Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

On your own in labour

9 replies

captainbarnacle · 07/03/2011 21:45

Anyone here laboured on their own, without OH, mum or a birthing partner?

DC3, and OH works abroad and just considering my options.

Would it be very odd to do this?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
BelleDameSansMerci · 07/03/2011 22:13

I ended up doing this although my "OH" and mother were both there at the start. I had to be induced and they were both around while I waited for the drugs to work for about 6 or 7 hours but then both left for good reasons before there was much actual action. I, actually, had a lovely time (epidural) and although the midwife was with me, it felt very special for it to be just me and my DD. Very intimate and I didn't have to share her with anyone. I should say, though, that I had a remarkably easy birth (child bearing hips). I'm not sure I'd feel as positive about it if things had been difficult or I'd needed a section, etc.

I don't think it would be odd but I would worry that you might be lonely if you're there for a while and/or if you need some support if things are difficult for you.

Professor · 07/03/2011 22:41

Had DC3 at 2am, so when we arrived at hospital it was practically deserted. Left on my own in a room, nurse said she was going to fetch the bloke who delivers the epidurals.
Dh decides to go and look for staff. I gave birth on my own then just lay there for 15-20 mins waiting for someone to show up.
DH returns, with half drunk cup of coffee and looks slightly 'shocked' that it happened without him.
Nurse finally returns, cuts cord, delivers placenta, then buggers off again.
Might as well have stayed at home and done it.

buttonmoon78 · 07/03/2011 23:26

Grin PMSL at your tale Prof

I couldn't possibly do it alone. I lose all ability to speak coherently when in labour so need a translator! Mind you, this is based on 3 labours so far whereas you might be a better birther than I am!

buttonmoon78 · 07/03/2011 23:27

Hmmm. Not that it's all funny. I can just imagine the look on his face though...

Original poster
captainbarnacle · 08/03/2011 14:19

Thanks all - not sure I want to be literally left on my own! Just not sure whether I need a birth partner or not. Previous 2 labours were at hospital (emergency c section, VBAC but with placenta removed manually and 2 blood transfusions) but I like it at hospital and I had 2 midwives attending me on the labour ward.

Will be having a long think about it!

OP posts:
CakeForBreakfast · 08/03/2011 15:38

Hi captainbarnacle I'm pg with number 3 and I doubt dh will be with me, he wasn't for dc2, although he was in the hospital (squeamish).

My advice, and I really recommend it, is to get a doula. Best decision I ever made (was with dc2). Was wonderful. She 'read' me perfectly and knew just what to do/not to do. didn't cost more than the health in pregnancy grant either.

I just can't praise doulas enough really

KatieWatie · 08/03/2011 15:47

Being on your own (not literally, obviously with midwife and whatever) sounds wonderful, to be honest. I'm not sure my DH would go for it though, but I really don't like to be seen 'in pain' or as vulnerable or weak in any way. Plus he would likely take the Michael for evermore in front of all our friends about something stupid I did or didn't do or say Blush because he's just that nice to me Hmm

A male friend of mine fainted when his wife gave birth to twins, and I felt so sorry for the wife. Imagine having to deal with that as well as having 2 babies! Bet she wishes she'd been on her own.

nocake · 08/03/2011 15:53

I suspect my DW was quite glad to have someone there to argue with the midwife. It's not a scenario I would wish on anyone but if it does happen then it's a good idea to have someone who can fight your corner.

LillianGish · 08/03/2011 16:02

I don't think it would be odd - especially if you are quite confident. The French hospital where I had dd sent dh home to sleep when I went into labour in the middle of the night. Admittedly he returned just in time for the actual birth, but I think I'd have coped perfectly well without him. When I had ds he disappeared in the next room when the doctors were urgently seeking a German speaker (the couple in the next room spoke no French and had massive problems - their baby eventually died Sad - again I managed perfectly well on my own. Like BelleDameSansMerci I had two very straightforward births and fantastic midwives. My main concern in your case would be getting someone to look after dcs one and two if that was in place I'd be happy to go it alone.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread