It's early days but…
I had a home birth for my first. It was generally a good experience, well it was certainly great being at home after the birth and recovery was really quick.
So I am only 9 weeks and I saw my midwife and she said did I want another home birth and I said I thought so but…
Last time my waters went at midnight and I started contracting right away, 3 in 10 minutes right from the start. They were reasonably painful within a few hours. I thought I coped pretty well at home with my DP and my best mate, lots of climbing stairs and resting, set up the pool, stayed active and on my feet.
24 hours later midwife arrived. I was already so tired. 7cm.
Labour really ramped up. Got examined again 4 hours later when she thought I was fully dilated. 8 cm.
Several more hours of out-of-this-world, out-of-my-body contractions - they were concerned I wasn't progressing, and I lost all my confidence. (Baby was fine throughout though.) So you know they say the transition bit is when you go out of your mind and try and walk out the room and say you don't want a baby any more? I was prepared for that, but I thought it would be 10 minutes! Not 3 hours. Finally examined again and was fully dilated.
Pushing stage was fine except I can barely remember it I was so tired falling asleep between contractions. 30 minutes. No tears. Lovely healthy baby. Was wonderful being at home as I said. I had a very settled baby and lovely easy time of breastfeeding. I was never alone on a postnatal ward. I had great food and comfy bed. I know I am very lucky.
But I'm not sure I can do that again??? My midwife said second births are much shorter and easier - do you think this really is the case for everyone?? I am glad I did stay at home. I think they would have interfered with my labour in hospital, and it might not have ended so well for me and baby. But I am crying a little writing this and not sure I have the strength, to do that, again.
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Childbirth
A bit anxious at the thought of second home birth
31 replies
weebairn · 23/02/2014 07:31
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