To ask for genuine, real birth stories!?

[FunkyChunkyCherub]

First baby due in 3 months - I'm not scared of labour at all (maybe I should be ) but I feel like everyone I know has painted an unrealistic picture for me! I've either had a vague 'it was hell but worth it for my little bundle of joy' or 'I quite liked the experience, it was empowering and real I love what a woman's body can do' etc. All very lovely but I want details!

How long did it last? How painful? What drugs (if any)? Did you shit yourself?! I need some answers!!

3 babies

1. Nice easy water birth, gas and air painful of course but manageable. Was 5 cm when I went in and had him at 5am.
2. 10 days overdue, back to back, slow and painful another water birth said I'm definitely not doing that again.
3. Induced at 39 plus 2 because I had g.d and to much fluid. Wasn't allowed a water birth, stuck on a bed hooked up to foetal heart monitor and allowed up for a pee, waters broken by Dr and put on a drip. Just had gas and air again but extremely painful. Contractions started at 10pm had him at 12.19 following afternoon 9lb 2oz

1. Got to 41wks and had a scan. Realised baby was breech so section was recommended. Ended up going into labour naturally first so was only in labout about 3hrs before they did the section. I was very happy to get the epidural and had a chat with the lovely anesthesiologist about holidays while they were stitching me up. All good in recovery but over-crowded post-natal meant very little BF support so that was a nightmare

1. VBAC at hospital. 6hr labour, very straightforward. Eating anything made me violently sick so they wouldn't let me have G&A. Ended up with a small tear so had stitches afterwards but then got showered and went home

1. VBAC at home. 8hr labour, all very relaxed and calm. Called my Mum about 5am to watch the other kids. Baby's heartbeat started to drop near the end and only after she was born did we realise she had the cord wrapped twice round her neck. She was fine though and we did delayed cord clamping. Then the placenta wouldn't come out but in the end we realised it had detatched but was just sitting there and when the midwife pulled a bit, it fell straight out. DH made everyone pancakes

I cannot even describe the pain of contractions with my first. I honestly wanted to die. 36 hour labour too. Swore I wouldn't get an epidural but after that for so long (they refused to take me in or give me anything stronger than a codeine :( ) as soon as I was in the delivery room I was demanding one and I was very unreasonable about it too...where I am usually pretty polite. I grabbed the gas and air mask, barked for it to be turned on. Demanded midwife go and get diamorphine for me (she did, bless her) for the wait for epidural that I had to have ASAP. LOL. It was so easy after the epi but I tore badly, had stitches and yes I pooed...

DS was so much easier. Contractions were more...irritating and niggly than painful. Started about 6am. Waters went a few mins after first one. So off to hospital. Admitted immediately. They were worried about meconium in waters but I don't remember what came of that. Contractions so painless I was still just walking around normally and having fun on birthing ball. Got a bit more intense after an hour or so and this is when I remembered I could get the magic combo of diamorphine and gas and air (best feeling ever) so asked for this. Another few hours I asked for diamorphine to be topped up as it was getting really painful by this stage. MW didn't want to do it as she thought it may make me fall asleep. I promised I wouldn't, she gave another dose...half an hour after that I pushed and he was out in 2 pushes. Fairly easy labour. However...after placenta and stuff I had a shower and a HUGE clot (literally bigger than a football) plopped out of me onto my foot and covered the walls in a spray of blood. It was like a murder scene. MW didn't seem too concerned, just told me to go lie down and she would sort it. Never heard anything else about that actually thinking about it...

And I did not shit myself with DS.

Not sure if it was the amount of drugs I had but the actual pushing stage wasn't too painful. Maybe a step up from trying to force a crap out when constipated. Also once the head was out it was sooo easy.

