Fiona’s Birth Story
I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl Freya on the 19th of October, she arrived surprisingly 3 weeks early which was perfect for me. I was still at work and was dreading waiting around for her to make her way into the world.
I attended Leah’s Bumps & Bubbles social only a couple of weeks beforehand. Leah was extremely helpful after I’d been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I was under a lot of pressure that I would need to be induced due to my diagnosis which I was against. I wanted the most natural birth possible and Leah gave me the reassurance and advice I needed to make my own decision.
Luckily I only ever had one conversation regarding the decline of an induction as Freya came so early.
I was extremely uncomfortable the day before she arrived and remember thinking wow if I’ve another 3 weeks of this, this is hard work! Didn’t once think oh I might be in labour!!
I woke up very early on the Saturday morning firmly believing I was just uncomfortable and this will pass. Hours went past and I was eventually convinced that I should ring MAC at the LGI, they were really lovely and advised me to get a warm bath. I was in the bath very briefly before my contractions were every few minutes so had to get back out very quickly and make another phone call. Off we went to the hospital where they examined me and I was already 7cm dilated, again thinking oh they’ll probably send me home again I can’t possibly be ready to give birth.
I really wanted a water birth in the lotus suite but unfortunately this was full when we arrived but I was taken down to the delivery suite very quickly where I met my midwife who delivered Freya. She was lovely, I had some gas and air, the lights were dimmed and we played the music I wanted. Within the hour Freya was already with us.
I absolutely loved my birth – it didn’t matter where I was, the main thing was I felt completely supported by all the staff I encountered at the LGI. I did have a pretty bad tear which required surgery just after, I was terrified of going into theatre. But yet again the staff were so supportive I had nothing to worry about and before I knew it I had my tea & toast and a white chocolate muffin!
We were extremely well cared for the whole time we were at the hospital, I’d give birth again tomorrow.
