Empowered Hospital Water Birth of Second Baby
Mary shares her experience birthing her second baby after a difficult experience first time, utilising the support of the Birth-ed Course and resources.
“Just wanted to say a massive thank you to Megan and Birth-Ed!
Having had a difficult 1st birth I was determined to go into my 2nd being more educated and empowered. I listened to every podcast and did the online course and absorbed as much information as I could.
My waters broke at 37 weeks and contractions started soon after. I managed to Labour at home until I was 8cm. I will admit having experienced hyper stimulation in my first Labour I did wonder whether I just couldn’t tolerate the pain of contractions but having a better understanding of breathing techniques and of what my body was doing made them really manageable.
I had the most amazing midwife who reminded me to relax my breathing and trust my body but interfered very little. I was able to deliver in the birthing pool letting my body guide me into the most comfortable position and on when to push. I didn’t have any guided pushing at all, I just went with what felt right.
After delivery the cord was left attached until it turned white and I was left to have skin to skin with my new son without interference. He latched within a few minutes and had his first feed. I can’t express how much this time meant to me. My first son was born with a heart condition so was taken from me immediately after being born. Although I knew this had to be done to save him it’s something I still find difficult looking back. Getting to just hold and bond with my son this time around felt so incredible!
If it wasn’t for birth-Ed I know my Labour would have been very different. To say it was like night and day from my first Labour is a real understatement. Trusting my body and breathing through the contractions felt so incredible and powerful! It was everything I wanted and I’m so grateful!”