giving birth alone

[lorah84]

Has anyone ever given birth on their own? I am 38 weeks pregnant and looks like I will be going through it alone. I am somewhat prepared mentally as I hve known for months I won't have a birthing partner. Just wondering if there are any ladies out there who have gone through labour and child birth alone? The only friend I hve is looking after my 6 year old.

Hi Lorah, when I gave birth for first time DH had to sit in reception with his son. It was a fast labour and my BIL was over an hour away.

Although DH came in the room as DD was crowning I actually preferred it when it was just the midwife and I. DH just annoyed the hell out of me.

I've got a trainee doula booked for next birth but only because I may have another fast labour and I don't feel comfortable at the thought of going into labour at home alone with DD. Midwives can take a while to arrive, and DH has a long commute.

This time around DH is not going to be in with me when I birth which is my choice.

Are you home birthing or hospital?

Hi just read your message and thought I would share I gave birth to my first child alone I missed the emotional support but the midwives were amazing and supported me so well which made it much easier! I had a doula with me for my second birth which helped and inspired me to start my doula training! If there is anything I could do to help let me know I've been there and wish I had known about mumsnet when I was pregnant! Good luck with everything x

I had my first alone and the rest with my husband and to be honest, i didnt really notice he was there, when it came to the birth part as i was busy listening to the midwives, good luck x

To be honest my DH couldn't really do the right thing - you go into a zone in your head and everything he did was annoying. I just wanted quiet and to keep my eyes shut. Midwives have seen it all and they instinctively knew what I wanted. I have genuinely thought if I do it again I'd like to be alone. The only thing I'd say is be assertive re the midwife. I had a lovely one who understood me completely - but her shift finished and the next one was a cow. I sooooo wish I had told her to leave and requested a diff one. I mentally downed tools and ended up being moved fm MLU to dr unit. I was so relieved to get away fm her! In my altered state of mind it never occurred to me to ask for a change a midwife. I think it's quite a private state of mind - and honestly I'm not the lentil weaver sort!!! So I think you'll be fine and I bet they will make a huge fuss of you. XX

I had my husband with me and he did nothing but moan, he's now left me and my son for another woman and it's the best thing he's ever done. The midwives and nurses were my support, they really listen and care so don't worry. Good luck with it all, it's such a wonderful time!!!x

I would have happily given birth on my own. DH went home for a large part of my active labour, as we were clueless enough not to realise we were nearing the end, and so it was just me and the midwife. When I was ready to push DH was at home asleep and they couldn't get through to him on his phone! I didn't mind at all, the midwife I had was lovely and I wasn't really in the mood for company or chatting anyway. In the end he made it back for the birth, but I would happily do it on my own, the midwives will look after you.

xx

Am laughing at 'lentilweaving' squidgey!

I mean squidgers