1. Induction at 39+3 due to size. Back to back. Began contracting after 20 minutes, then they came thick and fast as I dilated quickly. Had G&A and diamorphine (was talked into it to try and slow contractions, it worked) Totally zoned out and spent most of 12 hours in silence, including 40 minutes "waiting" for him to turn (he did) and 12 minutes of pushing. Due to the diamorphine I wasn't sure when he was born. DH said I made it look easy

1. Another induction, this time at 38+1. Another back to back. Again contracted fast, but I hypercontracted (more than five contractions in five minutes) very early on. Had dihydrocodeine and two shots of something to slow contractions (which did nothing) and then got taken up for G&A. Had the morphine as soon as I could. It wore off before delivery this time and I felt every inch of it. 16 minute second stage this time, lots of shouting, hanging onto a midwife and DH. Again, 12 hours.

It was all forgotten very quickly, but during labour with DD I texted my best friend saying "If I ever discuss doing this a third time remind me of right now"

The main thing most people don't tell you is how long the labour can be with the first and in my case most of the others. Itw as abotu 20 hours for me so you can get very tired and that was even with ultimately an oxytocin drip to speed it up. I only needed gas and air. With with first I did need to be cut and then stitched which was not nice afterwards but worth it for a gorgeous baby.#

Second much better.
Third even easier

Each time home that night ( I didn't want to stay in hospital so did a 6 hour transfer agreed in advance back to my own lovely house)
4/5th twins all fine.
5 natural births, so C sections.

Waters broke around midnight, first contraction at around 230am. Had a shower at home. Went to hospital at 7am, baby born 3 and a half hours later. Gas and air, didn't shit myself but if I remember correctly I had a dodgy tummy the night before which probably cleared out everything! Had a second degree tear, used more G&A for getting stitched up than during labour. All in all, a good experience.

7 hours 40 minutes. It felt like my body was trying to turn itself inside out, and the pain was mainly in my stomach not my back. Gas and air and diamorphine, was begging for epidural but no time. Didn't shit myself, partly due to having had a curry the day before as I was a week overdue, so got it all out that day! I was nearly caught out by being told at classes to Expect a long labour and to be sent home. First contraction at 6 am, had to ring triage myself as DH was arsing about reading up on Braxton Hicks, when I got to the hospital at 8am I was 6cm dilated!

Planned c section due to breech, got whisked in early at 37 weeks as I had no amniotic fluid left.

I think I'm in a minority for a planned c, as I found the whole thing awful and traumatic. Took ages for the spinal to take effect and I thought I was going to explode with the pressure they had to apply to get him out (was under LA) They ended up having to tranquilize me as I started having a meltdown, came round 4 hours later

I also (I've now found out) don't respond to opioid based pain medication so the 5 days following the section were the worst pain I've ever had. I was literally crawling round our flat.

As I said tho, pretty extreme, from what I've heard!

Honestly, it wasn't great! I had grand plans for a nice water birth, and figured my child bearing hips would finally come into their own, and actually I had five days of long, back-to-back labour that ended in EMCS. The thing I found hardest was that I was exceptionally sleep deprived as I was in labour so long, and because of the back pain I couldn't sit down or lie down. I essentially spent five days leaning against a wall or slumped over a birthing ball! TENS machine did help take the edge off in the early stages.

Drug-wise, I strongly recommend diamorphine. Around day 4 I was admitted overnight into hospital despite only being one centimeter dilated, as I was exhausted due to no sleep for days and really wasn't coping. They gave me a shot of diamorphine and a bed to sleep in when it kicked in, and I was so bloody grateful I hugged the midwife. Spent a few happy hours staring at the wall the morning afterwards too!

Was discharged and sent home the next day, and then in the early hours my waters finally started going. We were admitted and told this was it, and we wouldn't be going home (and I'd finally reached the dizzy heights of four centimeters), I was put on a monitor due to meconium in the waters, and when the midwife saw the trace she just said "hmm, baby's not happy" and promptly got a doctor. From that point on we weren't left alone, we had a midwife and doctor with us monitoring at all times, and a consultant flitting in and out. They tried one or two things, but within an hour said that they were quite concerned about DD's heart rate, and all things considered they strongly recommended an EMCS. It was a no brainer!

