Does anyone enjoy giving birth?

[summerhillgang]

Just that really. Looking for some positivity... I am a 39+2 FTM and hoping for a home water birth x

Enjoyed isn't the word I'd use, but I found my second and third births incredibly positive, empowering experiences.

@summerhillgang

Just that really. Looking for some positivity... I am a 39+2 FTM and hoping for a home water birth x

I had two medicalised births with hospital stays and one postpartum haemorrhage followed by a wonderful home water birth. It was amazing. So much calmer and less painful than my first two. I never understood what people meant by a healing birth but the third was definitely that.

Yes. Loved it. And afterwards you feel about 10 feet tall. I didn't have a water birth tho. I'm not even keen on baths!

It's all relative I think.

I "enjoyed" my second birth because I just had gas and air, could feel enough to go by instinct and I was on a real high after the birth. Felt like I could conquer the world.

First one was with an epidural and couldn't feel a thing. No urge to push and without that urge it was protracted and exhausting. Lots of intervention too as it was an induction.

The only thing I will say is that towards the end of the second birth it felt like my nether regions were on fire.

Me! I had my first baby 11 weeks ago - born at home, no pain relief just hypnobirthing breathing techniques, and I think the comfort of being relaxed at home helped hugely. I had a pool too which I stayed in for most of my labour, but I actually delivered him stood up on the living room floor. I have never felt so powerful in my life. It’s by far the most incredible experience I’ve ever had and the proudest I’ve ever been of myself. It’s changed how I treat myself, knowing I can achieve that.

I’ve noticed people are quick to say things won’t go to plan for a home birth for first baby but I’m so glad I pushed for it. He was big (9lbs6) and born naturally at home with no intervention and I required no stitches etc. My advice is go in with the best possible mindset you can - and don’t listen to the horror stories. Before I gave birth I surrounded myself only with positive birth stories, and reminded myself it’s the most natural thing in the world. Wishing you luck for you upcoming birth

Both of my births, especially the first, were positive, powerful experiences and I felt fucking amazing afterwards. I'd do it again any time.

I had a great home birth with dd2. Was an amazing experience

I enjoyed both mine. I felt super human just after DC1. I felt v tired after DC2, but still amazing. I was lucky to have easy births though, and I bloody hated pregnancy, so both times the sheer relief of no longer being pregnant added to the bliss.

I ended up with an emcs so I don’t know what that part of giving birth feels like, however I didn’t mind being in labour at all. It was actually quite fun!

I enjoyed my first; it was unreal. I felt out of control and both in control because I’d given myself over to it. I honestly have never felt like it since. As another poster said, I felt superhuman.

Enjoying would be a stretch
I enjoyed the pethidine for the first one though and the second was a GA so that was ok pain wise too!

@Zarene

I absolutely loved it (but had a planned section, so might not be what you're asking).

Me too 😃 amazing from start to finish!

I quite enjoyed it.
I absolutely hated most of pregnancy but labour was fine.

Fuck no

Yes I quite enjoyed both and am glad I had that experience.

@Zarene

I absolutely loved it (but had a planned section, so might not be what you're asking).

Same. Loved every second of it, even the recovery - great excuse to lie in bed and have people wait on me while I snuggled DS and watched Netflix.

I did it 4 times and would have done it again?

Nope, didn't enjoy pregnancy either. All worth it for my pain in the arse son though! (And hopefully will feel the same about my daughter due at the end of the year)

These messages are giving me joy! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️

Probably not what you are looking for, but i loved my c section, surrounded by a wonderful team & the surgeon told me it was his priority to make it special. It was so calm & just lovely. I found recovery very easy, and the pain after was entirely predictable & manageable. I just didn't expect it to be as great as it was!

I enjoyed the hell out of the gas & air. 4*, would do it again.

I liked my 2nd birth (water birth in midwifery led unit) and LOVED my 3rd (hi e water birth). Both really empowering and magical, particularly my youngest, it was honestly perfect from start to finish. Still hurt obviously but also felt amazing

Loved both of mine. Midwife led unit for the first, in the pool, had to get out before delivery as contractions were getting shorter. Gas and air which I liked. Didn't go to plan 100%, and yes was painful, but also ecstatic, powerful, incredible. Felt on a high for weeks after. Second was at home, no pool as didn't fancy the hassle. Gas and air, laboured mostly by myself, no checks from midwife as she was happy that it was progressing and to stay hands off. Eldest woke up just before she was born so watched it which hadn't been the plan but was absolutely fine. Also on a high after birth but didn't last quite as long due to the reality of having a toddler and newborn!

I'm honestly gutted I won't get to give birth again. I am certain I don't want a third child but wish I could experience those endorphins one last time.

Good luck OP!

Definitely relate to the super human, empowerment thing. I have very fond memories of my labour. It was super chilled. I had an epidural.

It's different for everyone. I wasn't prepared for the pain to be as bad as it was. I've had three with only gas and air.