To have really enjoyed childbirth?

[MissJC]

4 days of back to back labour, high blood pressure, epidural, forceps, episiotomy and a blood transfusion but my god did I enjoy the entire thing!

Don't get me wrong, I got a bit hysterical when the registrar cut me and I actually heard my flesh ripping, however as soon as she was out I wanted to do it all over again. LO is 7 weeks and I am starting to get broody remembering how lovely the whole experience was!

Anybody else a sadist like me? Or am I a total oddity?

Its the drugs. You were probably as high as a kite after the epidural

I did, but I had two calm and gentle home births with plenty of gas and air.

You sound much braver than me.

I was mainly scared alternated with bored during the very long first one.

Second one though; if I could go back and relive that I would. I bloody loved it. I was totally in the zone of the contractions, my body did it's job well, I was totally kicking ass.

The midwife just stood back and watched, caught DS and said 'well, that's how it done!'

After the shitty first birth I could have kissed her. (After she'd stitched up my fanny of course)

Up to the final delivery bit I quite enjoyed labour. Was stuck in a room with my husband with no interruptions, no pain once the epidural was in. We just hung out together for the day. I remember it being a really nice time together.
Second time round was different, possibly because I didn't feel we were in our own bubble because we'd left our oldest at home (obv!).

Also I really liked laughing gas.

Probably! I was laughing my head off when they broke my water as its the first time I have had gas and air, I said something to DP and realised I sounded like Satan himself then lost total control laughing as they were prodding my sac! The doctor and midwives were like "breathe woman" haha.

Also the standard of care I received probs has a lot to do with it too - I feel like I could have paid a million quid in the best private hospital and still not have been treated as well as I was. They were fantastic from start to finish down to the registrar screaming at me in a wonderful Jamaican accent "Here we go MissJC, your fully dilated, we are having a BAMBINO NOW!!!!" And that joy when she was born! If that could be bottled...

You are weird (smile) Maybe it was just the relief it was all over (and the drugs).

With hindsight, yes. First birth.

Second birth, far too quick and traumatic, couldn't get my head around it in time, especially after the first birth being 22 hours with an epidural to finish.

Ha - maybe the drugs or post birth euphoria or maybe the sleep deprivation has sent you crazy!!!

I did lay in hospital mentally working out when I could afford the next one, it did wear off though

First time round was a bit like that, except induced, 2 epidurals and no transfusion - didn't enjoy it a bit. Second was more natural and with hindsight rather more "enjoyable" my body did its own thing, to the point at which I was asking the midwife "should I...ummm push?" 3 half hearted pushes later, out she popped!

Masochist rather than sadist, I would have thought!

My second birth was an elective sexton and it was one of the best experiences of my life. You're not supposed to say that, are you? But it was! It was serene, calm, lovely...I felt as high as a kite on love and all good things for weeks afterwards.

True Trifle! I don't like inflicting pain on others, just having my own fanjo ripped open and re-stitched haha.

Wonder if Amazon sell Entonox...

Those post birth hormones, man. Not a small thing. If I could bottle that feeling I'd be a millionaire.

I loved it too! Think about it almost every day, even 6 months on.

Had the drug free hypnobirth I wanted. Didn't end up with a pool (BP too high for MLW and had to go to labour ward), but turned up waaaaay into transition, and had him a couple of hours later, with DP and a lovely young midwife. All of us cracking jokes until the end.

It was a beautiful experience- and I'd do it again tomorrow. Very very sad that DP and I have decided today not to have any more (due to his health issues).

Congratulations to you- well done, queen!

All your stories sound lovely! Especially the calm ones with just gas and air. Fingers crossed my second is a bit more textbook.

I was booked into the birth centre for a water birth but my blood pressure was really high, so they recommended the Epidural as the Fentanyl reduces blood pressure. In hindsight I am glad I agreed to the Epi as I doubt I would be on here fondly reminiscing as enthusiastically. Hurrah for drugs! (Except Pethidine. That made me vomit. Profusely.)

I really enjoyed both my labours. I was lucky enough to have very speedy natural births and felt in control and safe. It might sound trite but I did find labour empowering. Would love to do it again but don't want (can't afford) any more of the end result.

Your labour sounds quite traumatic, loving your enthusiasm. Who cares if it's odd if you're happy! Congratulations!

Both of mine were lovely and natural and the care from the NHS Midwives was amazing. Beautiful, lovely time

It was the least enjoyable day of my life.

I had 4 and enjoyed every time - the excitement of meeting your new baby for the first time!

Both of mine were great. Don't tell anyone out loud as they would think I was wierd. Felt totally in control and was high on endorphins afterwards. (despite nearly needing a blood transfusion after dc1)

My experience was almost identical. I didn't enjoy it at all. Yanbu. Each to ther own.

You're a weirdo, OP. yet I'm dead that you can look back on it so positively. Being a weirdo often IS a good thing.

Ahh this is nice to read! I'm 27 weeks pregnant & starting to get a bit nervous about giving birth!

Lol@ Op...
I've given birth 6 times. Lets say each expert was very different!

I loved giving birth. I don't want another child but I would love to give birth again. Esp my 3rd (once she got going).

I have had 3 relatively easy births though (including the fully monitored pre term one)