CS was brilliant in comparison, I am terrified of needles, but remember a contraction hitting just as they were about to do the spinal, so they paused, and afterwards the anesthetist said "and I promise you that's the last contraction you'll feel." And it was. The medical staff were simply amazing, I still get a bit teary thinking about how within minutes, at 5am on a weekend this amazing team of people just sprung into action to deliver DD so quickly and professionally. They were phenomenal, and it was just the NHS at its absolute finest. I hadn't realised quite how worried they were until they delivered DD, and she cried, and the atmosphere in the room just completely shifted. She'd had the cord round her three times so would never have come out naturally! Recovery immediately afterwards wasn't the most fun, I had to ask other people to pick DD up for me, but it really wasn't that bad. I was able to lift her within about a week, walk into town after two weeks and was driving after three weeks.

Despite all that I would do it all again, would happily have another caesarean despite my needle phobia, and adore DD so much that if they wouldn't give me an elective caesarean for my next baby, I would give labour another shot, because they are SO worth it all!

Baby 1: energency c section after 54 hours labour. epidural not working - no fun!
baby 2: elective section, spinal working fine, great experoence

I was induced at 10pm on a Wed night and had paracetamol initially with a TENS machine (loved this) followed by gas and air and pethidine (disliked both) followed by an epidural which was great (I could still feel all contractions but without pain). From ally gave birth at 2am on the Friday in theatre by foreceps. Not the most comfortable experience (I felt nauseated the whole time and couldn't keep fluids down for the last 12 hours).
Wry strangely I mentally prepared myself by watching One Born Wvwry Minute as it was filmed at the hospital where I gave birth. So I felt familiar with the ward and eventualities before hand. And I had a detailed birth plan which allowed me focus just on myself.
Good luck OP

Explosive birth (what they don't tell you at NCT/hypno/yoga is some adrenaline is essential). Realised I was in labour in time to get to the hospital and huff some gas and air in a pool they ran while I got there (quser night). Have been told my pain was probably pretty "intense" as it was faster than its supposed to be. But then I was less tired afterwards.
Lots and lots of stitches. Lots. No issues with them though. Some back and endocrine issues when dd was tiny.

But as fast as possible isn't the perfect birth (if there is such a thing).

It did teach me my chronic joint pain was quite severe though, and stopped male arrogant GP fobbing me off: I was told my labour was 8 or 9 on the pain scale so u have a good measure that my joints aren't a 1 or 2, more a 6! Useful if obscure.

First time with DD I went fully overdue, had 2 sweeps without so much as a twinge so had to be induced. The induction (drip and waters broken simultaneously) was a bit brutal I won't lie, but it was quick. From drip going in to DD being born it was 2hrs 43mins! I hyperstimulated (where contractions come too quickly due to the drip) and had a 2nd degree tear. I wish now I had spoken up more and questioned a few things e.g. why did I need waters breaking and drip in at same time as I was already 2cm dilated. But on the whole it wasnt a negative experience, just not how I imagined it would be. DD was 8lb 13oz.

2nd time with DS I went into labour at 30+4 at about 3am. Had contractions at home all day which were manageable with paracetamol and spoke to the labour ward several times but the contractions never quite met their criteria so we ummed and ahhed all day about when to go as they seemed to come and go. Ended up going in at 4pm and he was born at 4.45pm! Didn't even have time to open my bag! had a few puffs of gas and air, checked as being 10cm, 2 contractions and he was out! No tear this time (the midwife was better I think at helping me to get his head out and I wasn't as panicky). He was 9lb 1.5oz. It was a nice experience really, although we cut it a bit fine!! I think all I can take from that one is listen to your own body and if you feel you need to go then go!!

