Emily’s Birth Story (LGI)

I always knew I wanted to try for a homebirth even before my pregnancy. My partner was surprisingly keen too. As my pregnancy progressed and remained low risk, we made plans for a home water birth. I read some hypnobirthing books and listened to breathing exercises regularly. I also made a labour playlist of all my favourite songs.

My due date came and went and discussions regarding induction started to creep in. At T+9 I had my third membrane sweep and within a few hours I was in labour.

I expected my labour to start slow and steady and gently build but this was not the case. My contractions started fast and furious. I was quickly contracting 4-5 in 10 minutes, strong, long lasting and intense. My partner prepped our home and called the midwives who attended promptly around 18:30.

With such a quick onset and intensity I found it hard to use some of the coping techniques I had practised. I used the entonox and pool but found little relief. The labour playlist never made it on! 

After 7 hours at home I requested to transfer to hospital – my baby was in a deflexed OP position and I was really struggling to cope. At the time I felt so deflated by this but I knew it was what I needed and was reassured by our midwife. 

My room at the hospital had been prepped for my arrival- it was dimly lit, had battery candles placed around and music on to maintain a homely feel. I requested a morphine injection. This really helped me to rest more between my contractions and quietened my head that was racing with what-ifs. I remained mobile, was able to eat and drink freely and rest as I needed to. 

My labour progressed as anticipated over the next 11 hours until there was only a rim of cervix left when things stalled. With this and the presence of meconium I was offered CTG monitoring. My baby remained in a less optimal position and slowly my contractions faded away to about 1 every 10 minutes. At this point I was supported to discuss my options and consider possible outcomes (caesarean or assisted delivery). 

I opted to have an epidural and was found to be 10cm after this, but still contracting very infrequently. I stated the Oxytocin drip to bring back my contractions to enable me to push my baby out. 

I got some relief from the epidural but still had to use my entonox throughout. I was supported to use different positions and a peanut ball to try and optimise my baby’s position. 

After 56 minutes of pushing our baby was born… in the same position she had been the whole was through! She was born at 11:36 at T+10 surrounded by our incredible team of midwives and consultant. 

Our baby was passed straight up for skin to skin and delayed cord clamping. And I felt incredible. Such a rush of emotions, all of which positive. I felt like superwoman. Despite a few bumps in the road, I trusted my instinct and accepted intervention as I felt necessary.

After the birth we completed our baby’s observations due to meconium and got support with breastfeeding. I was discharged home the same day.

I still look back at my labour with the most positive memories and felt so supported by the wonderful team that cared for us.