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Original poster

Mirror for birth - I want to see

45 replies

Nimme · 12/05/2004 10:48

I am really keen on having a mirror at the other end this time as I want see the baby come out. I know this may sound weird but I want to ask if anybody has had that? Or is it a mistake? Is it possible?

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Northerner · 12/05/2004 10:51

Hi Nimme - I know it's possible because my midwife asked me if I wanted one. Not sure if they'd provide it or you. Maybe your dh/dp could stand at the ther end with one of those hairdressing type mirrors. Lol!

You brave woman you!

Easy · 12/05/2004 10:53

I guess he'd faint, the midwife would love stepping over all that broken glass

littlemissbossy · 12/05/2004 10:55

yes northerner, i also was offered the use of a mirror by my midwife if i wanted to see... no thanks

Original poster
Nimme · 12/05/2004 11:11

So not good idea then?

Not sure about DH holding it though as he proclaimed the last time to be "a bloody mess" and I thought - help he'll never fancy me again...

Anyone had a positive experience?

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SoupDragon · 12/05/2004 11:18

My brother was born at home and the midwife apparently made my mother look!

Personally, I'd prefer to remain ignorant.

Toothache · 12/05/2004 11:24

My MW Put a mirror down for me to watch the WHOLE pushing experience. I loved it, but then I'm not squeamish. I found it a big help as I didn't think anything was happening and was feeling really deflated. I pushed for about an hour and half as he was posterior. They put the mirror down and I could see the top of his head! I pushed even harder and he finally BURST (literally!!) out when he turned the right way. It also distracted me from the pain as I was SO fascinated by it all.

I saw myself tear badly when his head suddenly burst out, but it didn't hurt. I do remember thinking "oooooh that looks like it's gonna hurt later!".... in hindsight that was the understatement of the century!

Ss yes I had a positive experience with the mirror and will ask to have one again.... in about 10wks time (she says optimistically ).

motherinferior · 12/05/2004 11:48

I was so bombed on gas and air I doubt I could have focused.

Also you might, ahem, just poo on the mirror (sorry, got to mention it)

Original poster
Nimme · 12/05/2004 12:38

Thank you all for your input - any more out there?

Toothache - I think I am more like you. I asked to see placenta last time and DH thought I was off my trolley (and I hadn't had any gas, epi though). I just think, like you, it would make me more motivated - and feel more involved. I know that sounds stupid but everybody was at the "seeing" end last time but me and I kind of felt cheated.

Motherinferior - bit of a prude so I shall ask for a enema. One thing I do not want to be worrying about. Also I hope to have another epi as I can't stand the thought of not being all there upstairs - downstairs is another matter altogether.

OP posts:
dinosaur · 12/05/2004 12:39

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Jaybee · 12/05/2004 12:49

I wasn't given this option but I think i would have liked to have seen what was going on. I did once watch an operation on my own foot which was really interesting. I would love to be a birthing partner so I can see what happens during a birth

michellefromlakeland · 12/05/2004 12:51

I think hteres a reason why the head is at one end and the fanny at another!

Original poster
Nimme · 12/05/2004 12:51

Jaybee - don't think I could have done the operation bit. But would also like to be birthing partner (not sure if I'd be any use).

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AussieSim · 12/05/2004 12:54

I didn't see, but my MW suggested that I touch DS's head, which I did and it was very motivating. They asked me if I wanted to see the placenta to which I replied 'Hell No.' I was too busy looking at DS. I had an epistiotmy, and I was pretty glad not to see that - it was enough to 'hear' it.

michellefromlakeland · 12/05/2004 12:57

no i refused to turn around till all the gunk was gone

It smells tho all that stuff doent it?

Original poster
Nimme · 12/05/2004 16:09

Okay I am starting to think I must be really odd (along with Jaybee and Toothache, sorry).

Michelle, Aussie - I don't remember any smells and I don't remember hearing anything either (and I really wasn't on gas and air).

I know I had quite a good experience first time but now I am starting to think it must have been GREAT as the worst that happened was a row of students turning up at the pushing stage - to be told to F... off by myself which they did

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Heathcliffscathy · 12/05/2004 19:22

if you're odd, i'm odder: one of my two midwives took photos of ds being born, in black and white...they are amazing, although i'd never show them to anyone who wasn't extremely close and interested iyswim.

NoPearls · 12/05/2004 19:25

MichellefromLakeland - can you not recommend something to remove the offensive smells????

Original poster
Nimme · 12/05/2004 20:06

Sophable - well actually DH wanted to last time but I was too prudish. Stupid really as I would have liked the photos now. Perhaps we will do this time.

Thanks for making me feel less of freak

OP posts:
michellefromlakeland · 12/05/2004 20:07

lol no pearls

Heathcliffscathy · 12/05/2004 20:08

my pleasure nimme...

Piffleoffagus · 12/05/2004 20:08

I felt the head as it crowned with my fingers, that was enough for me!

michellefromlakeland · 12/05/2004 20:08

I had a student for ds2 on the basis that " he wasnt a rugby player"

he wants but lookked like a rabbit caught int he headlights afterwards.

He described it as " brutal" and the secomd stage was only 2 mins!

Toothache · 13/05/2004 08:59

Smells?? Can't remember any...
Noises?? Me screeeeeeeaaaming!

I just don't know it any other way so I can't imagine NOT having a mirror IYKWIM.

coddycodcod · 13/05/2004 09:00

oh yes the smell of all the gunk - like a bithchers shop

sorry
mears - you say.. does it honk?

BlossomHill · 13/05/2004 09:42

Yuk, I have seriously gone off of my breakfast. Smell? What smell???
The mirror is a good idea though, not sure if I would have been brave enough or been n the right frame of mind to have any thought of it, but yeah good idea!