And mine felt like explosive shits × 10000 ... like the cramps you get first, then like pushing out a boulder. This actually helped (or didn't given I needed to be less zen and chilled) as it was a massive version of a mundane pain, rather than a new scary pain.

Betty NCT warned me about hypetstimulation like it only happens with induction. Unfortunately mother nature did it to me! Borderline 3rd degree. Luckily no complications and all healed, I don't think it hurt much in the scheme of the birth and they stitched me pretty quickly and well.

First son was 9lb 5 induced early forceps delivery - epidural only worked down one side flipping agony - did get the gas and air too & was cut too lost blood, blood transfusion and took ages to recover

Son 2 7lb 9 oz induced early also x2 pessaries and walked miles and hubby went home started contracting overnight - describe it as a bit ouchy - was July and roasting hot so had a fan that I was breathing along to on my own in ward in antenatal unit then midwife came on and I said I was wet
Whisked down to labour suite hubby made it just in time just remember head crowning and that stinging feeling but no bad pain - had gas and air though but much easier recovery and breast fed him for a year but had post natal depression

No 3 terrible pregnancy pelvic pain etc
But plug went a week early then waters leaking so sat in maternity triage all day contracting painlessly then they gave me a ball to sit on which must have shifted his position and was a bit sore - went to get checked on bed sat down needed to push then stood up and delivered a 7lb 7oz boy poor oh was a bit shocked by the speed as was the midwife lol but recall discomfort no pain really except for stinging

No4 induction @ 42 weeks was meant to be a home birth given peasary apparently didn't work so was going to be sent home
Would have got my home birth if i did. Oh went home, I was a bit uncomfortable then more so so got some paracetamol and anti sickness but again was not in labour
I was in a ward with another lady at this point. Then my waters started to leak and it ramped up a tad - not overly sore but lady next door buzzed for help and my baby was delivered on the ward flat on my back in the bed with the lady in the next bed. He was 8lb 13oz and born in his sac and they didn't tell me what I'd had and let him get cold
Just remember the lady next door crying and congratulating me on my way down to labour ward to be stitched up
Was all a bit surreal he was born at 1215am his daddy also missed it and we were home by 9am

So all different and different levels of discomfort and pain
Every labour is different be positive and I hope you have a smooth delivery and enjoy your gorgeous new baby.
My youngest is 6 soon eldest is 16 in Aug but remember them being born like it was yesterday it never leaves you xx

Woke with contractions about 3am on the day i was supposed to go be induced! DD likes to do things on her terms!!

At 7:30 they were 6 mins apart and put on my tens machine.

Went to hospital at 3, had a couple of codeine was 3cm.

Alternated bath and tens until 9, went back and was 3.5cm. midwife ran me a bath and had some pethidine about 11 then more at 4 as i was only just 4cm dialated.

At about half 5 i felt like i wanted to push, midwife told me to try the toilet, felt baby's head there and when i was examined baby was crowning. DD was born after 3 pushes!

The pain wasn't terrible, especially with the lovely gas and air!

I found walking and bouncing helped along with focusing on what I'd like to do to the idiot who came up with the idea of asking a woman in labour of they were (a) sure they were in labour and (b) if they'd tried a paracetamol and a bath. (Yes i know baths help, i was in one for almost 12 hours off and on, but when all you want is the drugs it's the last thing you want to hear).

It's not a great experience (in my opinion, the whole pregnancy and birth thing just seems like a bit of a design flaw) bit nothing beats that moment your child is placed on your tummy. DD did a weird scootch up and helped herself to milk too, which was amazing. I was less impressed at the 3 years it took to convince her to let go!

Oh and the midwife told me I didn't poo.

DH and my DM both let me down gently ... I did.

