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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Anybody up? Think I'm in labour...

205 replies

NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:05

I'm having contractions about every 6 mins, lasting about a minute each. I've sent DH to bed to try to sleep and I'm up watching a Friends dvd! Anyone around to keep me company? Feeling a bit scared and not sure I can do this. (First baby!)

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wannabeEostregoddess · 27/03/2013 01:07

How exciting!!

You absolutely CAN do this! It is scary but try to relax and take it a bit at a time. Is your bag all ready/are you set up if having a home birth?

Gruntfuttocks · 27/03/2013 01:08

Yay! Exciting! I know you are probably completely 'wired' and sleep is the last thing you feel like, but if you possibly can get yourself to take a couple of Paracetamol and go to bed, you would be doing yourself an enormous favour. You could have a very long haul ahead of you, and sleep is your best friend right now. Have a nice milky drink and get thee to bed!!

Good luck, and keep us posted...

MartyrStewart · 27/03/2013 01:11

Have a snack and a snooze - you honestly will thank yourself later.

I ended up giving birth with my first after 48hrs without sleeping or eating - I knew better the second time.

Huge congratulations, how exciting :)

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:12

Hi both! Yes, bag is packed and ready to go. I did take some paracetamol about 11 and went to bed but there was no chance I was going to sleep - and lying down makes me feel sick. Hoping I may drop off on the sofa though....

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LackaDAISYcal · 27/03/2013 01:14

Woooo, Good Luck. Am just off to bed though so can't keep you company.

And yes, you absolutely can and will do this and dare I say will look back on it fondly!

I assume you are having a home birth? Have you called your midwife, or if not, have you called the maternity unit?

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:14

When do I ring labour ward? When contractions are 3-5 mins apart? I really wanted to try and sit this out for as long as possible at home....but that suddenly doesn't seem so easy any more!

OP posts:
halesball · 27/03/2013 01:18

If i was you i'd ring now the midwife can give you the best advice. Having a bath helps to ease the pain Grin Good luck GrinThanks

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:20

OK thanks, I may do that. Still in a bit of denial that this is really it I think, keep expecting it to stop any minute but it's been going for 5 hours now...pretty consistently. Smile

I would get in the bath, but I am addicted to my tens machine at the moment and not at all sure I want to take it off!

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TheTiger · 27/03/2013 01:21

Oh how exciting! You can most definitely do this, its what you have been waiting for for 9 months!

If you cant sleep then get on your birth ball and roll those hips around, or walk around if you dont have a ball. Basically, if you are awake then keep moving and keep upright!

Take some paracetamol and keep taking 6 hourly. Try to eat little and often, amd keep hydrated. It could be a long haul and you need energy!

Have you phoned your maternity unit to let them know (if hospital birth) they will tell you when to call back or go in.

I found it helped to stand up and rock my hips side to side during a contraction, and put my arms round DHs neck for support.

Remember each contraction is one step closer to meeting your lovely new baby! Soon you will be having newborn snuggles. There is nothing in the worl like the feeling when you meet your baby, its amazing and wonderful.

Good luck!!

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:25

Ah, thanks TheTiger, really need to keep focused on the newborn snuggles, you're right. OK, birth ball it is Smile

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halesball · 27/03/2013 01:27

The tiger has given you some brilliant advice. Grin Every contraction and your one step closer. Your body will tell you what to do trust yourself.

TheTiger · 27/03/2013 01:30

Good luck, i hope it all goes ok for you!

I am off to bed after feeding my 5 month old DS, i will be back at about 5 (hopefully 7!!) to check on you Smile

Try to stay calm, positive and focused!

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:32

Ah, you're all so lovely. Getting teary now as I don't feel so alone Blush

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halesball · 27/03/2013 01:49

Hows the birth ball working out for you?

goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 27/03/2013 01:50

How are you doing NutBiscuit? Is the TENS machine still working its magic?

EMUZ · 27/03/2013 01:53

I am up
Sending "baby out soon" thoughts Thanks

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 01:55

I'm still here - still bouncing, and the TENS machine is doing great! Had a run of a few contractions 4 mins apart but the last one was back to 6 mins. This is going to sound really stupid but I have a phobia of using the phone so am putting off ringing the hospital Blush. Plus my notes are in the car and it's cold out there! Stupid isn't it?

OP posts:
halesball · 27/03/2013 02:04

You'll phone when u need to Grin you sound like your doing great Grin

goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 27/03/2013 02:04

I'm sure the hospital would be able to pull your details up without you having to refer to your notes. And your not being stupid - I don't particularly like talking to people I don't know on the phone.

Have you managed to have anything to eat? I loved my birth ball when I was in labour - wonderful thing!

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 02:07

It's more that the number I need to call is on the front of my notes!! I've been sucking mints to try to stop myself feeling sick - might try something a bit more substantial soon. I did have a big dinner just before this all kicked off though so I should be ok for a while

OP posts:
goodbyeyellowbrickroad · 27/03/2013 02:13

Ah OK. Could you Google the hospital and find the number? Anything to save you going out in the cold! Or I could see if I can find the number if you PM the name of the hospital.

You're doing amazingly well and you can do this. Just think of the snuggly cuddles with that baby of yours.

BedHanger · 27/03/2013 02:15

Ooh, exciting. I'm up with newborn DS2 (3.5 weeks) so was where you are not long ago at all. Upright and moving really does help get things going.

PS - if you don't want to brave the cold, google will get you the labour ward number for your hospital Wink.

BedHanger · 27/03/2013 02:16

And yes, you can absolutely do this!

Original poster
NutBiscuit · 27/03/2013 02:19

Google! . Why didn't I think of that??? I will do that shortly unless DH makes an appearance downstairs, in which case I will send him to the car Grin

OP posts:
halesball · 27/03/2013 02:20

I'm going to sleep now, good luck, i'll check the thread tomorrow please let us know how you get on. And remember every contraction is a step closer GrinThanks