Positive Birth Story: #birthedonlockdown Birth Centre 2nd Baby
Positive Birth Story, 2nd Baby Born on the Birth Centre
At the time of positing, we are currently on lock down as the COVID-19 Pandemic sweeps the world. This has meant we have seen some changes to the way our maternity systems are operating, and natural it’s left lots of women feeling a little anxious and unsure of what to expect. But here’s the thing, the way we give birth still works in exactly the same way! And the opportunity for truly positive birth experiences is still there.
Our new campaign #birthedonlockdown aims to share these stories with you so you go forward into your birth feeling reassured, confident and ready to have the positive experience you deserve.
Over to Emily for her story…
Positive Birth Centre Birth of 2nd Baby
I gave birth to my second baby two weeks ago and we had a really positive experience!
In the run up to the birth I had been very anxious about the birth and being in hospital. My parents are vulnerable and we were relying on my mum to watch our daughter at home during the birth. I was very concerned about exposing her and of course my precious newborn.
Deciding between Home Birth and Birth Centre
A week before he was born I decided I wanted to plan for a home birth so that I could feel fully prepared to make an informed decision about where I wanted to be once I had gone into labour. As it happens, I went to the birth centre for an appointment with my community midwife and have a sweep on his due date. Having had the opportunity to be in the centre, see the room and get a feeling for being there when I went into labour the next day I was comfortable going in.
I sat on the birthing ball, with my husband by my side and we watched episodes of friends and race across the world. I felt very safe with my midwife. Everything progressed well but things just slowed right down after hours of great progress.
We decided to break my waters as my Midwife could feel there was probably a pocket of fluid stopping him from descending. Once they were broken he was out within 30 mins. The team were brilliant. We got to stay in the birthing suite for several hours and then because I needed an anti D injection I needed to go to the ward to wait for the pharmacy to open and have the injection.
‘He was born at 6.30 and I was home by lunch time’
It was at this point my husband wasn’t permitted into the ward and went home to see our daughter and wait for my call to collect us. I was actually fine with being there alone with William. We had breakfast, the ward was quiet, everyone was lovely and we just got to focus on feeding and having a nap.
We were home by lunch time and all together again. I know we were really lucky, no complications with the labour and delivery (no stitches) and a swift exit home. I don’t know how I would have coped without my husband present and I feel for anyone who has to go through any kind of birth experience without there partner but at the same time you have to trust your midwife and embrace the relationship. I felt very safe with Jane and trusted her expertise, wisdom and caring energy.
She initially had said she was reluctant to allow me into the birth pool for covid contamination risks but after some time said she was happy to run it if I wanted. As it happens I was most comfortable and things progressed most quickly with me just bouncing around on the ball watching tv! I had thought I wanted to go in the pool but when it came to it I just didn’t. It was the same with my first, I just didn’t want to get in.
My husband and I went through the birth-ed online hypnobirthing course
My husband and I went through the birth-ed online course as a refresher as we did an in person course when I was pregnant with my daughter. It was excellent and gave me access to so many tools when it came down to it, I just breathed through it all only needing the gas and air for the final pushing stage for a bit of a boost! I also had a 3 minute birthing affirmation track on loop for this stage which helped me stay focused and in my body. It wasn’t pain free, but it was completely manageable and I felt elated when he was with us.
I feel enormously relieved that is here and we had a great experience. Being in our little bubble post birth has been great too, no pressure and very cocooning although I miss family enormously. Spreading the news of his arrival has been lovely too as it has definitely brightened up peoples days!
I hope this brings some comfort/ confidence to other mums to be that
1) having a hospital birth can feel safe and positive and
2) you can create whatever atmosphere you want during labour. I wanted to distract my mind and have an upbeat atmosphere watching fun, easy tv. Nothing too serious!
3) even if you’re without your partner before being discharged, take it as an opportunity to connect with your new baby. I feel so bonded with William I’m sure in part because it was just the two of us recovering together. Hope this helps!
Are you ready to prepare for a positive birth like Emily? Why not join us for the birth-ed® Online Hypnobirthing & Antenatal course like she did!