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Childbirth

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

Original poster

Diary of a planned homebirth

304 replies

ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 10:55

While I am waiting for my HB I thought I would write this thread for all those other first timers who are planning HB's. I am a first timer and I have no idea whats going to happen or whether it will result in a successful HB but I thought this could be useful to others in my position...

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Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 10:58

Saturday 8 Nov

As I was 8 days overdue I had a sweep at the hospital, the MW said the cervix was soft but it kept "getting away from her" but thanks to some pelvic tilting from me she managed to get one finger in to sweep the membranes. It didn't hurt but it was uncomfortable and took a little while

During Saturday I had some mucus shows during the day ranging from clear jellylike to tinged with blood. No other signs so went to bed after a great local fireworks display.

OP posts:
Dozymare · 09/11/2008 10:59

oh good - I have just posted on our antenatal thread how I want one of you "homebirthers" to effectively "do it live" [GRIN]

Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 11:03

Sunday 9 November

Woke up at 8.15 - went to the toilet but no more "show" in the night but changed my pad and went back to bed. As soon as I laid down I felt a gush of water come out over which I had no control. The nice new pad and knickers had lasted no more than 3 minutes !

I put another pad in and waited for an hour to check it was my waters and for the next hour everytime I stood up a trickle came out.

So I did what every womens main priority is if she thinks she is going to give birth. I had a bath, trimmed down below, washed, dried and straightened my hair and got dressed!

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Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 11:04

I have just called the hospital and told them of the updates and the Community MW called me back and said she would finish her rounds, as I don't sound (or feel) advanced and she will be round in an hour or so.

OP posts:
MonkeyMargot · 09/11/2008 11:36

3 Cheers for chocO and her live birth thread!

foxytocin · 09/11/2008 11:38

good luck! i couldn't post through my home birth!

Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 11:42

Ah well foxytocin this is the plan while I am in no pain but it may well come to an abrupt end!!!

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angrypixie · 09/11/2008 11:49

Watching with interest - My first home birth ended up in hospital (but still a good experience) my second was born in my bedroom according to plan (other than being 11 lb)

Good luck - thinking of you

Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 11:54

Getting frequent period type pains at the moment, every 5 or so mins lasting for 10-20 seconds but not sure if they are contractions. If I had to put money on it I would say no as everyone has told me that you "know" when its a contraction.

OP posts:
mamadiva · 09/11/2008 11:58

Choco that sounds like contractions, I thought I was constapated so you may not always know

This is a fab idea BTW hope you get on well!

angrypixie · 09/11/2008 12:04

Sounds like early contractions to me too

Yorky · 09/11/2008 12:07

Good luck ChocO, the best thing I can say here is that I can't wish you any better than my first time HB.

CharCharGabor · 09/11/2008 12:07

Oooooh how exciting I agree they sound like early contractions to me. Good luck!

bythepowerofgreyskull · 09/11/2008 12:08

oooh good luck.

lauraloola · 09/11/2008 12:09

Ooooh, good luck. Defo contractions I think xxx

LackaDAISYcal · 09/11/2008 12:10

Good Luck ChocO; You go girl

Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 12:11

Nothing else is happening apart from the period pains but I do feel quite sicky too, although not been sick.

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lauraloola · 09/11/2008 12:14

Go for a nice long walk. When my waters went that really helped and I had dd the next day.

Make sure you relax as well xxx

bythepowerofgreyskull · 09/11/2008 12:20

I agree with LL.. if the weather is fine with you then get wrapped up and go for a wander.
if these period pains are contractions it will help move baby down in your pelvis.

winegums are great for nausea in pregnancy suck slowly for gentle release

JustKeepSwimming · 09/11/2008 12:22

Good luck!
I had a great HB with ds1.

If you don't want to go out, try going up and down the stairs?
And get some kind of sugary sweets like juicy fruits (or whatever they call them now! starbursts?) or wine gums.
Or polos are good for nausea.

Good luck and hope you can keep posting for most of it!

Original poster
ChocOrange05 · 09/11/2008 12:29

The CMW has just called and is on her way round - then going to have some lunch and walk to Sainsburys with DH for supplies - wine gums are now added to the list!

OP posts:
bythepowerofgreyskull · 09/11/2008 12:32

oooh just read my message... I meant it should slowly release sugar into your system.

the way I have written it sounds a bit rude

lauraloola · 09/11/2008 12:32

Just think, soon you will be having your first cuddle with your baby

LackaDAISYcal · 09/11/2008 12:34

Good Luck ChocO; I'll check back in later

Gillyan · 09/11/2008 12:39

Ooooh this is so exciting - what a good idea of yours - I'm very interested, and thinking of a HB - Best of Luck!