Absolutely horrendous.
Horrific ordeal, I will not be having any more children, I have flashbacks and it still makes me upset.
I had a beautiful at home waterbirth planned. All was going well, if slowly, but pain very manageable, water was fantastic. Then after being in sleepless labour for 24 hours he pooed inside me and they insist on taking you to the hospital, his heartbeat had dropped.
Get to the hospital, pain ever increasing but still manageable with gas and air. Baby all ok so just have to get through the labour.
Things then quickly deteriorated, baby still ok but my pain was shooting up dramatically I didn't know what to do with myself and asked for pain relief. I was advised to go straight for the epidural as I had now been in labour for over 30 hours and the clock was ticking on being made to have a Csection.
The epidural hurt like hell - by the way I'm a tough cookie, covered in tattoos, one which took 12 hours over 3 days so when I say this shit hurt. It HURT.
finally epidural kicks in and I feel some sense of sanity returning. Not for long.
I'm still not fully dilated, been in labour for about 40 hours now, still no sleep. Also throwing up all the way through, forgot to mention....
In come the big guns, time has run out, told they are going to try forceps but I need to sign the Csection paperwork in case it doesn't work.
Epidural has now begun to run out, I don't know if this was supposed to happen so I could have sensation to push or if I was still supposed to be drugged up, the doctors seemed to swap over and no one was talking to me.
This was what I can only describe as standing on top of a very tall building and being thrown off into a deep dark pit of pain like I have never imagined. I'm not exaggerating.
I wept like, well, a baby. I screamed and completely lost control of myself it was the single most frightening and painful experience of my life. It makes me want to cry thinking about it.
They took me off to theatre, drugged up again and thankfully he came out with forceps.
I am fed up of being told I will forget all about it and have another. I won't on both counts.
I love my little boy so much I could burst. Was it worth it? Not sure I can answer the question as there is no comparison, but if I knew what I would have to go through before getting pregnant I would not of had children. I suspect many women are frightened to say how they really feel about it because the guilt of it sounding like you don't want your baby is massive. I do want him and I love him but if I had of known... I would of got a second dog instead.
This of course is just my story, my best friend had a similarly bad experience to me but I know of women who had wonderfully easy labours.
Your labour and your child will be as individual as you are.
My boy is 4 months now, I try not to think about his birth much anymore, but if anyone asks me I tell them the truth.

Induced. Very very painful until I was dilated enough for gas and air. From then pethadine which is did a great job, then epidural. Ventose delivery. Stitches.

If your labour is painful don't loose Heart like I did thinking I would never cope if it kept getting worse, just remember you only have to cope to the point where they can give you pain killers then it's ok.

Stiches where fine after, hardly noticed, didn't shit myself. Tens machine helped.

Have PM'd you my whole birth story!

Oh gosh really squizita?! I remember thinking at the time, what happened to the nice leisurely contraction, cup of tea, next contraction, nice chat with the midwife like you see on OBEM?! Never watched that programme again afterwards

I've had 4. 1st baby was horrific, induced monday 6am, baby born thursday 2am. Had every induction trick known to man except TNT. Ended up with an epidural, drip, failed ventouse and forceps delivery in theatre. Pain totally forgotten and in utter bliss 2.01am.

2nd baby was stillborn, beyond horrific, again induced but natural delivery in 4 hours. A positive birth experience under awful circumstances. 3rd baby waters broke at 35 weeks, was induced but didn't progress - little wonder, was so distressed at it all, baby born by emergency c section and came out yelling. Midwife cried when my DD came in and said can we keep this baby. 4th baby elective c section at 38 weeks, lovely sunny winter morning, radio on in theatre, staff all laughing and joking, baby came out pink and perfect. Wonderful wonderful experience.
I've got a fairly good pain threshold but every labour is different and unique to you. However it happens, you get the most amazing gift at the end and it's enough to make you want to go through it all time and time again. If it was that bad, no one would ever have more than one!! And what kept DH going when it was hard and we were both panicking is knowing that all over the world, thousands of us were doing the exact same thing. That gave both of us huge comfort.