Positive Birth Story: #birthedonlockdown Induction for 2nd Baby
Positive Birth Story, Natural Birth of 2nd Baby following severe tear with 1st baby
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 Natalie for her story…
Deciding between a c-section or natural birth
II had my second baby girl on the 31st March, having spoken to you on instagram regarding tearing after being recommended a C section I signed up to your course.
My pregnancy was low risk this time, and with your guidance and the course I was able to communicate really well with my amazing community midwife, had various appointments to support me in my decision, gathering facts about each option a deciding to go for a natural birth. I was booked into the birthing suite for a water birth.
I had contractions at 36+4 so went to maternity triage and they found she was transverse, so I had her turned successfully and my contractions stopped so went home. During this visit the doctor on duty questioned my choice for a natural delivery with made me feel uneasy for a second, but the course and all the support I had got from the nhs made me feel confident so stuck to my decision.
Baby moved position at 38+4 which I had felt and following the previous app I had picked up on the risk of a cord prolapse if my waters were to go in that position, I was having mild contractions, I rang triage who said they would scan me to reassure me but I had to come alone due to to COVID, I was fine with this and thought I’d be back home in an hour.
Induction for unstable lie
The baby had moved and the doctor identified that there was to much fluid and an unstable line so recommend delivery that day, by c section or induction. This was where I found it hard being alone as usually I would have talked through with my husband and he would keep me calm, but thanks to your course I managed to ask the right questions to help me come to a decision. I was induced on my own at 4pm with 2ml of gel straight away. I was told that Jack could come in when they broke my waters. My initial reaction was of course that I wanted him with me, however I reminded myself how lucky I am to have somewhere safe to deliver our baby, and that this whole situation is more than just me and this birth, and for me, I felt like not making a fuss about Jack being there was in a way me doing my little bit for those midwives on the front line every day.
My waters were broken at 10pm, Jack was allowed to be there for that as I was prepped for a c section incase of the cord prolapsing. It didn’t and was professing well so he stayed with me from that point.
I gave birth vaginally at 8.45 the next morning with a 1st degree tear. So was absolutely delighted.
Your course really helped me understand what was going on during my birth, it helped me communicate with both my midwives, both of whom I advocated for me so so much. I will never forget her telling the consultant to listen to me, as I’d already said I wasn’t having forceps again after my experience last time.
It also helped keep me calm, know my feelings were genuine, to have the confidence to ask for the pain relief options and ask for an epidural without any guilt or doubt.
After I got moved onto the ward Jack had to go home, which was really sad, especially for him as he really didn’t want to leave us, but as my birth had left me pretty damage free, I was able to go home six hours later, which would not have been the case had I been pushed into a c section or forceps.
Thank you so much for the content that you offer on Instagram, it’s invaluable, and for the course which was great. It gave me such a feeling of confidence going into a situation like that alone, as well as ability to rationalise what was happening.
I hope that is what you are looking for, and that you and your family are staying safe and well.
Are you ready to prepare for a positive birth like Natalie did? Why not join us for the birth-ed® Online Hypnobirthing & Antenatal course like she did!