@onekidnoclue
Our first child was induced as he was late. Three pessaries it took to get things going and then the contractions were spread out and then finally together when it was getting closer to pushing. That was a 48 hour labour and was just so bloody long and extremely tiring. I was also made to walk from the delivery room to the ward which I found very disgusting. Long recovery and the graze dowwn below were so sore when time to go toilet.
Second child, our first daughter born in 2013, contractions came on naturally at home about midnight. Hubby and I did the business which made me waters break a couple hours later. Hubby had already gone to work before they had broken and I called him to let him know. My best friend came and took me straight to hospital and I had to stay there so they could monitor me. Hubby net us there. The next day they then gave me a pessary which didn't really work. And then they gave me the drip. The drip is the worst thing ever. It is literally back to back contractions and are so intense, its unbearable. I was crying for an epidural. Never got it, mind you. Baby was born 48 hours after my waters first broke at home. She was 3 weeks early and the easiest delivery as she was only 5lbs and didn't hurt a bit. Difficult recovery though. The after pains were quite bad but able to manage.
Third child,my second boy.The waters went at home on the bed, and then called hubby, he works nights , told him my waters have gone. He left work and went to Tesco's to get old trusty maternity pads. Phoned the hospital and then dropped off our 2 kids to aunts house. Went to the hospital but I wasnt dilated enough so sent me home. This was 2016. Managed to labour at home and played word games and watched telly and pottered round the house, giving it a deep clean. By evening, the contractions were getting more intense. Went to hospital and she said you're still not dilated enough. Went home again and then went to get food, this time they were getting more intense and I was even having contractions in the McDonalds drive thru, hubby was so proud how I was managing them and was telling the servers at the drive thru windows, my wife is in labour and proudly pointing at me. Lol. Sat outside hospital and ate the crappy nuggets, and then couldn't take it anymore. Went back into labour ward and get this for a good one! Husband and I had to sit in the waiting area whilst having contractions. Finally got put in a room and then just breathed through them . Given pethidine which makes you feel as drunk as a skunk. Best friend turned up and we all just waited until I was 7cm and went to the water birth room. Absolutely beautiful was so much better and relaxing. then had the gas and air which made me feel even more drunk as a skunk. Lol I'm muslim by the way and have never drunk. Finally 3 hours later at 10am had my second son, 7lbs boy in the birthing pool. So much easier. And would definitely do it again. Recovery was easier this time and I only grazed. After pains Were not so bad though. 32 hour labour from when waters broke at home. And I suppose 15 or so hours from when the contractions started becoming more full on when we were going to crappy McDonalds.
Last baby number 4, my second girl. 32 hour labour. Contractions started at 2am. Funny how everything starts at night or early hours. Got to hospital at about 7am, again not dilated enough sent home. Tried to sleep and so on and had a bath. Hubby and I just tried to stay busy at home playing puzzles and watching movies. We left the kids with my aunt again. Hubby then said your contractions are becoming less and less, shall we just go get the kids, went and got the kids but as we were all planning to leave I was having frequent contractions, went back to hospital and then was told i am only 2 to 3cm. Told them I am staying. Went to antenatal ward and waited it out a bit then at about 5cm went to labour ward and had gas and air. Was high as a kite and then went to the same room to have the pool birth again. Laboured in there for a bit but contractions started to peter out a bit. Got out of the water birth pool and midwife broke my waters. It did speed things up but was just such a tiring labour. Then baby girl was stuck at an awkward position and I wasnt allowed back in the pool again. Then I walked to the toilet, and then that sort of helped baby girl back into the birth canal. Pushed her out in a matter of 2 mins. Was absolutely exhausted and the gas and air was making me throw up , puke and blood. So awful and was just so drained. 32 hours labour from the time contractions started at home until delivery. But probably full on labour from when I left my aunts house to go as couldn't take it anymore! Long recovery and the after pains were just so unbearable. But all of them were totally worth it. I couldn't live without them. I've got 2 girls and 2 boys and so excited to find out what this one is.
Anyone else want to share their labour story/stories? I'd love to hear them. :)