Hollie’s Birth Story

I had a low risk pregnancy until 36+6 weeks where a growth scan after reduced movements, found my baby to be small and under the 10th centile. Prior to this I had been thinking I would like to try the pool as pain relief in labour. Straight after the scan I waited to see a consultant, who discussed all my options, discussed the statistics and chances from the evidence, and offered me an induction at 39 weeks. I was also offered another scan at 39 weeks and to decide from there. 

I decided to take the induction. I found the process really clear, and all the staff were really nice. I had to wait for a labour ward bed and once there started the drip and had my waters broken. I lasted 3 hours with contractions on the drip before getting an epidural. My epidural worked amazingly, and was what I needed as I ended up being on the drip for 26 hours. 

My husband could stay the whole time and I was never alone, and thanks to the epidural I managed more sleep than him throughout labour. 

I had a cannula and was connected to lots of wires which beforehand I didn’t like the idea of at all, but in reality it didn’t bother me and I forgot they were there. 

I was supported to keep changing my position, and guided to use the peanut ball and felt very well cared for. The doctors started coming to see us at the end of labour, but I had been told they would come in so that didn’t feel scary. They helped me to give birth, and within a few hours I was back on my feet and managed a shower. 

Although I did not have anything close to the pool birth I was originally thinking of, I still found the whole experience really positive.