Have you given birth alone (apart from mw)?

[wkmmum]

Have been looking for a doula but it hasn't been very successful and it's starting to look like it's not going to happen. I have a really good friend who I've asked to be there. She's really happy to do it but no guarantees she'll be able to because of childcare.

I actually think I'll be ok on my own and have got my head round it. But was just wondering how it was for others? Where you ever left completely alone or was there always a mw in the room? xx

hi wkmmum I had my dd on my own with just the midwife as my birth partner lived 100 miles away and was still on the train - she came a bit too fast lol i never planned to have OH there as we had children to think about.

it wasnt too bad as it was such a quick delivery but this time i'm having hubbie and a friend coming in with me.

I live in Essex and work in a maternity unit - we have flyers at reception about a scheme called Pregnancy Pals & Birth Buddies, google them and see if they have something in your area. if you honestly have no one to be there with you - let the midwife know and ask for support - if you came onto our ward and told us this, they would give you the loveliest most supportive midwife on shift as its a scary thing to go through.

good luck flower - hope you have someone to hold your hand xxx

Aww hun its definatley a time you wont want to be alone, depending on your birth but you dont know how its going to be.
I was lucky enough to have partner and my mom
With me, i struggled most afterwards as i was in shock and withdrawn with all meds i wouldnt of been able to look after my son had i been alone!
Im sure if someone asked me to be a birth partner who was truly desperate i wouldnt refuse! Having been there and done it us moms understand a bit more! Good luck x

So glad you have heard back from a possible doula. I hope you get on and its a solution.

I have no partner so was alone through pregnancy, and planned to give birth alone. In the end my mum was there for parts of it, but as my birth was only a few hours long I did a lot on my own. It was fine I promise.

I know you are worrying about the after part (I think you mentioned going home up thread) and again I want to reassure you how it was for me. I batch cooked loads of stuff and stock piled takeaway menus so I knew I would be fed. I relied heavily on snacks too, which I kept by the bed. We basically holed up in the bedroom for a few weeks, and I sort of turned into a hermit.

I got a touch of PND I think and went to my mums in the end, but I honestly don't think I would change anything.

You will be fine, honestly. Let us know how you get on - I'll be thinking of you :)

I gave birth alone because DP didn't make it in time. To be honest, in the throes of labour I couldn't have cared less who was or wasn't with me. They thought I wasn't in active labour so they did leave me alone in the room, but as soon as I called the midwife to say I was very sorry but I was SURE I was in labour she didn't leave me from then on and DS2 arrived 20 mins later. I would say, if you find someone, great, but don't worry too much if you don't as I'm sure the staff will make sure you are OK.

I did had ds2 completely on own bar mw popping in and out . Was LP and my mum had ds1 and did not want them to worry her

Truth it was fine , only time was hard was back on wards with all the dads around

Just wanted to say thank-you for all your messages.

I met with a doula this afternoon and she's absolutely lovely. So I won't be giving birth alone! xx

Sorry haven't read all the replies (don't you hate it when people say that ) but have you considered a home birth. That way once they arrive you won't be on your own.

Hope you get it sorted.

That's brilliant news! Good luck!!