Birth stories

I’m early on like 8 weeks and terrified of labour.. but to the point where I would rather have an elected C section. I’m not under any illusions that will be painless and without its potential complications but it just makes me feel more in control.

I want to hear other people’s birth stories.. people who felt the same as me but then as they got closer went down the vaginal birth route because there worries died down.. those who stuck with elected C sections and what was the recovery like? People who wish they went down a certain route?

Appreciate things can be taken out of your control regardless but I would love to take everything into account when making a decision.

I watched one born every minute and thought.. omg I can’t do that, how do women go through that.. and I think I’ve scared myself to death.

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I’ve had two very lovely and manageable births. First was a water birth, 12 hours start to finish, no pain relief - couldn’t get on with the gas and air. Second was about 2-4 hours start to finish (debatable because I was convinced it wasn’t real labour 😂), with no pain relief. Couldn’t have a water birth but was still manageable. Loved the gas and air this time. About to have my third any day. But I loved being in labour and giving birth. It’s definitely possible to have a positive birthing experience. It obviously is painful but if you can lock in and focus on breathing and being present, it’s actually a lovely experience (or maybe I’m just weird 😂) x

I opted for natural birth, but unfortunately my body wouldn't get past 6cm, so I've had emergency c-section and it was all super quick. I barely even felt the epidural, felt literally like popping a small pimple. I was just like you, terrified of natural birth, but as I got closer to my due date my mind somehow eased itself to the idea and reality. It was really strange, but my mind and thoughts acted as a natural relaxant and my body itself was letting me know what could be the right decision. At the end of the day, its your body and your baby, so your choice ❤️

Got induced at 5 pm, pain started around 1am but manageable. Had paracetamol and codeine and stayed in the bath for hours.
It became unmanageable around 12:30 pm after membrane rupture next day and I requested for epidural
She arrived before I could even have the epidural

It’s a mental and physical job, focus on getting through the first trimester, deal with the current issues, busy yourself with the prep
The midwives will discuss birth plan around 34-36 weeks

An elective CS is also a good idea, a close friend chose that option for all 3 of her kids. It removes the uncertainty
But also consider the recovery

If you're a reader, a fantastic book that goes through everything with real accounts of experience is called 'The Positive Birth Book'. It definitely helped me feel better about it!

I loved my elective c section. It was calm and flowed very routinely. The recovery is intense and it helps massively if you have good support around you but stay on top of your pain relief and make sure you get up as soon as you can. After that you just have to pace yourself for the following months and gradually return to normal but I found it manageable personally, your pain will flare up if you do too much which can be hard at first as it can feel a bit trial and error. I actually only noticed my pain feel really tough when my husband returned to work as the physical demands of caring for baby increased suddenly and body needed more time to adjust. Sleep deprivation doesn’t help recovery either so support makes all the difference at the start. Id happily have a c section again though, recovery was way better than I’d expected and the birth itself was still so special.

in our community

Long post alert. I have no idea what to do (I do but feel in a stuck position)

I need help on whats the right choice. I know its only going off this but I have absolutely no idea what to do. Sorry for the long post too and thanks for reading it.

I'm 6 months PP from my second c section. It was a difficult spinal (took about 5 attempts to get it in the right place). I've been experiencing lower back pain (normal) but with that a loss of sensation in one of my feet (new) went to the GP. Got a referral for a scan. I then went back within a week to the GP cause my whole leg lost sensation (new) she recommended A&E cause of this progression. I refused (I have 2 young children and on my own at the time) so she fast tracked my scan. I got one last sunday. So today I've been out (done nothing out of the norm) but been having extremely uncomfortable pain in my back that is also in my pubic area, feels like period cramps but I know it cant be as I've just had my period about a week ago. I did the 111 online got a phone call from the nurse (she was lovely) I told her I want to avoid A&E if possible. Explained everything to her so passed it onto the out of hours GP worst person ever. Point blank ignored didnt hear a word I said. He saw "back pain" and asked me what medication i wanted "I can prescribe anything you want. Thats what I'm here for" literally his words. The nurse was saying youre showing some red flags but see what this person says. They might want to see you. Nope just a guy saying "Lovely" a lot and asking me like he's a generic drug dealer. As I've technically been told I should go but I find it hard when I have a 6 month old and a 1 year old and they're both asleep in bed.

I'm due to see the GP again on Tuesday (today is Saturday) do I just wait it out or go down? As they're worried but not majorly concerned that it could be Cauda Equina Syndrome but cause I'm refusing hospital trying to manage it in the community. I genuinely feel like I'd be wasting everyone's time at the hospital cause I can still function and do things. Also when it comes to pain, I know what pain is but I really struggle to understand the severity of pain (sounds weird I know) I'm already on 2 nerve blockers due to existing nerve damage to my lower legs

Creeped out

Currently 28 weeks pregnant and have felt movement since around 17 weeks. I still get uncomfortable and creeped out at the fact I have a baby moving around. My stomach turns when she can be very active. I feel concerned I’m not bonding and only feeling more distant. Anyone else feel like this?

Belly Bump

Hey , for those who are pretty far along or have already had their bundles of joy , when did you start noticing a bump?

Idk if I should get medical attention or something normal-ish

I have 2 babies that are 2 and 3 yrs. Both were c section. But since the last one whenever I cough a lot or very hard I feel like something twists inside. Like on my right side by my belly button.
There was a lady that said she also experienced the same. She said it was because we didnt wrapped our abdomen correctly or at all. It doesn't last long, the "twist". It is uncomfortable though. Not painful.
Has anyone else felt that? Not sure if i should run to the doctor?

Postpartum Bleeding

I’m just over 5 weeks postpartum and my bleeding stopped around the end of week 2. Today I’ve started with bright red blood but not much of it and I’m slightly worried. It’s my first baby and I’m breastfeeding, so it’s unlikely to be my period I think? Any advice please

2nd pregnancy

Can someone tell me how difficult it is to deal with recovery from a c section with a toddler. I had a c section with my first and this will be my second. They will nearly be 2 years apart when baby is born. Also can someone help a gal out on how to rest with a toddler and pregnant, while very busy and moved away from home but have a brilliant partner who works all the time. I’m only very early but feel like I don’t have a chance to enjoy and appreciate the pregnancy as much as I should.