For all those scared of giving birth...Positive birth stories!

[missytequila]

Before giving birth as a first timer, I was TERRIFIED of the whole thing. I lost sleep, and read the mumsnet topic of childbirth daily, and was secretly praying for a breech and therfore section...and I just could not think of anything I would rather NOT do.
I kept reading stories of 3rd degree tears and various other horrible birth stories..and was convinced this would happen to me...

It did not! I would like to share my positive birth story and invite others to share positive experiences... for all those pregnant ladies who are scared. There are good stories too, I am proof!

My whole labour, from when I started to feel kinda funny to giving birth was 2.5 hours. Only 45 minutes of real labour!
I managed without any pain medicine, only frantic 2 puffs of gas and air. (by the way this was not the plan, it just happened too fast).. I had no tears, no stitches and I felt so good after giving birth that I even only stayed in hospital for about 19 hours total, then went home. I also have no stretch marks.

It can happen this way! I kept fit during pregnancy, doing pilates and walking. I massaged the perenium from about 28 weeks, used bio oil religiously and still do 2 months later. I also listened to the midwife coaching me to stop pushing at a certain time, I think to ease the head out. I doubt any of these things helped, it may all just be luck, but it all worked out great in the end..and I have a gorgeous little daughter to love!

Good luck! You will be fine!

My DD#3 was a perfect birth for me. This time around I did hypnotherapy (I used the Natal Hypnotherapy CDs - got them cheap on ebay!) which I really think helped me a lot. I was in denial I was even in labour for a while and got to the hospital to find I was already 9cm, so not long before she popped out! I used my tens machine and the natal hypnotherapy techniques and then finally took off the tens, got into the water pool and used some gas and air for the last bit pushing her out. I felt in control and able to cope through the whole birth. We are done with our family size now, but if I had to do it again I would definately go with using the natal hypnotherapy CDs because I think these are what made me believe I could do this - I was initially very stressed about the thought of going through it all again to be honest.

I have 3 DC and all three births were wonderful.

The only pain relief I have used is tens or G&A, and have never had any assistance in getting the DC to come out, although DC1 (DD) needed a lot of pushing!

DC3 born 6 weeks ago, BH like contractions 2pm - 6pm, slightly stronger from 6pm but could still talk through until around 3am when I had show so when we decided to go to hospital, me still in denial in labour as it wasn't so bad. On arrival at 4.20am they agreed I was in labour but I didn't believe them, still thought I'd be sent home! All very calm, midwife left us on our own at 6.30am until I called her in 15 mins before DC3 was born and even then she didn't think i was in established labour. DH didn't understand why I wanted midwife in room as i was so calm. Then waters went and DC3 appeared! Pushing lasted 90 seconds and my body did it for me. No bruising, swelling or stitches!

Both my DDs were born at 37+1. DD1 was a 6 hour labour with just gas and air. DD2 was a 3 hour labour with just gas and air. I would even go so far as to say that I actually enjoyed giving birth to DD2 (none of the anxiety that went with DD1!). I didn't do hypnobirthing or excercise or massage initmate bits of myself (not sure I could have reached if I'd wanted to!). Birth doesn't have to be traumatic or scary......if you go into it thinking it will be, then chances are it will be IMO.

Well done, Missyt! And full marks to your mw too.

I had 3 normal births and when I tell my dc about them, they look very proud of themselves, as though they were the authors of their own success!

I had to get induced, and I was shitting myself!!!

On the day, I went into hospital, got DS heart monitored for an hour, then thay put the gel stuff on my cervix, and I was left to it!!!
First six hours, not even as bad as period pains!!! Then the effing and cee-ing started!
Went in the pool for about half an hour, came out because "im needing a shit" those were my exact words!!! Got stuck in the locked toilet (the door looked about 10 mile ahead of me!) my mum and the MW were telling me that I had to unlock it my self, they couldn't "kick it in" (my exact words!)
Then through to the ante natel ward, the MW didn't thimk I was in established labour , got morphine, then examined, found to be between 6-7 centimeters!!! My mum had to hold the doors open as I was rushed through to labour ward again, was shaking so much I nearly feel out of the wheelchair!!! Got on the bed, told I had a lip on my cervix, fuck knows what the MW did, but she told me to push, and DS popped out 10 mins later!!!
Fairly easy birth IMO, just hope everythings as quick, if there is a next time!!!

Three great, drug free homebirths here. All very calm and controlled, although fairly fast.

I too have used a variety of things- tens machine, natal hypnotherapy, active birth techniques, yoga, walking and a positive attitude.

Maybe some people are just more prone to having good birth experiences but I think going in to it without fear helps and remembering that our bodies are designed to give birth .

Missy what an amazing good thread you have started here. Lets hope it stays positive...

I remember your post when you were scared and I replied telling you it would be fine!

My first labour was 4.5 hours. I didn't even realise I was in labour to start with and took my dogs for a walk :-)

I only had a bit of gas and air, found it intense and hard work but perfectly manageable and the most amazing, fulfilling and perfect experience of my life.

Went home 10 hours later (only this long because they were too busy to sign my discharge papers). Had no stitches, no tears, no stretch marks.

I kept fit too and my midwives all said this is the key.

Many years ago I was birth partner for my friend. It was a very beautiful birth - slow and gentle. My friend kept saying, all the way through, "This doesn't hurt nearly as much as I thought it would!" She had asked for pain relief to be available but decided not to use it, not even gas and air. She didn't scream or shout. Early in the morning my godson emerged, staring unblinkingly up at his mum. It was an amazing experience to be part of.

Now, I know that kind of birth isn't typical, but it does happen for some lucky women.