Can I just tell you about my fantastic birth experience please.

[Stumbelina]

Just home with DD2 after quite possibly the best birth experience. That is not to say it didn't hurt, there weren't moments of excruciating pain and I didn't want it to be over as quickly as possible but it was so drastically different from the first time that it gave me faith in the whole process again.

DD1 was an induced, back to back, almost c-section but finally forceps delivery. Went on to have PND and hated motherhood for a couple of years as a result.

This time I had no expectations. I knew it was going to hurt. I threw out the hypnobirthing cd as it made me too relaxed and I concentrated on working with my body, my voice and my acceptance that I had a job to do. As a result I had an amazing water labour for 5 and a half hours with no other drugs and delivered sitting upright on the floor of the birthing suite. I got to lie with my baby and my partner with the cord attached until the placenta delivered naturally and the cord had stopped pulsing. I was able to feed baby and have her skin to skin all that time before eventually having a lovely bath, tea and toast.

I know I'm making it sound idyllic but I cannot believe how different the two experiences were and want to give hope to anyone who is worried or struggling. I was lucky in that I had the same fantastic midwife for the whole shift, an empty birth suite and the opportunity to use the pool but I think a different attitude went a long way too.

As for the NHS I cannot be grateful enough for what we have available to us. I am sure birth without it would be a very different experience.

Ok my hormones will be back to normal in a few days and I expect I'll be in tears by Friday about one thing or another but for now I just want to share some happiness and positivity with you all.

P.s My DD is adorable and I am made up with her.

[CoconutRing]

Your experience sounds wonderful and thank you for sharing your happiness. Congratulations

[anchovies]

Congratulations :)

What a lovely way to bring your daughter into the world!

[NationMcKinley]

Beautiful story! Big huge congratulations x

[OrangeBlossom2]

Congratulations. Thanks for sharing a happy, positive story!

[princesscupcakemummyb]

congrats

[gillybeandramaqueen]

That sounds really beautiful. This may not be the right time and I hope you don't mind me asking but... I am 37weeks with dc1... what happens and what does it feel like to deliver the placenta naturally... and how long did it take between baby and placenta delivery?

Intrigued... PLUS I don't like the whole cord-cutting-right-away idea......

[Isabeller]

Congratulations and hooray

[Babycino81]

Congratulations! I've got 3 weeks to go and reading this has
reassured me it might not be too bad! X

[TrucksAndDinosaurs]

Congratulations - lovely and inspiring.

[Pocket1]

Lovely story. I've actually got tears in my eyes. Huge congrats on the arrival of your beautiful daughter

[NonnoMum]

Congratulations on your wonderful daughter and a wonderful birth. Great to hear such a positive story...

[redcaryellowcar]

Thank you for posting this my first birth was similar to yours except I had ventouse rather than forceps!
I am pg with dc2 and really hoping for a straightforward birth, I realise it will be 'uncomfortable' but really would like to give birth with just a couple of midwives and dh (if he behaves himself) there rather than what seemed to be half the hospital!

[easterbaby]

Congratulations! A lovely story. Enjoy your precious little one. x

[Stumbelina]

Thank you everyone. I feel so differently about my DD too as I am able to look after her without feeling traumatised this time.

Gilly - the placenta delivery happened about half an hour after the birth and was really just another tiny contraction and a push. It didn't hurt and as long as it comes away whole shouldn't cause any problems. I think people have been encouraged to have the injection to speed things along as birth times can vary and I know with my first I just wanted the whole thing over ASAP. I loved being able to lie there connected to my DD and knowing she was getting the best of everything I had. Hope it all goes well for you and just remember that you can enjoy the experience even if it doesn't go exactly to plan.

[gillybeandramaqueen]

Thanks so much for posting and sharing Stumbelina... I really appreciate you taking the time... wishing you the very best xxx

[Hopelass]

Congratulations and thank you! I'd like to order one of these births please whoever takes the orders?!?

[Mamma1979]

Wow. That is the birth I would so love to have. I've just found out that I'm pregnant. The hospital or birthing centre where you had such an amazing experience wasn't it in Warwickshire or the West Midlands by any chance??:)

[babsie007]

Hopefully mine will be as smooth! :-)

[EeyoreIsh]

congratulations

[Boobybeau]

Ah sounds beautiful. So pleased for you. Ride the high and enjoy every minute

[Stumbelina]

Mamma 1979 it was the birth suite at Southmead Hospital Bristol. I would recommend a midwife led unit with a water pool if you can get one. Much nicer than a clinical ward. Hope it all goes well and your best bet is to have an idea of what you might like but be willing to go with whatever gets the baby out in the best and safest way. Good luck.