwife, who was just letting us be, but keeping safe. It really was the best experience in my life, and I will definitely do this again! And again. And who knows, maybe one more time? So on this occasion I would like to hug and thank Siobhan Miller, for the book that helped us to experience the most beautiful birth! THANK YOU! ❤️