A L A B O U R O F L O V E
A weekly series of local birth stories to provide insight to expectant parents of labour and birth in the local area.
No birth is the same as another but understanding the choices we may need to make and beginning to visualise our birth with confidence can start with understanding your local birth services.
This first story is a lovely positive experience where Mum knew what she wanted and how she facilitated those choices.
D & R
Despite choosing not to have a home birth I spent a lot of time whilst pregnant convincing myself that when the time came (I was in labour) I wanted to stay at home as long as possible. This was important to me and as such I knew I needed to prepare myself and find the education to support this.
My best friend had actually attended daisy birthing classes when pregnant with another educator and had said how much she gained from them. Upon her recommendation I booked in with Ellie on her active antenatal classes.
When labour finally arrived I was 8 days overdue. I began experiencing back ache early in the morning and small waves of pain that was infrequent. Later that morning I attended a post dates clinic appointment for aromatherapy only to be told I was 2cms dilated.
Sure enough from there onwards the contractions grew in frequency and intensity.
I spent the rest of the day at home putting into practice what I had learnt with Ellie. I can say whole heartedly that the visuals, breathing and education I had learnt in active birthing supported me in achieving my aim. In our classes together Ellie had spoke about understanding your body and knowing when labour was progressing – something I was very conscious to know as this was my first pregnancy. On that day I truly felt like I really knew when the time was right for us to leave home for hospital.
When we arrived at hospital and we’re checked in I was examined by a midwife and at that stage was 8cms dilated! Myself and partner were in shock but I vividly remember the emotion – relief to know my baby and I had got to that point in the journey by ourselves in the environment I had wished for.
I went on to give birth a few hours later… that time flew by and throughout the whole process I felt like I was in control. Ellie gave me that control by preparing me with such important education. I made vital choices about my labour because I knew in advance what my options were and what was important to me.
