Positive births. Where/how did you birth your baby?

[lolateddy]

I'm starting to think about my birth plan. FTM here. I know things can change but I'd like an idea of how I'd like it to be. Pool births? Would you recommend?
Would love to hear some positive stories of different births.

I echo the PP who has recommended the Milli Hill books- I found the Positive birth book such a great read when pregnant with my first. It even guides you through putting together your birth preferences sheet etc.
I made 3 birth preference sheets- 1 was for my ideal birth, 2nd was for if I needed to be induced and third was for in case of need for emergency c sec. It made me feel relaxed knowing my partner knew what I wanted roughly in each scenario.
I was incredibly lucky and got my ideal birth- well, apart from 4 days of latent labour which I hadn't bargained on! Once my waters broke at 9.30 in morning at 41+1 I was admitted to the birth centre (attached to main hospital) by midday and baby was born in the water at 11.25pm. I used the TENS machine for the 4 days of early labour and also until I reached 7cm at the birth centre. Then I got in the pool and it was absolute bliss- didn't want to leave once I was in! I don't know how long it was between getting in pool and baby being born, but I think it was at least 4 hours. My active labour was around 12h which is pretty standard for a first baby I was told. My midwives were great- they basically just let me got on with it unless I asked for anything as per my birth plan. I had gas and air once I got in the pool. I remember reaching down and feeling the top of my daughter's head as she was starting to crown and it was amazing. I had 2 v superficial labial tears which needed a stitch each- had gas and air and local anaesthetic for that, didn't feel a thing and was high as a kite tbh. There's a video my husband took of our daughter after she was just born and you can hear me wittering on in background to the poor midwife trying to put the stitches in- asking her if she trained to stitch using a banana skin as I'd seen on a recent medical documentary
Wishing you a very positive birth- whatever your preferences are.

All 3 were very positive and quick, however DD's was especially positive. Arrived at hospital fully dilated without even realising. I had no desire to push etc and just thought I was being a bit of a wimp. Literally got on the bed and she arrived. My favourite bit was the rather elderly health care assistant arrived as she was crowning with my jig of water, did a little squeal as she dosnt normally get the good bits, held my leg up and stayed for her birth. She was absolutely delighted and dishing out the kisses and hugs afterwards. I think we made her day. Labour was recorded as 17 mins active Labour. Absolutely no pain relief at all and home by 2pm.

I've never had a birth plan as such.
Dc1 was born via emcs at 33 weeks and while the room was crowded with specialists ect it was calm and quite a nice experience.
Dc2 was born a year ago via elcs at 36 weeks. I was on the fence about how to give birth but my consultant said that for me a c section would be safer so I went with that. Surgery was again calm and relaxed and I recovered within 2 weeks.
My advice would be think about what you'd want to do in different situations such as ideal situation and if things start to go wrong and intervention is needed. I know many women who were so adamant on a natural birth that they delayed a much needed c section and still feel upset that they didn't get the birth they wanted. Have an open mind and remember a birth plan is a list of ideals and not strict instructions

I had first one in hospital, second at home.

Both were straightforward and didn't take too long, I needed no drugs. I preferred the home birth but I think most people do if there are no complications.

IMO births are good so long as baby gets out safe and I'm not left with irreparable damage.

All mine have been different but all born in hospital. 1st was a full induction, ended up with epidural baby in fetal distress and an assisted delivery (vontouse). 2nd slow labour 6 days from being 1cm dilated, they had to break waters. Had meconium in waters so needed attention after birth for airways, very big but managed an unassisted delivery. 3rd 2 day labour, back to back so tore badly but just a few pushes to get her out. 4/5th breech and transverse twins so an elcs at 38wk, that was much better than I expected it to be.
Longest recovery was with the vontouse as lots of internal bruising. Booked for an elcs with this one as they want her out early as she's very big and I swore off inductions after our 1st (plus they said hormone drip would double my risk of scar rupture). If she decides to come before surgery I will try vbac.